It is with a heart full of joy and gratitude that I extend my warmest greetings to you on the occasion of the 19th Biennial EPSU National Camp Meeting. This gathering, coinciding with the climax of our 30th Anniversary celebration, is an attestation to God’s faithfulness and the enduring spirit of youthful faith in the Evangelical Presbyterian Students’ Union.
As the world celebrates Christmas in different ways, we have chosen to step away from the comfort of our homes to come here. This is not an ordinary decision. We are here to reflect, revive, and recommit ourselves to the flame of faith that has guided us through three decades of impactful ministry. This camp is a sacred retreat – a time to seek deeper fellowship with God and one another, to learn, and to be equipped for greater service.
We cannot ignore the realities our youth face today—pressures to conform, the distractions of a fast-paced world, and the rising tide of mental health struggles. It is in spaces like this that we can confront these issues together, find healing, and reignite our sense of purpose. Remember, the Word of God tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Let us lean on God’s wisdom and the support of this family in faith to navigate these challenges.
Our theme, ”Reviving the Flame; Igniting 30 Years of Youthful Faith”, reminds us that we are not just celebrating history but preparing for the future. Each of you is a torchbearer, called to shine brightly in your schools, congregations, communities, and beyond. As we participate in these few days of fellowship, prayer, worship, and learning, may the Holy Spirit fill us anew, empowering us to carry the torch of faith boldly into the next generation.
As we celebrate three decades of EPSU, we are reminded of the days when our leaders; armed with bicycles, handwritten letters, and boundless zeal—traveled far and wide to deliver messages and visit members. Those were the days of deep connection, tireless service, and unshakable commitment. Technology today has made communication faster, but it has also distanced us from the personal touch that built strong local unions and united us as one great body.
We must return to the things that held us together—intentional fellowship, personal outreach, and sacrificial service. These values formed the backbone of the union, and without them, no amount of technology can sustain the legacy we have inherited.
For these three decades, EPSU has thrived both on campuses and within congregations, becoming a cornerstone of the church’s growth and a vibrant hub for youth engagement. The benefits of our presence in congregations have been enormous. We have nurtured young leaders, retained countless youth in the church, and strengthened the church’s influence in communities.
EPSU in the congregation is not a threat; we are a blessing. The challenges we face today are deeply troubling. So I ask; is this opposition rooted in our name – Evangelical Presbyterian Students’ Union? Can we not look beyond the word “student” to recognize the youth group we truly are within congregations? EPSU is more than its name; it is a movement that has upheld the mission of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, and strengthened its future.
We are not against change—far from it. Change is good when it serves a greater purpose. However, as William Pollard once said, “Without change, there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change must carefully assess its impact and ensure it aligns with a greater good.”
EPSU is a solution, a foundation, and a bridge between generations. As we face this crossroads, let us approach it with prayer, wisdom, and unity. EPSU has been a light in this church for 30 years, and with God’s grace, it will continue to shine brightly.
My humbly plea is for us to focus on creating an environment that draws young people closer to God and strengthen their connection to the church.
To the founder, the pioneering executives, and all those who have carried this union forward, we express our deepest gratitude. Your vision, sacrifice, and resilience have built a foundation that cannot be shaken. We cannot let you down. We must honor your legacy by ensuring that EPSU continues to thrive for generations to come.
Finally, my dear friends, let this camp not only be a time of spiritual awakening but also a sanctuary for your mental, emotional, and social well-being. Engage fully in the activities, open your hearts to God’s word, and build lasting connections. You have left behind the familiar to encounter something extraordinary.
May the flame we reignite here burn brightly in every aspect of our lives. May it drive us to be the change our world desperately needs. And may God richly bless and guide us through this camp and beyond.
Thank You and God Bless Us All!!!
LONG LIVE EPSU!
LONG LIVE EPCG!
Patrick Dodzi Senoo
EPSU National President
University of Education, Winneba
26th – 30th December, 2024
