The Teens’ programme ended this Sabbath on a spiritual high. In the morning they discussed body dissatisfaction and social media. Despite the benefits of increased connectivity with people around the world, they highlighted the often-negative impact on self-worth. Many girls commented on being exposed to an avalanche of cosmetically, surgically, and digitally altered images, and sometimes feeling the need to compete with these false representations of beauty. Several addressed the pressure to post pictures on social media for others to ‘like’. “If liked, they are happy, if not they can feel unattractive and ugly”, which can lead to anxiety, depression, eating disorders and body dysmorphia. Teens repeatedly reminded each other that “man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart”.
Pastor Samuel Elias Reyes gave his final presentation on Luke 24:31. He prayed that God would continue to speak to the SEC Teens beyond camp meeting, and like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, for God to open their spiritual eyes to recognise Jesus. He concluded, “God has a purpose for you, bigger than yourselves”. Every young person was then handed a ‘Commitment Card’ and challenged to be agents of change in the UK.
