Hello, my name is Adriel Ilya Pajaron, and I am from WIN-Dallas.

I was born in Singapore, and I am blessed to have parents that are deeply rooted in the Christian faith. Growing up, I remember going to WIN-Singapore and hearing Pastor Butch Yu preach. When my family and I moved to the United States, we joined a church called New Life Fellowship in Upstate New York. It was there where I experienced things like Sunday school, VBS, and participating in community service with the youth group. After some time, my family decided to move to Texas which is when we joined WIN-Dallas. For a long time, my “walk with God” was just me going through the motions. I would show up to church because my parents said we had to. I would go to youth group because all the other kids went. I would read my bible because my Sunday school teacher told us to memorize a verse. I was doing all the Christian things not because I wanted to, but because it felt like I had to. My faith had become stagnant.

Fast forward to February 2026. I chose to attend the WIN-NJ Leadership Conference. It was my first time going to a WIN youth conference and it was there where I discovered this wonderful community of people that were dedicated to worship, discipleship, and outreach for God. I was inspired by how this community welcomed newcomers and helped them connect with others. It was at this conference where I learned about Soul Anchor. I learned about how it is a yearly Christian summer camp where young people come together to experience an encounter with God.

Fast forward again to July 2026. I had decided to register for Soul Anchor and my church decided to fly out a few days before the start of camp. During those few days, we met up with some members of the other WIN churches. I remember having a discussion with someone and I asked them for advice since it was my first Soul Anchor. They told me to have an open heart and to be expectant. They told me that I would see God move in the hearts of his people. Spoiler alert: they were right. In everything, the worship, the workshops, the cell groups, even the meals we shared, I saw God moving. I was inspired by all the cell group leaders and their compassion for their groups. I was moved by how they prayed for their members during altar calls. I found joy during worship, raising my hands, and lifting my voice in harmony with my brothers and sisters in Christ. My heart was moved, and it was at this camp where I decided to follow Jesus. On Sunday, July 5, 2026, I got baptized.

If you receive the opportunity to go to Soul Anchor, I highly encourage that you take it. If you have any fears or doubts about it, know that it is the enemy trying to prevent one of God’s children from drawing closer to him.

Soul Anchor is not just some regular bible camp. Yes, you are on a mountain that has beautiful nature. Yes, there are sermons you get to listen to from some amazing pastors. Yes, you get to jump around during praise and worship. However, more than that will happen. God will move your heart. God will grow your faith. God’s love will keep on running after you.