Annual Camp 2026   

Mar 14 , 2026

We give thanks to God for His abundant grace, which brought over 340 participants to our 2026 annual camp, “Salt & Light – Kept in the World.”

It was a precious time of stepping away from daily routines to draw near to God. The quiet, nature-embraced site provided a serene setting, reinforcing our focus on Him and fostering rich fellowship in the morning, over meals, and into the night.

Preparation of our hearts began 2 weeks earlier through the Refreshing Moment preaching series on Joshua chapter 9. Through preaching, prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word, the 7+1 Day-and-Night Encountering God devotional journey strengthened our bond with Him and helped us experience His presence more fully.

During the 2-day camp, the teaching and the praise and worship drew us deeper into God’s presence. The joyful activities and exercises brought laughter and kept us attentive, while fellowship and group photo-taking captured the smiles and gratitude of all participants.

Lesson 1: Our Mission in This World

Our Bible lessons recapitulated the last 3 years Life Adventure: breakdown, breakthrough, to break‑free through the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 5-7). Now we began a new 3‑year focus on preparing us to witness for Christ and lead others to His true rest.

Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). Salt preserves the flavor of God within us, transforming our character through worship, Bible reading, and fellowship. Light shines outward, reflecting Christ’s love into a sinful world. Individually we shine where God has placed us; corporately the church becomes a spiritual Gilgal, the center of His mission (Ephesians 1:22-23).

We are part of His story. Israel was chosen to bless the nations (Deuteronomy 4:5-8), and the church continues this mission today. The Great Commission is our daily calling (1 Peter 2:9).

Lesson 2: Deceptions of the Enemy

We were reminded to be sober and vigilant, as spiritual warfare is a reality. Our enemy is both accuser (Revelation 12:10) and deceiver (2 Corinthians 11:14). Satan seeks to condemn us, but Romans 8:33-34 assures us that no charge can stand against God’s people. Satan also seeks to deceive us, mixing worldly values with divine life, just as the Gibeonites deceived Israel in Joshua 9.

3 core deceptions were uncovered, namely, “Identity Confusion”, “You are Your Own God,” and “Do Something ! Faith Is Not Enough.” Against these lies, the truth helps us stand firm: our identity is secure in Christ as we are wonderfully made and divinely sent (2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Hebrews 10:10); we walk by the Holy Spirit but not by sight (Jeremiah 17:7-8; Proverbs 3:5-7); and salvation is by faith, not by works (Matthew 15:21-25).

Lesson 3: From Deceivers to Woodcutters and Water Carriers

The history of the Gibeonites shows how God’s mercy and grace transform sinful people into covenanted ones. Though they lied to Israel, Joshua made a covenant with them (Joshua 9:15). Centuries later, their descendants helped rebuild the temple in Nehemiah’s time, a powerful testimony of His gracious transformation and blessing.

Joshua assigned them as woodcutters and water carriers (Deuteronomy 29:10-12). Spiritually, woodcutting represents breaking down of our flesh, while water symbolizes the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, purifying and transforming His people. In God’s presence, their service at the altar became sacred.

Finally, God transformed the Gibeonites into servants for His house as a sign of redemption. Psalm 84:10 affirms that 1 day in His house is better than a thousand elsewhere. Their burdensome and painful labour foreshadowed Christ’s sacrifice, bearing the pain of the cross and washing us clean by His blood and water.

Conclusion

The story of salvation unfolds even to this day (Joshua 9:27). The local church is our modern altar of peace, where we gather weekly to learn and be part of His Great Commission. Together we are salt and light, sharing the Gospel and continuing to play our part in His story.

After the lessons and an interactive game, we split into care groups for deep sharing, asking and answering questions, seeking His counsel, and praying together. These honest reflections echoed the learnings throughout the lessons and led to a powerful soul renewal. The session concluded with a video and a skit portraying Christ’s redeeming work.

The camp reached its climax in a spirit-filled prayer led by Pastor Gavin, during which we bowed in humble submission to the Lord and reaffirmed our commitment to live out the Great Commission daily.

Our hearts overflowed with thanksgiving and a renewed sense of purpose. It is a privilege to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Amen !