Church Camp- Life Adventure : Pass through it
Mar 9-10, 2024
Joshua 3:5-6 NKJV
“And Joshua said to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.’ Then Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, ‘Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over before the people.’ So they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people.”
In a spirit of anticipation and excitement, brothers and sisters from Hopeland Philippines and Hong Kong congregated at Hope Oasis for a two-day church camp filled with spiritual growth, fellowship, and adventure. Guided by the words of Joshua, the camp aimed to inspire individuals to sanctify themselves and embark on a journey of faith, as they prepared to witness the wonders and blessings the Lord had in store for them.
The camp began with Pastor Gavin sharing a powerful message on the concept of staying free. Drawing from Galatians 5:1, he emphasized the transformative work of Christ in setting believers free from the bondage of sin. He encouraged participants to make a conscious effort to stay free and avoid being entangled in the chains of legalism or worldly temptations.
Throughout the camp, various speakers shared their personal insights and experiences, each contributing to the overall spiritual journey of the attendees. Sis Kat spoke passionately about the importance of dying to oneself, highlighting the need to surrender our own desires and ambitions to fully embrace God’s purpose for our lives.
Bro Wai Hong engaged the audience with his vivid illustrations, using the analogy of Char Siew Rice to convey the message of finding satisfaction and fulfilment in Christ alone. He emphasized the futility of seeking fulfilment in worldly pursuits and encouraged everyone to seek true contentment in their relationship with God.
Sister Ivy shared a thought-provoking message centered around the biblical story of the two pigeons and the concept of righteousness in Christ. She reminded the participants of their identity as children of God and urged them not to diminish the righteousness they have received through Christ’s sacrifice.
Sister Pik Sai shared a personal testimony of how her injured ankle became a transformative experience in her spiritual journey. She spoke of the freedom she found in surrendering her pain and limitations to God, highlighting the power of trusting in His healing and restoration.
Sis Janelle passionately spoke about circumcision of the heart, using the biblical imagery of removing the reproach of Egypt. She emphasized the need for God to cleanse and transform our hearts, encouraging attendees to surrender burdens, shame, and past sins. This surrender would lead to renewed commitment, walking in freedom and purpose.
Sis Lolita shared her own experience of not letting busyness take her away from God. She emphasized the importance of seeking a relationship with God and pursuing personal growth. Sis Lolita encouraged participants to cultivate a deep connection with God, allowing His Word to nourish and sustain them in their faith journey.
The interactive sessions during the camp provided opportunities for participants to engage with one another, fostering a sense of unity and support within the community. Prayer sessions were held, focusing on the calling of God to send His people as change agents into the world.
The teachings throughout the camp were centered around three key themes. The first theme, “The Cross Over People,” emphasized the importance of being led by the Spirit and walking in faith and humility. Participants were encouraged to commit themselves fully to God, trusting in Him to guide them through their journey and open the way for them to pass through life’s challenges.
“The Importance of Memories” served as the second theme, highlighting the significance of remembering God’s faithfulness and the transformative power of experiencing His resurrection in our lives. It emphasized the need to cherish and reflect upon the memories of God’s goodness and grace.
The final theme, “A Time for Renewed Commitment,” focused on the importance of allowing God to circumcise our hearts, removing the reproach of past sins and experiences. Participants were encouraged to seek relationships and spiritual growth rather than solely relying on miracles. They were reminded to stand on holy ground, knowing that the battles they face belong to the Lord and have already been won.
As the camp came to a close, participants left with a renewed sense of commitment and a deeper understanding of their identity in Christ. They also discussed and shared in smaller groups to reflect on the areas where they could experience breakthrough and set an action plan to overcome them. They were reminded to stay free from the entanglements of sin and worldly distractions, keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith, as stated in Hebrews 12:1-2.
The Church Camp Life Adventure served as a transformative experience, allowing individuals to embrace freedom in Christ and renew their commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly. The memories created and the lessons learned will continue to impact the lives of participants as they return to their communities, sharing the love and teachings of Christ with others.
May the camp’s message of freedom, commitment, and the power of remembering God’s faithfulness resonate in the hearts and lives of all who attended, inspiring a generation of believers to live in the fullness of God’s grace and walk boldly in His love.
