Annual Church Camp I

May 1, 2009

2009 Annual Camp——“Renewed Life” 

I. Teaching

Being renewed from time to time is vital in our Christian walk. What does it mean by being renewed and how can we be renewed? On May 1, we had an intensive teaching by Pastor Gavin on “”A Renewed Life””, which is the theme of our annual camp this year at church from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The day started with a refreshing praise and worship led by the Youth Group. Then we learned from the Bible about the meaning and significance of renewal. There are 12 attitudes that lead to renewal in a Christian life, namely, seeking God, prayerfulness to God, praise and worship to God, thankfulness, conquering difficulties, not complaining, facing problems joyfully and bravely, not holding grudges, having the attitude towards possessions and the world, repentance, obedience, humility, trusting in God, having the attitude of kingdom mentality, and wanting to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

The evening session is the time for praise and worship, during which we could dwell deeply in the presence of God. Brothers and sisters were touched by the Holy Spirit and got renewed in faith and strength. Thank God for His renewing power.

Renewal is not a one-off event; it is a continuous process. Let us make it a lifestyle to maintain renewal by continuously meditating on God’s Word, praising and worshipping God, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Amen!

II.Sunday Service (May 3, 2009)

Subsequent to the teachings on May 1, Pastor Gavin continued to preach about the characteristics of a renewed person at the Sunday Service on May 3. He shared with us the 3Rs in the life of a renewed person – repentance, resolution, and revolution. A renewed person is one who repents to the Lord always. He also resolves not to insist on his own ways or perspectives but chooses to listen to God. A renewed person submits to the leading of the Holy Spirit, which brings about revolution in his life to fulfill God’s purpose.

At the Sunday Service, an overseas sister testified that she was thankful to have joined this family of God. She said whenever she was spiritually down, she would think of the faces of the brothers and sisters in Hong Kong, and by doing so, she could always be cheered up again.

At the end of the preaching, Pastor Gavin challenged those who had the conviction to join mission work to come out and prayed for them. Many local and overseas brothers and sisters responded. After the prayer, they were all appreciated by the whole church. Brothers and sisters were touched through shaking hands and receiving hugs; some even burst into tears. What a wonderful moment we had!

We are thankful that we are in the family of God and let’s all carry on working together to fulfill the Great Commission.