Annual Church Camp

March 20, 2015

On 20 March 2015, our Hong Kong and our overseas brothers and sisters came together for our annual 3-day camp at Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village.   Praise God that we all experienced Him together and learnt what it meant by “Life – Walk in it!”

In this year’s camp, apart from listening to God’s Word, we had different kinds of activities too. The ice-breaking game that involved some very funny dance moves got us warmed up very quickly.  In the main activity, brothers and sisters from different Groups were assigned to different “ministry teams” and we worked together to hold a fictitious “30th Church Anniversary Celebration Sunday”.   As everyone was assigned to ministry roles, it was a very special experience and it provided a chance for all to go through the different roles of the Sunday ministries,such as Praise & Wordship,Decoration,Preaching,Chairing,etc., even the FGM team was asked to make souvenirs for the event.  Through supporting each other,everyone enjoyed taking up the new challenges.This activity allowed us to appreciate our brothers’ and sisters that are serving the church,and surely had encouraged many of us to be more willing to serve together.  Praise the Lord that we can walk in Him together as a family!

The most anticipated activity was of course our Hope Sports Day ! It warmed us up by learning dancing together .  Praise the Lord for our newly formed youth dance team who coached us so well.  It was indeed a pleasure watching hundreds of unskilled dancers dancing and having fun together !  Then the whole church was split up into 18 teams for an exciting relay race !  Brothers and sisters had to complete various tasks in the first 200m, followed by a serious 4 x 100m race !  Praise God for the unity and teamwork in each team !  Everyone did their best and the sports ground was filled with laughter and cheers.

Throughout the 3 days, we had many energetic and passionate praise and worship sessions,and as we worship God with our hearts and in one Spirit, we all drew closer to Him.

In the teaching sessions this year, Pastor Gavin focused on Colossians 2:6-7 and revealed to us what is meant by “Life – Walk in it”.  As Jesus had already finished the work of reconciliation between man and God, our life mission is just to uphold Jesus.  To walk in this mission, there is no strict formula, but God wants us to have an intimate relationship with Him.God is grace,and we can simply enjoy His presence and His covenant simply by following Jesus.

Pastor Gavin also took us deeper into the Word ,guiding us to be rooted in Him.  He revealed to us God’s covenants with man since creation.  Under the new covenant, as we received salvation through believing in Jesus and His finished work, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and are guaranteed our inheritance in Him.  We can walk peacefully and securely in Him overcome all challenges.  Praise God for this sweet and loving promise.  Our Father desires an intimate relationship with us, and draws us near to Him.

Lastly, Pastor Gavin taught us on what it means by walking in His servanthood.  By understanding how much Jesus loved us, we can be motivated to love and serve one another.  We were also reminded that when we labour for God, we should keep our focus on pleasing His heart instead of just labouring with our own strength.  Praise the Lord for His promise !

Praise the Lord for touching us with His Word and Love, and brothers and sisters responded in the altar calls at the end of the various teaching sessions.  We could surely feel His presence as He ministered to each of our hearts in very personal ways.

On the third day,the Mission Sunday morning, Pastor Gavin taught us the lesson of “Walk in Thanksgiving”,the rebuilding of Tebernacle of David,giving thanks by giving, tithing,and giving under and with grace.

Praise the Lord for all of his love and grace.

At the alter call,brothers and sisters responded to God for the mission pledge cheerfully.After lunch, we took our group photograph.  Then, care groups gathered together to share what we learnt in the camp.  After enjoying fellowship with one another, brothers and sisters departed the campsite joyfully.

Praise the Lord for the wonderful 3 days !

Let’s keep practicing what we learnt and keep walking in it !