Annual Church Camp
March 7, 2014
Our annual camp this year took place on 7-9 March 2014. Over the three days, we experienced God individually and together as a church, learning what it means by “Life – Realize It!”
The church gathered at Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village in the first morning, and brothers and sisters were quickly warmed up after some fun ice-breaking games involving quick responses and teamwork.
In the three teaching sessions during the camp, Pastor Gavin presented to us the beautiful story God planned for mankind since creation. Through God’s Word in the Old and New Testament, our eyes were opened to see the Father’s will, which is for all of His creation to be united under His son Jesus Christ, so that He may have a covenantal relationship with each one of us. Everything that has happened since creation and what will happen in the future is according to His will and plan, and we are all part of this wonderful plan.
Pastor Gavin reminded us that we are all purposed to fulfil His plan – to bring the whole world back to God Himself for reconciliation. Praise God that Jesus Christ enabled us to do this, for He “loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father”. In order to fulfil this wonderful plan, we are to be King Priests armed with kingly authority and priestly humility. Praise the Lord, for we do not have to look at our own shortcomings but only at the authority that He has given us, and to rely completely and humbly on His strength instead of our own. Together, we are set apart by God as holy nation – which is different from the world, but which can shine for God’s glory, bring blessing to all nations and attract people to God Himself. Praise the Lord for we have realized the purpose of our lives!
In fact, a few days before the camp, Pastor Gavin’s mother returned to the arms of our Heavenly Father. It was a difficult time for Pastor. Nevertheless, he insisted to stay with us for as long as possible to teach us God’s Word before returning to Malaysia to be with the family, and to remember and say goodbye to his dear mother. Praise God for Pastor’s strength and shepherd’s heart. After a full day and a morning of teaching, Pastor Gavin returned to Malaysia in second afternoon. Just before Pastor left camp, the whole church prayed together for him and each unit presented a comfort card to show encouragement and support to our dear Pastor.
After being well fed by God’s Word, the church was ready for some exercise! The long-awaited Hope Sports Day took place in the second afternoon. After some warm-up exercise, the whole church was split up into 16 teams, each with members from different sub-districts and units. Each team was to complete all tasks assigned to them, and all tasks require us to work as a team. The most challenging task seemed to be group rope jumping, which requires at least 8 brothers and sisters jumping together – but all teams managed to complete the task after some practice and communication, some even with flying colours. Despite the drizzle, all our brothers and sisters enjoyed the afternoon thoroughly, and the sports ground was filled with laughter and cheers. Praise the Lord for we have a united and sporty church!
At night, brothers and sisters gathered together for a more quiet activity. The activity started off by each of us completing a short questionnaire about the weaknesses we see in ourselves. According to the results, we were then separated into 5 groups for different workshops catered for our needs. Some brothers and sisters saw themselves as lacking in confidence or proud, some may feel worried or negative, some may feel lacking in self-control etc. But praise the Lord! Through the activity, we realized that we do not have to focus on our shortcomings as we are all imperfect humans – but we have a perfect and loving God whose power is perfected in our weakness!
On Sunday morning, we had our annual Mission Sunday Service. After a passionate praise and worship session, we were blessed to hear the testimony of Sister An from SD2. Sister An came to Christ in our church in 2011, and God changed her life completely by filling her with joy and peace. When she went to Medical Relief in the Philippines for the first time, she saw the simple and willing heart of the people there, and she was deeply touched to see people responding to the love of Christ and being healed by Him. After that, she willingly returned to the Philippines on a number of mission trips including the relief trip after Typhoon Haiyan destroyed many cities there. Praise the Lord for the compassionate heart of our dear sister!
During the sermon, Pastor Arlene told us more about our “new job” in God, which is to realize the mission which entrusted us – the “ministry of reconciliation”. As a new creation, we are no longer bound by sin and the law, but we live under God’s love and grace. Therefore, we may “bring others into harmony with Him” by living out this love and grace with a compassionate heart and true faith in Him, as we are His ambassadors in this world! How beautiful is God’s plan!
At the alter call, brothers and sisters responded to God in the call to this ministry of reconciliation, and also for the mission pledge. Praise God for every willing heart of our brothers and sisters. We believe that God will use each of us in order to fulfil His plan.
After the precious moment was captured in the annual group photo of the whole church, care groups gathered together to encourage each other and share about what they had experienced in the camp. After enjoying fellowship with one another, brothers and sisters departed the campsite joyfully.
Praise God for His presence throughout the camp and helping us realize that we are so honoured to be part of His plan since creation. Let us fulfil it together as the body of Christ!
