Camp Review 2008

Being a first timer at this camp, I had no expectation of the camp but I was certainly glad that I got to play the role of participant this time round instead of being a camp organizer! So I went with a let my hair down attitude and with an open mind to make friends and to re-charge spiritually through Christian fellowship. This year's camp theme was To Be or not To Be, or so I was informed. The theme was indeed intriguing and little did I know that God would later use this camp and the campers to speak to me concerning issues I have been thinking about for some time.

It was a new experience to meet young people and working adults from all walks of life representing different churches. It was through the ice-breaker games, caving at Gua Tempurung, venturing out durian-hunting on the way back in Daniel Yeoh's car, playing relay games, chasing after a ball in the captain ball friendly matches, and participating in the 3rd night's Show me your talent talent time where we interacted and rubbed shoulders with one another (literally more than that during the captain ball matches!). That's how friendships developed among one another, coupled with the late night chats and sharing.

Thanks to God for His timely arrangement, for I know that the subject matter in each day's Morning Manna led by Mr KC Ung was not a by chance coincidence! To be the person that God wants to develop through our life vocation that He, the mighty "I AM" has assigned for His children.

How great the challenge!! Mr Joseph John's sessions were based on the call to give primary focus to God and the macro aspect of His will, while our earthly concerns become secondary. Again, another challenge to my fleshly inclinations which favour the exact opposite! Surely the message during each morning manna and session was not a coincidence with the frequent encounter with the Biblical verse that flashed by yet stopped me in my fast tracks Seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33). Surely it can't be mere coincidence that I was looking for spiritual guidance at this life juncture with my involvement in the church building project almost coming to an end.

I thank God for granting me the opportunities to listen and to speak to many people, especially the camp organizers and camp speakers who have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord in obedience to His calling. I'm much edified and encouraged by the living examples that I encountered. I thank God for the fruit of the organisers efforts and their labour through the success of this camp and encouraging feedback of the participants, witnessed especially by the flood of emails that followed after all of us had dispersed and were back at our homes and workplaces in different parts of Malaysia. May the Holy Spirit keep us united and grant us the bond of Christ's love! See you guys in next year's AFC Camp!!

Well, a brother dared me to, and I have this weakness when being challenged - just could not resist it. If you go, I will go. You sign up-lah, then I will sign up too. I did, but at the last moment, he backed out (for some very valid reasons). So I went with some preconceived ideas about what to expect, and was armed to deal with it (so to speak).

Being a single person all my life, I discovered that there were people (brothers and sisters) who, for whatever reasons, have remained single, consistent, and faithful to the LORD. They continue to serve the LORD in the various ministries in their own assemblies under whatever state or circumstances. Well, I applaud them for this. For many of us, we found this like-mindedness a common bond. The fellowship was just great! Very much unlike the other camps one goes to.

The 'Morning Manna' by Mr Ung or morning devotion was quite stimulating and spoke to each of us personally. The Sessions by Mr Joseph John were practical in terms of daily living. I think everyone participated in the discussions which further enhanced the fellowship one with another.

The outdoor activities were also well planned and co-ordinated. Gua Tempurung was really enjoyable for the adventurous (everyone went). Even two of us who had injured ankles and knees joined in - but only outside the cave! We had a fun-time exploring the eating shops in Kampar. Participation in the games was good, with obstacles and team work required to complete each one. There was also a 'Talent Nite', where the three groups, namely; Vision, Mission, and Passion took part. The teams were asked to portray Biblical characters, and were given only newspapers, and cellophane tape to work on as props and costumes. Everyone was rather creative.

Harvest Haven (the Camp Site) was really good. Just nice (not too big or small) for a group like ours. The swimming pool was inviting, and many could not resist a dip in it. The surroundings were conducive for learning, rest, and quiet moments of reflection. I believe all who came were much refreshed from this Camp. Those who were at certain cross-roads of their lives found God's direction, and leading.

To be what GOD wants me to be rang through the messages, the meditations. Seeing the 'macro' of things is more important than being caught in the 'micro'.

If you ask me, whether I will come again for the AFC, the answer would be Yes! Why not, and what is there to stop us from growing in fellowship with others. And, more importantly, to encourage one another in the service of our LORD and MASTER.

Just to share a thought as I end here.
Success is often defined as that transitory sensation of being admired. But when the applause dies down, the true measure of success is the difference you made for good in human hearts.

I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loves me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)