Post Camp Thoughts

April 7, 2010 at 7:11 am (Affirmations, God, Learnings, Muses, Prayer, Random, Thinking out loud, Wow)

been a while since I updated something substantial on this blog other than nice videos and Ricky Martin coming out of the closet (once again, was it ever in any doubt?). Anyway, was sharing to a friend about this (post camp thoughts – not Ricky Martin) and this friend suggested that I blog this, to share and bless people who take that few seconds to delve into this page dedicated to the periodically incoherent ramblings of my gray matter.

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I attended Hope UK’s camp that started last Friday (2/4). The camp theme was “The Saints”, with the teachings based on “A Sanctified Church”, which happens to be a really retro teaching. Prakich said it’s old but the principles aren’t old fashioned – and i second that opinion.

To be very honest, there was part of me that didn’t feel like attending. I mean, flying all the way to another country to live with a bunch of people whom I’m not even well acquainted with for 4 days, not knowing what to expect, not exactly my idea of how I would spend a long weekend. Well, that thought didn’t stay with me for long, due to the fact I’ve already dumped 200+SGD on airfare which was non-refundable; and also because I gave my word to Eldos (one of the main leaders) that I would be there.

As things turned out, I am absolutely delighted that I didn’t back out from it. It was an AMAZING experience. Coupled with the fact that all my camp objectives were met, it did make for a very good weekend.

Teachings and PnW wise, I can’t really say that anything hit me in the face. The preached word was a good reminder of setting myself apart for God, and the implications of doing so.

The thing that really, really blessed me was the fellowship. I was attached to the students group for the camp somehow accidentally I suppose, cos I had to crash the night before the camp at the place of this brother named Jon, who was from the uni group back in SG, and out of convenience, I just tagged along with his lifegroup. In retrospect, I think that move of convenience was kinda divine, cos those people have no idea just how much I was blessed observing and fellowshipping with them. Also, we played the Barnabas game, and before the end of camp, my Barnabas (who turned out to be this Thai sister) had already blessed me with 3 gifts, and handed me an Easter chocolate bunny before camp broke. Very, very touched. And sorta nudged me to bless my Barnabas too haha =p

I think I was probably one of the oldest or the oldest in their group (both physically and spiritually), but there were a few things this “laojiao” Christian actually picked up/got reminded of, from the group. Well, I wasn’t that much older (abt 5 years on avg), and the things they were doing weren’t anything new, but still, it was really, i don’t know, a mixture of being humbled + nice when I talked/had fun with them. Being humbled because they treated me like one of their own really quickly, which is not something readily seen in many churches nowadays, both in SG and in Dublin.

Well, nice because, I learnt so much from them. They actually didn’t formally teach me much. In a nutshell, I was very impressed by the simple faith and simple love for God these people had. It reminded me once again that age doesn’t play a part in fervency, zeal, and passion for our God. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about their actions alone, in which the point would be debunked by older believers as something “they are doing because they still can – wait a few years”; rather, I’m talking about their can-do attitude and gung-ho spirit for Jesus. As joining a students group goes, I only got to sleep a few hours every night (doesn’t really happen in adults camp anymore), with devotions still to come on subsequent mornings. And I’m impressed by how the guys in the group still dragged themselves out of bed and made it to devotions (albeit 10-15min late of course haha). Of cos I had to follow right? lol =p Another thing was the closing ceremony. My group was IC of that event and Kelly (who was from youth) directed – well done Shirls She made quite a number of people act out roles which I reckon should be out of line with their usual selves – i hope! And it was heartwarming to see how ready the people were to serve, and carry on their roles with enthusiasm. Eventually, it actually turned out pretty well on the day, and mutters of some tearing was heard – well done Kelly! Everyone in the group had a part to play, and it all came together with supernatural coordination even though rehearsal times were scarce. God definitely had a hand in it I say =)

Another incident about simple faith came on the second day – games day. I didn’t participate in it cos I had assignments to catch up on, but I was there for the events prior to that. What had happened was that Jon was the game master, and had been pretty concerned about bad weather for a while – cos the games were outdoor. Being a practical Singaporean, plan B was very much concocting in his mind. Eldos stepped in, and in true spirit-filled leadership fashion, announced that we were going to trust God for good weather. Guess what, other than the first day, we had good weather for the rest of the camp. What made it even more incredible was that rain was forecast for the entire camp. Simple faith like that, we don’t really witness nowadays (ok, not applicable for adults camp cos we usually go to a hotel but you get my point). Well done Eldos!

My 3 camp objectives were to finish up my assignment (done!), re-establish certain spiritual habits (done too i hope!), and make heaps of friends (definitely done!). I can’t remember when was the last time i met all my camp objectives, so it was really awesome indeed.

This camp reminded me of our Hope camps a decade ago. Am not inferring negative connotations; on the contrary, it was heartwarming to see everyone knowing everyone, and having that strong family atmosphere that is usually lacking in bigger churches. To be honest, music wasn’t that fantastic technically, but who cares about music when the overall climate was as thick as a fog?

I am more and more convicted that as the church grows bigger, the care/life/home/cell groups must grow “smaller”. Smaller meaning a stronger fellowship, more unity, and replicating what only smaller churches can accomplish in terms of atmosphere in our respective small groups. Another way is that the church remains status quo – which is not exactly Matt 28 either. I do not claim to be an expert on the subject, but since the church is going to continue to grow, on my part, I’m going to make huge efforts to aid my future groups and leaders achieve this standard.

On a parting note, to my new found family members who are reading this – Apri, Anita, Jon, Gemmy, Thomas, JerRY (caps on purpose), Jenna, Jolene, Kelly, Jhung Ee, Yvonne, New, and even Joycie – (i pray you come to know Jesus soon!), thanks for everything. I have been devoid of good fellowship for a while, and you people have no idea just how much you’ve added to my life in the span of 4 days. I miss you guys much already, and hope I can come back soon =)) Well done with the group Apri!