Bible Camp
June 4, 2007 – 4:20 pmThe Youth Worship Bible Camp, “Knowing God and Making Him Known” was held successfully from 29-31 May at YMCA. Despite a mere 33 people (a far cry from the intended target of 80-100 people), perhaps God had a different plan.
Arriving at YMCA, we had our ice-breaking and games, the standard procedure for camps. Then in the afternoon, we had our first theme talk by our speaker, Auntie Hazel Jeremiah. It was entitled ‘God Knowing You’ and Auntie Hazel reminded us of our position in Christ, how we are loved dearly by God. After a quick break, we looked into Moses’ calling and learnt various lessons in the session called ‘Getting to Know God’. The second theme talk was at night. We ‘followed’ Paul and Silas to Macedonia after they were called by God in the talk ‘Getting Directions from God’.
The second morning was almost torturous. Most did not sleep well on the rock-hard pillows, but those who did could barely get up at 4.30 am before the prayer time at 5 am. Few had waken at such an early hour to pray except for the previous camps. But soon the morning’s talks and discussions were underway. Theme talk 3 was ‘Returning to God’. In the story of the prodigal son, we focused our attention on the wonderful father who symbolizes our dear Father in heaven. As the Holy Spirit moved, we all knelt on the ground in a fervent time of prayer. Tears were shed in that awesome moment.
After that, we had a fast and pray session. Yes, that meant no lunch. But fasting has a deeper meaning than just the sacrificing of food. Anyways, we then watched the movie ‘Facing the Giants’, an inspirational Christian film which I have reviewed in the column of movie reviews. It was a fresh change in the movie world of bad morals and wickedness. Faith in God was no behind-the-scenes hint.
On that night, we had the final theme talk which was . This straightaway led to the altar call, where we were asked to line up in 3 separate lines to be prayed for under 3 different problems. Again, we saw participants moved to tears. Then we went into talentime. The room was filled with laughter and joy as different groups presented their various funny skits. Some had talents for drama, others had their talents elsewhere, but everyone did their best and had fun.
A late supper ensued afterwards to ensure that everyone still had energy for the next session - sharing and commitment. In the room, all the lights were turned off and everyone sat in a circle, staring into the dim light of the candles surrounding a cross which sat on a table in the middle of the room. It was the first time I saw everyone - yes, every single person - share something. Despite the malfunctioning microphone, voices were loud enough for everyone to nod their heads to. After each sharing, the question “Do you want to shine for Christ?” was posed and the participant went up to the table and lit his/her own candle. Of course, everyone lit their candles (even if the person didn’t want to, which I doubt, there would probably be some discrimination…).
The tired ones went to sleep after that, but some stayed up late talking. The next morning, after group devotion, we had breakfast and departed for home.
There have been some changes in the participants. Some prominent, others subtle. I see new youths full of potential. I see youths changed for the better. I only pray that the fire in their hearts keep burning, even to spread it to those around them. Last of all, as the popular and influential word during the camp which I suppose has not much meaning but is nevertheless spoken, just ’supervise’!