Post-Camp Thoughts

I know if I don't write this today, I may not have the chance for the rest of the remaining year to do so.

I just returned from the Grace Youth Camp 2008 yesterday. I'll write as concise as possible. Simply impossible to write all my thoughts (processed or unprocessed) down.

Overall, I felt it was the best of the last three (06-08) GY Camps I'd been, for various reasons. Perhaps the one reason that stood out was because of the constraints and "oppositions" we were facing. In a way we were "left alone" to run the thing, with many simply decided to take no part with the camp. Maybe that's why it was a better camp. It was "easier".

So many opposing and skeptical voices I'd heard before the camp, disapproving what was already set up. But by the end of the camp, I sensed a few of those voices being silenced.

Personally, I was on a mission to observe. Right before the camp, I set out to observe for a sign, and clues. I put a few people to the test to confirm some things I already knew. I just had to be sure. I was also looking for certain answers, but none were given by men. Perhaps that's how we look for the better hope.

In this camp, I witnessed the triumph of the ministry of the Word once again, being taught in a simple and powerful way. I was particularly impressed with how sis Rita did the morning workshops for the younger ones, to challenge them to know the God of their parents for themselves. To know the right assurances for their salvation. And to pursue the filling of the Spirit. No wonder that particular night, it was the younger ones that responded most appropriately to the move and ministry of the Spirit, with the foundational knowledge already in place. On a personal level, I was very satisfied she caught what I envisioned for her sessions and prepared based on my instructions.

In this camp, I'd more time to get to know new people, and those I've already met before, better. But I wished I had more time. I'm also glad this time I could personally bless someone directly (one on one). For that, I've no regrets in the choices I'd made.

As I saw so many young lives being touched (many for the first time) by God, I wonder who gives the older ones the rights to pass judgments with what they think, to play games in deciding the fate of the youth ministry and the lives of the young ones. This is carnality....

On a final note, I'm honoured to say I've worked with this year's team from the three churches, once again. I was impressed especially with the PJ Young Adults who were attending their 1st GY Camp, but played their roles so remarkably well. That includes that super stingy banker who made us wanna put a pillow case over his head and ......... (fill in the blank). Lol! And also our few ever dependable Klang strong men and women. And those promising leaders from USJ...

But heck, I know not to look to men alone for hope. I could see faint fingerprints, traces of many past men and women's works in this youth ministry. But there's also this unseen tireless finger, despite the passing of men and time, is still writing new exciting stories that will slowly unfold. That made me realized that a certain Force that had been ...... for many years ..... and still is ..... and will always be ........ simply ......... UNSTOPPABLE.

I can rest with this assurance, for now.

The only thing that really sucks (big time!) in this camp was....I didn't have my camera!!!