CF camp reflection

“When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida.”

Luke 9:10

It might sound like a strange thing coming from a publicity officer and Camp commander, but I’ve often personally wondered if camps are really worth all the trouble. So much effort and resources are poured into camps – which sometimes come across as a short burst of “spirituality” – a 4 day aberration in the midst of our 365 days of normalcy.

But our Lord has shown that there is wisdom in retreating (or in His case, trying to retreat – the crowds always went after Him). Worldly pressures surround us all the time. That is why it is important to sometimes separate ourselves from it completely, encounter God in a different way.

Jesus took time alone to take his disciples away from everything so that he can teach them important spiritual truths, pray and maybe just have quality time together. How they must have cherished those special times together in the midst of their busy ministry!

In the same way, we go for camps to seek such times.

On the 24^th of May, 2011, 73 young UTAR-ians set out for Harvest Haven, Gopeng, to spend 4 days of solid time – fellowshipping with God and His people, and to seek His Word into our lives.

How can I recount those 4 days? God’s presence was so tangible, and through Him, great things happened in the hearts of the campers.

I saw people showing kindness. People sharing in their struggles. People sharing in their joy. People worshipping God in a spiritual sense – in Spirit and in Truth.

We talked about being “Alive in Christ”. Some of us had to take a good look at ourselves to realize that we are not as “Alive” as we thought we were. And we took steps to let God take control.

By God’s grace, we will not only “stay” alive, but become more and more so.

As gold that is refined in the fire, may we one day come to be so pure that our Maker’s face is reflected on our surfaces.

Christ, alive in us. We, alive in Christ.

Ngee Derk, Camp Commander