Day 1 (8 June)

As one coach, one van and twelve cars left Singapore on Monday morning, there was much excitement in our hearts. Passing toll after toll, the journey seemed long and peppered with questions as to when we would finally arrive at our camp site. Waving to the other families from our car, my brother and I spent our time sleeping and chatting before arriving at Everly Resort Hotel in Malacca some four hours later. Everly is where we will spend six days of spiritual feasting with our church.

On arrival, we had our lunch while waiting for our brethren to arrive. Soon the other vehicles arrived. After lunch, the children and youths headed to the playground and swimming pool, while others waited at the lobby for their room keys. Soon, we were given our keys and we headed to our rooms.

The Opening Address at 6 pm was by our Pastor Dennis. He spoke from Psalm 133. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” We were exhorted to cherish the time together with pure and good fellowship with the saints as we seek after God. Following the message was dinner and fellowship time. The YF had a short meeting before we went to rest and to prepare for the second day of the camp.

Day 2 (9 June)

“The Mystery of God’s Providence” was the first morning devotion message. Pr John Loo expounded from the book of Esther, reminding us of the sovereign will of God, even in circumstances where things appear bad. The short message was followed by a time of prayer as we committed the day’s events to the Lord.

The first of the series of theme messages by Rev Quek, “Once a Curse but Now a Blessing” was based on Zechariah 8:13, which tells us not to be merely economic blessings to others, but spiritual blessings as well. As Christians, we are worthy to be spiritual blessings even if we had not been so in the past. The message was followed by a short workshop to discuss the questions Rev Quek had prepared for us.

After lunch, it was siesta time. While some rested, others fellowshipped. After dinner was the night theme message. Rev Quek preached on “The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:30-37). We learnt that religiosity does not imply spirituality, but rather, compassion and sacrifice are needed for us to be blessings to others because we are Christians.

Day 3 (10 June)

For morning devotion, Bro Joshua Yong continued the study from the book of Esther, “When God Doesn’t Seem Fair.” Instead of judging God based on our own experiences and thoughts, we are to remember God’s eternal promises to us and obey His will for us.

 “Be Ye Holy As God is Holy” was the next message, taken from 1 Peter 1:13-25. Rev Quek emphasized that we must live a holy life in order to be a blessing to others. Otherwise, our sin will find us out and we cannot be a blessing. This theme message was followed by a time of workshop, discussing the past two theme messages and related questions. Representatives of two groups presented their groups’ answers and at the same time nervously awaited more questions from Rev Quek!

After lunch, a seminar on “Shepherding a Child’s Heart” was held. Rev Quek gave a short exhortation based on Proverbs 22:15, after which he and Pr Kelvin answered questions from the campers. It was a fruitful time where many of us learnt how to bring up our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

For the evening message, 1 John 4:1-21 was our focus as we listened to Rev Quek preached on “Be Ye Loving As God is Loving.” We were reminded to have the agape love of God (i.e. a sacrificial and unconditional love) for all people alike, friend and foe, because Christ has so loved us. When we do this, we can then be a blessing to others. The night ended with the fellowship groups meeting in their different rooms.

Day 4 (11 June)

At 7:30 am, our brother from Cambodia, Pr Chan Sopheak, spoke to us on “God’s Time is the Best Time,” emphasizing the sovereignty of God in His perfect timing of events from the book of Esther.

For the fifth theme message, Rev Quek preached from Colossians 3:12-17, “Be Forgiving As God is Forgiving.” He stressed that as blessings to one another, we are to be forbearing and forgiving, just as Christ was so when we were yet His enemies. An unforgiving spirit cannot be a blessing to others. A fruitful workshop followed thereafter.

After lunch, we enjoyed an afternoon of games, planned by the games committee. Through the games, we got to know our fellow campers better. Then came our durian party, held at the hotel car park! Some continued to play different sports until dinner-time.

Our sixth theme message by Rev Quek “Am I a Secret Christian?” was based on Matthew 5:13-16. Rev Quek spoke on the impact, whether good or bad, of our lives as Christians. The Bible, likening us to salt and light, reminds us not to withhold the blessings Christ has bestowed upon us.

For fellowship, the AF planned a “Heart-to Heart” session with Pastor Dennis where AFers got to know Pastor Dennis better.

Day 5 (12 June)

In the final morning devotion based the book of Esther, Pr John preached on “God Can Turn Tables,” highlighting that God is omnipotent and is committed to preserving His people according to His will. We therefore must have faith and trust in His sovereign will.

Rev Quek’s final theme message, based on 1 Corinthians 8, was “Are You a Stumbling Block?” The emphasis was laid on foregoing our rights or freedom out of love for others so as not to stumble our weaker brethren but to be a blessing to them.

To round up all the theme messages, there was a Question-and-Answer session where campers can seek clarification or explanations from Rev Quek.

Testimony Night was held on the final evening of the camp. There were three song presentations: one each by the children, the Adults’ Fellowship, and the Church Choir. This was followed by almost twenty campers testifying of the Lord’s goodness to them during the camp and in their lives.

And once again before the day ended, the AF had their fellowship meeting, this time a “Heart-to-Heart” session with Rev Quek. We got to know Rev Quek a little better through his frank revelations, though some questions were left unanswered!

Day 6 (13 June)

The Closing Address by Pastor Dennis was an exhortation from Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” It was a challenge to all campers to be a blessing to others for the sake of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

After our last breakfast at Everly, we finished our packing with a tinge of sadness that camp has come and gone by so quickly. The coach and van left first followed by the different convoys of cars while some stayed on for a delayed departure to different destinations.

We thank God for His grace in seeing us through the camp, for granting us good health and strength. I trust that we have all received many spiritual lessons as to how we can be a blessing to others. However, the most important question is: Will we submit our lives to God and live according to His instruction so that we can truly be a blessing to others?

May we pray and ask God for obedience and wisdom in living our lives so that we will shine for Jesus, and be a blessing one to another. May God help us. Amen.