Praise God! Hallelujah! Indeed, I think that the theme and name for PL’s IGNYTE camp was really spot-on. At least it was for me. Okay, honestly, compared with other TCC youth camp I’ve been to, it still couldn’t ‘beat’ EMERGE camp in 2006. That camp was awesome! God’s presence was strong, my camp group was fantastic (Go Eliphelet!!), God spoke to me throughout the entire camp even so strongly throughout the different games and days’ activities, and I had tonnes of fun and experiences of who God is.
But this camp was very very different. The games and activities, and all, were good, and God visited me in a very different way. Totally unexpected! I shall not go through every single activity nor the whole camp experience, but rather, just recording, sharing and testifying how God has visited me and touched me this round. I praise God, for this camp marks a new beginning for me, spiritually, which will lead to the other aspects of my life following after. I’ll share more about the new beginning part, probably around the new year.
To begin with, I seriously SERIOUSLY did NOT want to come for camp. So many excuses I come up with. I fear being disappointed, like I was, at last year’s camp. I dint want to ‘rely’ on camp to get my life back right with God, and just spiral downwards after camp, as usual. I felt that God can touch me OUT of camp. If God dont touch me, and I’m asked to share, it’ll be superb awkward… blah blah. And I was listening in to the devil’s lies. This urge of not going was so strong, different from the kind that I usually feel when going for camp, which is the fear of getting out of comfort zone. Actually, i was just simply running away from God and hiding from God, as i have been doing the entire year, especially the past few months. yah.
But I praise God. Talked to aN. (becoz he’s in camp comm, so who better to try persuading you then one of them. xp and also becoz I’ve known him since sec 1, so he’s one of the easier-for-me-to-talk-to person.) and wanted to talk to sis gwen too, but my guts failed me. Somehow, God knew, and he prompted sis gwen to talk to me. So between this bro and sis in Christ of mine, I started to reject the lies of the enemy and my own foolish thoughts, and quickly signed up for camp.
Come to think about it now, I would think God really really wanted me to go for camp. I mean, I had NO EXCUSES not to go. No one really know this… but… before June, I signed up for my school’s OSLE(overseas service learning experience) to Thailand, and it falls early dec. and I was thinking back then.. yes! Got excuse not to go for camp. Becoz usually, ignyte camp falls first two weeks of dec. but surprisingly, this year, it was later. If I had gone for OSLE, I would have returned on 14th dec. the first announcement of camp was 15th dec-18th dec. JUST NICE!!! I was like “WHAT?!” haha. Then what happened was that camp dates shifted to 14th dec-17th dec. then… haha…I pulled out of OSLE. Not willingly. Parents unhappy with the long hours and commitment, so forbade me to carry on. So… I COULD go for camp!! Haha. And so happened, that during the hols, I went to Nepal – family trip. The service before we flew.. was the camp early bird sign-up week. The next service we attended, after we came back, was the camp actual day itself. So God let us sign up first, and in-between, no time to think otherwise and back out. Haha.
Anyways… to camp!!
First Day (14th Dec)
Afraid to be disappointed, I din’t want to be too greedy. I only had two simple expectations for this camp. Actually, it’s more like 2 expectations of God.
1. I will receive a touch from God so real that I can’t deny it.
2. I will be reminded of who I am in God (my identity in God)
And to say honestly, God DID NOT meet my expectations at all. Not in the way I expected anyways.
First night service, PDa spoke about waiting on the Lord. Something tugged at my heart. The art of waiting on the Lord… that, I did not know, and have not experienced. I realised that I have given up too easily this year. I was (like what PDa mentioned) like the depressed, suicidal eagle in the mounting process… the eagle who can’t fly, beak so heavy that it can’t lift up its head, beautiful feathers all dropped off, walks like a turkey, eyesight fail… due to the natural process of mounting… and becoz of what it faces during this period, it chose to get depressed, refusing to eat, just slowly waiting for death itself.
That night, I was determined that I WILL WAIT ON THE LORD!!
At the altars that first night, I was praying for myself. Suddenly, I sort of sensed the presence of God. He didn’t speak. It was completely different from anything I’ve ever expected/imagined. It was like how God spoke to Elijah, not in the great and strong wind, not in the earthquake, not in the fire, but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11-13). But for me, yes, God was in the stillness, just that he was silent, not speaking. As I waited on Him on my knees, I wondered why aint God touching me? I’m willing to surrender now (at least I thot I was). My heart was heavy, and I could feel the bondages. I expected a confrontation, crying out loud and sobbing in the presence and the embrace of God. But, no. that dint happen. Rather, after a few tears flowed, it was just simply stillness. I was aware of what’s happening around me, but I just dint feel a need to follow, to worship along, but just to be still in the presence of God. The presence wasn’t like the overpowering, strong kind. Nor is it the refreshing kind. It was just stillness and having no desire to worship, nor even to speak in tongues. It’s kinda hard to describe that feeling. It’s a little like blessed assurance; it’s a little like peace… but more of just stillness, and no desire whatsoever to leave this stillness, such that I knelt there till my legs went totally numb, and when I stood up, I could not feel my legs and control my legs at all, and have to use my hands to pull it upright to standing position. I couldn’t even wiggle my toes. I’ve learnt that even being still and waiting upon the Lord can be uplifting. HALLELUJAH!!
The stillness was so unexpected for me, that I did doubt a little whether I was just not focusing God or that it was really the ‘silence and stillness’ of God. But somehow, this camp, that’s how God seemed to visit me. I realised I could not and should not limit the way God can touch me. Usually at camps, one has the mindset that God touches us in two ways… either we’re sobbing in the Lord’s presence, or the Spirit descend upon us and we are slain. I expected His strong, overwhelming presence and conviction. Rather, He surprised me with the opposite. Stillness.
So, God did visit me, and sort of touched me, but NOT in a way that’s so convincing that I can’t deny. But by the end of camp, I truly believe that that was the presence of God.
Second Day (15th Dec)
During the morning’s TAWG (Time Alone With God), we read 1 Chronicles 28:8-10 and two things stood out to me.. “serve him [God] with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind”
I’ve been missing the wholehearted devotion (NIV) aka loyal heart (NKJV) numerous times this year. I haven’t exactly been very loyal to the Lord. And in our allocated TAWG, we’re supposed to ask God: What are your purposes/plans for me? What should I do to fulfil them?
So I sat there and asked… I was still and waited on the Lord, pushing all thoughts away. And in the stillness, I sort of sensed God saying “Go! Be a light in your JC. Shine for me. Share My love. Be a blessing.” And also… “I love you. I love you my daughter. You are my sheep. Come to me, and drink from the living waters, that you may thirst no more.” Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! I dint really expect God to just speak to me like that, and I enjoyed it.
Morning service bro kah fei talked about commitment to God that requires us to endure. I was convicted how I wasn’t committed to the Lord this year, and how I did not persevere, did not endure, but just give in to the devil’s taunts and lies.
I chose that morning then, that I WILL BE COMMITTED!! I WILL ENDURE!!
That night, PDa talked about Running the Race, with Purpose, and without Hindrances. He talked about throwing off anything that hinders, and getting rid of the sin that so easily entangles (Hebrews 12:1). He also mentioned that when we put our hand to the plow, we SHOULD NOT look back (Luke 9:62). He also talked about confessing our sins, confessing to God, and then confessing to the leaders.
I was committed then that I WILL NOT TURN BACK!! I WILL THROW OFF ANY SIN THAT ENTANGLES!!
That night I decided, it’s time to surrender all. It’s time to confess about a particular sin of mine, that has been going on since pri sch, which is so embarrassing for me that I’ve never spoken about it to anyone before, not even my sis, which I can share nearly everything, and I also never properly confessed it fully to the Lord. I decided that it was time to wholeheartedly confess to the Lord, and be accountable to the leaders. During the altar call, I stopped up to TOTALLY cleanse myself and surrender myself wholeheartedly to God. No turning back!
I sob hard, for very short duration, several times, though the tears were kinda controlled and couldn’t flow fast and free, as it used to be able to do. And God spoke (well kinda. I mean I sensed Him saying to me, in my own voice..) “I’ve long forgiven you my daughter. I took your sins on the cross. I’m just waiting for you to surrender it all.” Hallelujah!
But it’s not over. For that sin to be totally cut off for good, I felt that I needed to confess to the leader. And being hard for me, becoz to me it’s really really embarrassing. I chose to confess to one of the sis in Christ, wanting to get it done before the new year comes. But she’s rather busy, and I understand that. There’s so much events going on now, after the camp, and she only can fork out time next year. So well, hopefully I wont hide again! I need to confess it out to be free. Looking forward to 4th Jan2009.
Third Day (16th Dec)
TAWG – ask God: How can I serve You wholeheartedly? What more can I do to serve You?
I prayed: Help me Lord to be faithful and committed in serving you, even when I go through mundanity and challenges. I asked God how I could serve Him in three areas (or at least I wanted to)
1. SOF (my ministry expression in ignyte, of which I have “taken a break” in serving since june, due to my spiritual struggles)
2. SP (I’ve stopped going for Lcell long before june, and haven’t been serving as an SP the entire year, officially asking to ‘quit’ in June)
3. in other areas of my life
Sadly, the time given was too short for me, and I only managed to ask God about SOF. In the stillness I sensed Him saying “Be my light there. Go, and make disciples.” I’m currently still asking God about the SP status, and how else can I serve Him. So, bros and sis in Christ who are reading this, do pray for me.
The strong will of NOT officially being an SP is gone, and I sort of feel like going back to SP. Also, since Friday, I sort of feel an urge to be more actively involved in Ignyte and its events, which means taking part in planning, organising Ignyte events next year. There’s two things to it though. Three actually.
1. Next year is my A level year
2. Next year is also my last year in Ignyte
3. I’ve never participated in organising/running/planning Ignyte activities before, and I’m not like one of those very close with people there ( I dun really know how to put in words).
However, last night, at nouveau, I felt a voice (this I’m not sure if it’s God’s or mine) saying “if you can put in so much effort and commitment to giving to your third home [PHS], what more your second home [TCC].” So pls pray. I’m gonna seek God and make the decision before 1st Jan 2009.
Morning service bro titus talked about how God dint called us to be yo-yo Christians, and how we should be set apart for Him, as He calls us to be IN THE WORLD, but NOT PART OF THE WORLD. Our response to God can only be “yes Lord, I’m listening. I will obey.” OR “Lord, I’m hardening my heart towards you.”
I WILL BE SET APART FOR HIM!! I WILL NO LONGER HARDEN MY HEART!!
PDa shared during the night service about SOARING ~ Letting Go, Letting God!
We need to know who we are (we are God’s chosen!), we need to stay alert and keep praying, and we need to surrender. When the eagle is in the wind, it doesn’t flap its wings. If it flaps its wings, if it tries to ‘help’, it will spiral downwards.
I WILL TOTALLY SURRENDER EVERYTHING!
So, up to the altars I went, surrending myself, surrendering EVERYTHING, and this round, I truly mean EVERYTHING, and went up to consecrate myself before the Lord, to be anointed with oil.
I surrendered everything to the Lord that night. My fears, doubts, sins (inclu. the one I needed to confess), studies, friends, lies of the devil, my thoughts/mindsets, feeling unloved, loneliness, lust, etc. As I confessed, words just tumbled out, and I started confessing different aspects of my life that I’ve been holding on and refusing to trust God on, that I myself did not really realised, like my friends. I confessed till I ran out of words to say, and I just stood there, silently, just waiting on the Lord in the stillness (something I learnt in day 1). After a while, I saw this mental image. Okay, it’s not exactly see like you see visuals on TV those kind, but the mind sort of tells you what is happening, and what you’re ‘seeing’ (which my mom later confirms it as a vision! Cool man!).
Anyways, I ‘saw’ myself been weighed down by many big and heavy chains, so heavy that I was struggling under it, that I couldn’t even walk upright but was bend low, the burden so heavy. Then I saw this sword. God took His sword and slashed at this chains. And as I see the chains been broken one by one, I saw that on each of these chains were written the things I just confessed. The chain of sorrow, of guilt, of shame, of fear, of doubt, of the devil's lies, of despair, of various sins, of loneliness, of inadequacy, of uselessness, of 'nobody' status, etc. The chains were broken, till there was none left on my back. But, though the chains were all broken and slipped away, the burden it gave has been weighed down for so long until I cant lift upself up, I cant face God, and could only remain bend low. Then, God picked me up, and carried me. I felt His love, and in His embrace, I was strengthened. That I saw.
As we youths were getting consecrated and anointed with oil at the altars, PDa asked those who were already anointed to move back, and those who haven’t but wanted to move front. I moved front, and waited. As I heard people started to sob hard in God’s presence, as I felt people beside me getting slain and falling in the Holy Spirit’s presence, as I felt the leaders coming closer and closer to me, fear gripped my heart. I feared God will not touch me, like He’s doing to everyone else around me. But I sensed God saying “Surrender your fears to me. Focus on me. Don’t worry, I will come to you and touch you.”
After a while, a leader came and anointed me with oil, praying for me, also mentioning about me running and hiding away, which was spot-on! Then, thinking that that was it, I moved to the back to continue worshipping God. But little did I know, God was not done with me yet. I got a shock with sis joan touched me and told me to go in front, as bro titus was calling me to. At the front, he took my hand, smiled to me and said “Why are you running away? Why are you running away?” I dint know what to say, and I closed my eyes, and he started praying for me, anointed me again with oil. As he prayed, he recognised what i've been doing that others may not have seen and gave recognition, but God saw, and he anointed me as a woman of authority (well, that’s all that I can remembered, that is)… and tears started flowing down. I dint sob, tears just flowed, and God was like saying “let it flow. So I can fully break the chains of sorrow and hurt you have.”
After the entire night service, each night in camp, we have testimony sharing, where people who wants to share what God has done for them can share with everyone. Even before that, at the altars, I already felt prompted that I should go up and share, dun ask me why. And I was challenged to go up and share. It aint easy for me. Fear gripped my heart. I feared being the centre of attention of the >270 people that were there. I struggled within myself. After the second person, I took courage and rose. But when my butt was just barely off the floor, I saw two other people standing up, and I lost courage. Then bro zhi chao said “okay everyone who wants to share, come up now and queue up.” Suddenly so many people started coming up. I feared and could not move. Sitting in front of everyone, waiting for turn to share, that’s even more scary. I hesitated. Bro zhi chao also got a shock and quickly stop the flow, otherwise share whole night dun need to sleep liao, becoz at that time it was already nearly midnight.
As everyone else was sharing, I wasn’t really paying full attention becoz I was struggling within myself. God challenged me to surrender my fears to Him, just as I said I was at the altars, and speak up. Also, that my bro and sis in Christ (no, not my biological siblings) who has encouraged me may be encouraged. When the whole sharing was over, everyone applauded to thank God for what He has done, and bro zhi chao was about to carry on with the announcements, I quickly raise my hand and said “bro zhi chao, I NEED to share.” He paused, obviously shocked, and said “okay, becoz you said need, you can share. (and jokingly added) I hope no more hands shoot up.” And I did. I shared, but of course not as detailed as I’ve just done here, becoz time was limited there, so I did as short as I can. But, HALLELUJAH!! I’ve shared, and God can truly cut away the chain of fear that I surrendered, becoz I chose to surrender wholeheartedly in the end. I’m telling you it was real scary up there, and even when I returned to my seat, I was still unsettled. But by the end of the night, I was at peace with God, and I think He’s proud of me, becoz I chose to surrender fully to Him. Praise the Lord!!
Fourth Day (17th Dec)
The last day of camp. Came too soon. Camp was just simply too short. 3 days 3 nights (considering that sun and wed was kinda like half day each). XP
TAWG – ask yourself: have I met God’s expectation for me in this camp?
I think, yes. I did. I kept an open mind and an open heart, and I chose to obey rather than hold back.
Reading for the day – Isaiah 40:28-31 “He [God] will not grow tired or weary”
Ask God: What must I do to have victory in every aspect of my life?
In the stillness, I sensed God answering “Trust me. Wait on me. And I will instruct you. I will guide you”, “Obey all of my commandments, and I will bless you”, and “Seek Me First”.
Our last service of camp. I love sis gwen for that! Haha. She encouraged us to go all out in worshipping and praising the Lord. And I seriously felt the freedom of the chains all gone. I could sing freely and joyfully. I could jump for joy and dance before the Lord. I could punch my fist in the air, punch my fist at the devil with all my strength and shout “it’s gonna be ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT!”I really really enjoyed the praise and worship that morning. Given all out in my new freedom and liberty, giving all praise to my Heavenly Father whom I love so much! Indeed,
“We [I] have overcome
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
We have overcome
By the power of Your Name
Jesus, You’re the one
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
The one who made the way
For us to triumph in Your Name”
She shared of how we can fulfil God’s purpose in our lives. We need to enlarge our dreams, our visions, for God wants to give us something bigger than ourselves! Amen! We should not hold back. Do not count the cost! And let’s lengthen our cords. We need to be united and keep growing in numbers.
I WILL NOT HOLD BACK! I WILL LET GOD USE ME!
Praise God for all He has done in my life! Praise the Lord for all He has done for me in this Surge camp! Praise Jesus for this new beginning in my spiritual life! Praise Abba for a renewal and this new-found freedom! Hallelujah!!! HALLELUJAH!!
Indeed, I’m SURGING forward like the waves, ever SEARCHing for God and waiting upon Him, rising up to SERVE Him with wholehearted devotion in more ways than I have done, SOARing with Him to greater heights and to greater level of intimacy with Him.
Higher, Lord you will lift me
Higher, out of my weakness
Lord, take me as I am
Higher, I will be lifted
Higher, my world committed
In my Generation, I will proclaim
Showing posts with label camp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label camp. Show all posts
The day of REJOICING is finally here!!!
HURRAY! HALLELUJAH!! THE GLORIOUS DAY OF REJOICING IS HERE!!!
I've been redeemed! I've been set free! I've surrendered it all! I've returned!! The rain has stopped! I'm no longer alone! I'm home, back to my beloved's side! I'm back to my Father's arms, for good! I've returnened. I HAVE OVERCOMED!!!!
yeah! I've returned to Ignite4Him!!
back from Ignyte SURGE camp! God has spoken. God has redeemed me. I've FINALLY let go and get a grip on God. The chains have been broken. I've stopped struggling. I've stopped trying by myself. I'm letting God take over. I've been pulled out of the quicksand that used to threatened to eat me up whole. I'm filled with joy. I'm filled with blessed assurance. I'm filled with a renewed passsion, commitment, and determination to get out of the old ways, and be faithful to the Lord, my God, and to persevere even through challenges or mundanity, never letting go.
Today is the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! God has never gave me up. God was always waiting for me. God has long forgiven me, even before i came back to Him.
Today is the day
I'm casting my cares aside
I'm leaving my past behind
I'm setting my heart and mind on You
Jesus
I'm reaching my hand to Yours
Believing there's so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good
Is good
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
And I won't worry about tomorrow
I'm trusting in what You say
Today is the day.
Today is the day.
I'm putting my fears aside
I'm leaving my doubts behind
I'm giving my hopes and dreams to You
Jesus
I'm reaching my hand to Yours
Believing there's so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good
Is good
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
And I won't worry about tomorrow
I'm trusting in what You say
Today is the day.
Today is the day.
I will stand upon Your truth.
(I will stand upon Your truth)
And all my days I'll live for You
(And all my days I'll live for You)
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
And I won't worry about tomorroww
I'm giving you my fears and sorrows
Where you lead me I will follow
I'm trusting in what you say
Today is the day
Today is the day
There stood a child, weighed down by the numerous heavy chains on her back, all around her, so heavy that she is struggling under them. She could hardly move, under all those weight. She's so tired, so exhausted, but she can't break free. Then came the sword. Her Father used His powerful sword and were slashing at the chains on her. Chains broke, one after the other. The chain of sorrow, the chain of guilt, the chain of shame, the chain of fear, the chain of doubt, the chain of the devil's lies, the chain of despair, the chains of various sins, the chain of loneliness, the chain of uselessness, the chain of 'nobody', and more... The chains were all broken. But she stood there, still hunched, still bend low, for the weight of the chains have been there for so long that she simply had no strength to stand up straight and face her Father. But the Father loved her too much to just leave her there. He bend down, took her in His arms and carried her. In His embrace, she was strengthened. She was set free! She is now back into her Father's arms of love.
RACHEL HAS RETURNED!!!
SHE IS NO LONGER ALONE IN THE RAIN!!!
SHE'S BACK TO HER BELOVED'S EMBRACE AND PRESENCE, PERMANENTLY!!!
SHE'S HOME!!!
I've been redeemed! I've been set free! I've surrendered it all! I've returned!! The rain has stopped! I'm no longer alone! I'm home, back to my beloved's side! I'm back to my Father's arms, for good! I've returnened. I HAVE OVERCOMED!!!!
yeah! I've returned to Ignite4Him!!
back from Ignyte SURGE camp! God has spoken. God has redeemed me. I've FINALLY let go and get a grip on God. The chains have been broken. I've stopped struggling. I've stopped trying by myself. I'm letting God take over. I've been pulled out of the quicksand that used to threatened to eat me up whole. I'm filled with joy. I'm filled with blessed assurance. I'm filled with a renewed passsion, commitment, and determination to get out of the old ways, and be faithful to the Lord, my God, and to persevere even through challenges or mundanity, never letting go.
Today is the day that the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! God has never gave me up. God was always waiting for me. God has long forgiven me, even before i came back to Him.
Today is the day
I'm casting my cares aside
I'm leaving my past behind
I'm setting my heart and mind on You
Jesus
I'm reaching my hand to Yours
Believing there's so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good
Is good
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
And I won't worry about tomorrow
I'm trusting in what You say
Today is the day.
Today is the day.
I'm putting my fears aside
I'm leaving my doubts behind
I'm giving my hopes and dreams to You
Jesus
I'm reaching my hand to Yours
Believing there's so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good
Is good
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
And I won't worry about tomorrow
I'm trusting in what You say
Today is the day.
Today is the day.
I will stand upon Your truth.
(I will stand upon Your truth)
And all my days I'll live for You
(And all my days I'll live for You)
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
And I won't worry about tomorroww
I'm giving you my fears and sorrows
Where you lead me I will follow
I'm trusting in what you say
Today is the day
Today is the day
There stood a child, weighed down by the numerous heavy chains on her back, all around her, so heavy that she is struggling under them. She could hardly move, under all those weight. She's so tired, so exhausted, but she can't break free. Then came the sword. Her Father used His powerful sword and were slashing at the chains on her. Chains broke, one after the other. The chain of sorrow, the chain of guilt, the chain of shame, the chain of fear, the chain of doubt, the chain of the devil's lies, the chain of despair, the chains of various sins, the chain of loneliness, the chain of uselessness, the chain of 'nobody', and more... The chains were all broken. But she stood there, still hunched, still bend low, for the weight of the chains have been there for so long that she simply had no strength to stand up straight and face her Father. But the Father loved her too much to just leave her there. He bend down, took her in His arms and carried her. In His embrace, she was strengthened. She was set free! She is now back into her Father's arms of love.
RACHEL HAS RETURNED!!!
SHE IS NO LONGER ALONE IN THE RAIN!!!
SHE'S BACK TO HER BELOVED'S EMBRACE AND PRESENCE, PERMANENTLY!!!
SHE'S HOME!!!
HOLIDAYS... or not...
this so-called holiday aint feeling like a holiday... i seem so busy busy busy... even when i'm not really busy... and i cant seem to get out of this hectic world... not even for a day... anything for a REAL HOLIDAY where i can stop, rest, think, reflect, and meditate...
Sec school holiday starts 27Oct... but I was in the midst of Os... My holidays "OFFICIALLY" started when my O Level Papers were finished, which is 12Nov...
here's an update of my dec 'holiday'... ... ... ...
13Nov --- shopping with Lin, WL, YT, Mich then chocolate fondue
15Nov --- SOF outing, prawn fishing then dinner & fondue @ my house
16Nov --- PAE & Grad Nite briefing (PHS)
19Nov --- Guitar Lesson (Believer Music@ Tanjong Pagar) then Grad Night 20Nov --- 4Grace Class Chalet & BBQ then went straight down to Changi Airport
21Nov, 1am --- sayonara Singpore... bonjo beijing
21Nov-28Nov --- Beijing Tour (family 'holiday')
29Nov --- fell terribly sick, vomiting and vomiting, and had to go for a jab. OUCH! See the doctor twice!!!
30Nov --- Guitar Lesson then 6F BBQ get-together dinner
1 Dec --- Officially started Gifts From The Heart (giftsfr-theheart.blogspot,com) 2Dec --- Fun Jam @ PL
3Dec --- Guitar Lesson
5Dec --- Alex Surprise Bday Party
7Dec --- WL,Lin,I cooked lunch for suprise bday gathering for YT & Mich then went for North Thanksgiving Dinner
**@ Thanksgiving Dinner... 1st time i won something... A PORTABLE CD PLAYER!!!Yeah! God knows my heart desire... coz all my cd players @hme all ain working...
8Dec --- Bras Basah Complex, shopping @ Tecman, Popular & Art Friend
9Dec --- Section gathering in the morning @ PL
10Dec --- Guitar Lesson then travelled to Concourse to get some stuffs
11Dec --- Ms Lim Swenson treat for lin & me
12Dec-15Dec --- X[PL]ODE (Ignyte Camp @ NUS)
**13Dec --- God took back Lucky...
16Dec --- Section gathering (PL) then after service, visit Gran
17Dec --- Guitar Lesson
18Dec --- Get-together & fondue w CY, Jos, Jan
19Dec --- Briefing, helping teachers (PHS) *4.5hrs
21Dec --- Sec1 registration (PHS) *7.15am-11.30am then went to amk central to buy some things
22Dec --- Father's Love @ Adam
23Dec --- Christmas celebration/dinner with cousins, made NE Stairwell booklet
24Dec --- made NE Timeline booklet... then rushed to meet Jos, Jan, CY for lunch and bowling/play pool *my 1st time playing pool, and my 2nd time bowling
25Dec --- Christmas service then lunch out...
26Dec --- NE tour for PHS teachers & lunch out w CY
27Dec --- Outing to the Zoo with Dad & siblings
** the performances now at the zoo are below standard, worse than before... i'm disappointed.
28Dec --- Ice skating & lunch with siblings, Cass & sis, Rina, Merv, & a new fren - Claris
29Dec --- Dinner Out then go watch CY Ballet Performance with Jos & Monica (Central Library@ Bugis)
30Dec --- After service, Section Lunch & fellowship then Communion, followed by L.Ann's Party
31Dec --- Section Dinner then WatchNight Service
Mii School Hols: total of 49days... i 42days have activities... which is 86% of my holidays have 'appointments'!!!
And the spare time in between these activities and the 'free' days... I'm mostly busy making the orders that are coming in from Gifts From The Heart... mainly from my mom... and also thinking/making something special for my loved ones.
Managed to free 2days to pack my PHS stuffs - books, files, papers... threw away only 1/2 the amt i'm supposed to throw... guess i gotta pack it again another day.
There's a WHOLE LONG LIST of things i WAS SUPPOSSED to do this hols... but it's still waiting for me... and it's already the end of the year!!!
this hols... the day passes very very slowly... but the days passes very very fast... understand what i mean?? haha... guess that's when you get time flying and crawling, both at the same time. =)
but this hols aint feel like a holiday AT ALL!!! Not even when I was in Beijing... the beijing tour for me, was more of an educational trip than a holiday... i learnt a lot, which i'm glad of... but it aint relaxing at all! every morning wake up at 6.30AM!!! night time sleep late... even in the bus travelling to towns, i'll be making friendship bracelets, listening to sermons/songs.
I wanted to get a proper part-time job... but couldnt find any coz of my 'contraints' - camp, beijing trip, guitar lessons... but i'm 'busy' enough... i dont mind the 'busy-ness' - catching up with pple & fellowshipping (about 14occasions), learning things (beijing, guitar lesson, fun jam, camp), and enjoying my craft hobby/business/gifts... however, my schedule is so packed and hectic... that i soooooo sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo wish for a proper holiday to stop and relax. What do i mean by a proper holiday???
Holiday = leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure [cited from WordNet]
To be able to stop in the midst of this hectic world, to rest, relax, take a break, not just physical break, but a mental break... not that the mind stops, but the mind relaxes.
Bring me to a place, definitely NOT in Singapore, where it is quite quiet, away from heavy traffic and main roads, nice scenery, preferably a scenic place close to nature, a place that aint too grand... just comfortable, beautiful, with good environment, good air, and cosy, with little activities going on there... 'nothing' for me to do...
There, i'll relax, take my time, stroll instead of brisk walking, sleep well, breath in fresh air, enjoy the scenic view and the breeze, enjoy the sounds of nature and its closeness... There, i'll reflect, read, write, plan, meditate on the Word of God, spend more time seeking God, communing with Him so close to His creation - Nature, His beautiful masterpiece.
And when I'm back to the routine of life, i'll be recharged! Physically, mentally, and spiritually. A Cruise to Nowhere would probably be able to do the trick as well... anyway to escape this hectic world for a moment, to stop and relax, and listen to God... all i ask is for this holiday once a year... just once a year... 3days would be good enough. Is this Too much to ask??
Anything... for a proper holiday... i feel very very in need for one right now... especially as the school term approaches and the new year draws near...
there's sooo much i wanna blog and post about... but caught up with a lot of things this hols... hope to spam post soon. XP
Sec school holiday starts 27Oct... but I was in the midst of Os... My holidays "OFFICIALLY" started when my O Level Papers were finished, which is 12Nov...
here's an update of my dec 'holiday'... ... ... ...
13Nov --- shopping with Lin, WL, YT, Mich then chocolate fondue
15Nov --- SOF outing, prawn fishing then dinner & fondue @ my house
16Nov --- PAE & Grad Nite briefing (PHS)
19Nov --- Guitar Lesson (Believer Music@ Tanjong Pagar) then Grad Night 20Nov --- 4Grace Class Chalet & BBQ then went straight down to Changi Airport
21Nov, 1am --- sayonara Singpore... bonjo beijing
21Nov-28Nov --- Beijing Tour (family 'holiday')
29Nov --- fell terribly sick, vomiting and vomiting, and had to go for a jab. OUCH! See the doctor twice!!!
30Nov --- Guitar Lesson then 6F BBQ get-together dinner
1 Dec --- Officially started Gifts From The Heart (giftsfr-theheart.blogspot,com) 2Dec --- Fun Jam @ PL
3Dec --- Guitar Lesson
5Dec --- Alex Surprise Bday Party
7Dec --- WL,Lin,I cooked lunch for suprise bday gathering for YT & Mich then went for North Thanksgiving Dinner
**@ Thanksgiving Dinner... 1st time i won something... A PORTABLE CD PLAYER!!!Yeah! God knows my heart desire... coz all my cd players @hme all ain working...
8Dec --- Bras Basah Complex, shopping @ Tecman, Popular & Art Friend
9Dec --- Section gathering in the morning @ PL
10Dec --- Guitar Lesson then travelled to Concourse to get some stuffs
11Dec --- Ms Lim Swenson treat for lin & me
12Dec-15Dec --- X[PL]ODE (Ignyte Camp @ NUS)
**13Dec --- God took back Lucky...
16Dec --- Section gathering (PL) then after service, visit Gran
17Dec --- Guitar Lesson
18Dec --- Get-together & fondue w CY, Jos, Jan
19Dec --- Briefing, helping teachers (PHS) *4.5hrs
21Dec --- Sec1 registration (PHS) *7.15am-11.30am then went to amk central to buy some things
22Dec --- Father's Love @ Adam
23Dec --- Christmas celebration/dinner with cousins, made NE Stairwell booklet
24Dec --- made NE Timeline booklet... then rushed to meet Jos, Jan, CY for lunch and bowling/play pool *my 1st time playing pool, and my 2nd time bowling
25Dec --- Christmas service then lunch out...
26Dec --- NE tour for PHS teachers & lunch out w CY
27Dec --- Outing to the Zoo with Dad & siblings
** the performances now at the zoo are below standard, worse than before... i'm disappointed.
28Dec --- Ice skating & lunch with siblings, Cass & sis, Rina, Merv, & a new fren - Claris
29Dec --- Dinner Out then go watch CY Ballet Performance with Jos & Monica (Central Library@ Bugis)
30Dec --- After service, Section Lunch & fellowship then Communion, followed by L.Ann's Party
31Dec --- Section Dinner then WatchNight Service
Mii School Hols: total of 49days... i 42days have activities... which is 86% of my holidays have 'appointments'!!!
And the spare time in between these activities and the 'free' days... I'm mostly busy making the orders that are coming in from Gifts From The Heart... mainly from my mom... and also thinking/making something special for my loved ones.
Managed to free 2days to pack my PHS stuffs - books, files, papers... threw away only 1/2 the amt i'm supposed to throw... guess i gotta pack it again another day.
There's a WHOLE LONG LIST of things i WAS SUPPOSSED to do this hols... but it's still waiting for me... and it's already the end of the year!!!
this hols... the day passes very very slowly... but the days passes very very fast... understand what i mean?? haha... guess that's when you get time flying and crawling, both at the same time. =)
but this hols aint feel like a holiday AT ALL!!! Not even when I was in Beijing... the beijing tour for me, was more of an educational trip than a holiday... i learnt a lot, which i'm glad of... but it aint relaxing at all! every morning wake up at 6.30AM!!! night time sleep late... even in the bus travelling to towns, i'll be making friendship bracelets, listening to sermons/songs.
I wanted to get a proper part-time job... but couldnt find any coz of my 'contraints' - camp, beijing trip, guitar lessons... but i'm 'busy' enough... i dont mind the 'busy-ness' - catching up with pple & fellowshipping (about 14occasions), learning things (beijing, guitar lesson, fun jam, camp), and enjoying my craft hobby/business/gifts... however, my schedule is so packed and hectic... that i soooooo sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo wish for a proper holiday to stop and relax. What do i mean by a proper holiday???
Holiday = leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure [cited from WordNet]
To be able to stop in the midst of this hectic world, to rest, relax, take a break, not just physical break, but a mental break... not that the mind stops, but the mind relaxes.
Bring me to a place, definitely NOT in Singapore, where it is quite quiet, away from heavy traffic and main roads, nice scenery, preferably a scenic place close to nature, a place that aint too grand... just comfortable, beautiful, with good environment, good air, and cosy, with little activities going on there... 'nothing' for me to do...
There, i'll relax, take my time, stroll instead of brisk walking, sleep well, breath in fresh air, enjoy the scenic view and the breeze, enjoy the sounds of nature and its closeness... There, i'll reflect, read, write, plan, meditate on the Word of God, spend more time seeking God, communing with Him so close to His creation - Nature, His beautiful masterpiece.
And when I'm back to the routine of life, i'll be recharged! Physically, mentally, and spiritually. A Cruise to Nowhere would probably be able to do the trick as well... anyway to escape this hectic world for a moment, to stop and relax, and listen to God... all i ask is for this holiday once a year... just once a year... 3days would be good enough. Is this Too much to ask??
Anything... for a proper holiday... i feel very very in need for one right now... especially as the school term approaches and the new year draws near...
there's sooo much i wanna blog and post about... but caught up with a lot of things this hols... hope to spam post soon. XP
REBOOT!!! Ignyte@PL Leadership Camp
REBOOT!
I initially was yet again having second thoughts about going... but I knew I needed a touch from God again, for him to speak to me, to assure me. Been going through tough times fighting against the enemies' lies, and often giving in, making myself so down. Been going through a lot this term... it's so exhausting... I needed a touch from God, yet I actually went to the camp without an expectation...
REBOOT was at ... SENTOSA!!! Yeah! So long have not gone to Sentosa and really wished to visit it and see all the changes there before the IR is up, and Sentosa becomes crazily packed with tourists, no place for locals like us?
Met at Vivo City to take the Sentosa Express over. My 1st time at Vivo City, and my 1st time sight of Sentosa Express. My group, as majority of us love pratas, we become known as the Pratas. And soon, we had our group cheer :PRATA SQUEEZE!!! "Prata, prata, prata, prata, prata. Uncle/Aunti, 5 go-song!" (we are group 5, so 5gosong)
At the beginning of the camp, we made our way to Vivo City, getting to know each other in the group, and we obtained 7 pretty green beads each. We were then introduced to the rules. Any rules broken, your bead will be snapped! The idea is to prevent any beads from getting snapped!
1rule that i really like: "campers should conduct themselves in an edifying manner as a Christian leader during the entire camp." Not only during the camp, but in my entire life I should be conducting myself in an editying manner as a Christian leader!! Yea!
Ahoy! Let's sail the sea lunch time! after dumping our barangs in our bunks, we gathered back together. All of us, >50 stood in a circle and got our hands tied up together, that there is never a hand that is alone. With this, we had to make our way down the narrow stairs, from the 2nd storey to the dining area at the ground floor. Food was on the tables, and the tables were put in a big circle. 1string was cut so that we, still tied, can circle the table and sit, and that cut string was tied again.
This meal is UNFORGETABLE!!! We had to feed each other lunch.
1. Raise your right hand (which is the same as raising both hands as your left hand is tied to your pal's right hand...haha...)
2. Scoop the food
3. Feed the person on your right.
We had a fun and interesting time, trying to manuovere our hands to turn 90-180 degrees to feed our friends. It was a tedious meal. Thank God it only lasted about 5 spoonfuls. Then strings were cut, pass the plate to your right... and dig in!!! YUM!
Learn to feed, serve, and wait on each other
To the stations...! Listen up! Listen HARD! As we ran around the beach, we learnt the values of being detailed/noticing details, taking the initiative, perseverance, and teamwork.
Questions to consider:
1. As an SP, what are some of the details that you have to take note of in ministry? (discipleship, connecting with others, serving, etc.)
2. Why is it important to notice details in ministry?
3. Which areas can a leader take initiative in?
*'knee-slapping' game ~ if both parties are on defending mode, and no one takes the initiative to attack first, NOTHING WILL HAPPEN!!!
*take the initiative to do things. take the initiative to connect oikos to my christian friends.
Night - Manna from our PAPA WHO AM I? WHY AM I HERE?
By Pastor D.
~1 Peter 2:9-10
1. Jesus Picked Me ["but you are a chosen people..."]
2. Jesus Lets Me In ["but you are... a royal priesthood..."]
3. Jesus sets Me Apart ["but you are... a holy nation..."]
4. Jesus Shows Me Off ["but you are... a people belonging to God..."]
5. Jesus Lights Me Up ["...who called you out of darkness, into his wonderful light..."]
WOW! Aint that amazing... I have never thought myself that way before. The message really spoke to me and touched my heart. Jesus actually picks me up. He chose me!!! I'm not just a nobody!!! Jesus actually is so proud of me that he shows me off!!! Wow! That was a new revelation to me...
It didnt just stopped there... during the altar call, God spoke to me. Firstly we touched me. Secondly, he spoke to me, assurred me through a few adult leaders who prayed for me at the altars. He aint done with me yet. Every time I thought God has spoken to me through this leader, now to focus back on him. I thought he was done talking to me at the altar. I was wrong. He kept sending different leaders to speak to me, to reassure and affirm me, to reveal to me God's purpose for me.
That night, I was assurred of my identity with Christ; God affirmed my position as an SP and as an SOF; God told me that He knows and sees my recent tiredness and encouraged me; visions seen by the leaders were told to me.
Snooze..... ............... .................... .......................... ..... ..... ...... ......
5.45am Arise My People!
6.15am Report it's Time Alone With God - before that, there was a bottle check. I got a bead snapped for not having my water bottle full to the brim. (apparently i did not hear the news about the botlle having need to be full when reporting that morning, and had drunk some water before i came.) My heart pain to see that precious sweet bead get snapped due to my unalertness and unpreparedness. I felt the loss. I had grown so attached to the 7 pretty green beads that was tied round my hand the entire day the day before.
=""((
We kept silent... praying, preparing our hearts, as we made our way quietly down from our SU campsite to the beach, while dawn had not yet arrived. though on the outside it was silent, in my heart, my mind, I was singing praise and worship songs unto the Lord.
We worshipped at the beach, and looked at the scenery around us, God's beautiful and wonderful and magnificent creation. We took our time reading the 'allocated' word of God, speaking to the Lord, hearing from Him, absorbing His creation. We gathered together again, and ended with worship unto the Lord, worship that sounded like the voices/the hearts of angels. In the end, we realised that we actually spent approximately TWO WHOLE HOURS with God. WOW!!!
Taking time to be still and listen to God, God spoke to me about the passages I read. It made me realised that I should really spend time with God, and not just 'rush' time. I need to be still and allow God to speak. I need to give myself more time to meditate and reflect upon the Word of God.
Hear Ye Hear Ye... WHY SHOULD I SERVE??
By Sis Gwen.
1. Heart of Serving ... ... it's all about love. Love is the motivation of serving.
2. Head of Serving ... ... know your purpose, guard the purpose God has given me and serve it.
3. Hand of Serving ... ... JUST DO IT!!! Take the courage, pray for someone. "God can use the little I have, with my heart so desired to serve, and enable me to grow sooo much more."
My Heart, my hands where leads my feet? WHO AM I? WHAT AM I DOING?
By Pastor D.
1. The harvest is ready!!! - we need a sense of urgency. the time is NOW!
2. Good sense of time - respect one another by being punctual, having a good sense of time.
3.Catch the Heart of God in us.
I initially was yet again having second thoughts about going... but I knew I needed a touch from God again, for him to speak to me, to assure me. Been going through tough times fighting against the enemies' lies, and often giving in, making myself so down. Been going through a lot this term... it's so exhausting... I needed a touch from God, yet I actually went to the camp without an expectation...
REBOOT was at ... SENTOSA!!! Yeah! So long have not gone to Sentosa and really wished to visit it and see all the changes there before the IR is up, and Sentosa becomes crazily packed with tourists, no place for locals like us?
Met at Vivo City to take the Sentosa Express over. My 1st time at Vivo City, and my 1st time sight of Sentosa Express. My group, as majority of us love pratas, we become known as the Pratas. And soon, we had our group cheer :PRATA SQUEEZE!!! "Prata, prata, prata, prata, prata. Uncle/Aunti, 5 go-song!" (we are group 5, so 5gosong)
At the beginning of the camp, we made our way to Vivo City, getting to know each other in the group, and we obtained 7 pretty green beads each. We were then introduced to the rules. Any rules broken, your bead will be snapped! The idea is to prevent any beads from getting snapped!
1rule that i really like: "campers should conduct themselves in an edifying manner as a Christian leader during the entire camp." Not only during the camp, but in my entire life I should be conducting myself in an editying manner as a Christian leader!! Yea!
Ahoy! Let's sail the sea lunch time! after dumping our barangs in our bunks, we gathered back together. All of us, >50 stood in a circle and got our hands tied up together, that there is never a hand that is alone. With this, we had to make our way down the narrow stairs, from the 2nd storey to the dining area at the ground floor. Food was on the tables, and the tables were put in a big circle. 1string was cut so that we, still tied, can circle the table and sit, and that cut string was tied again.
This meal is UNFORGETABLE!!! We had to feed each other lunch.
1. Raise your right hand (which is the same as raising both hands as your left hand is tied to your pal's right hand...haha...)
2. Scoop the food
3. Feed the person on your right.
We had a fun and interesting time, trying to manuovere our hands to turn 90-180 degrees to feed our friends. It was a tedious meal. Thank God it only lasted about 5 spoonfuls. Then strings were cut, pass the plate to your right... and dig in!!! YUM!
Learn to feed, serve, and wait on each other
To the stations...! Listen up! Listen HARD! As we ran around the beach, we learnt the values of being detailed/noticing details, taking the initiative, perseverance, and teamwork.
Questions to consider:
1. As an SP, what are some of the details that you have to take note of in ministry? (discipleship, connecting with others, serving, etc.)
2. Why is it important to notice details in ministry?
3. Which areas can a leader take initiative in?
*'knee-slapping' game ~ if both parties are on defending mode, and no one takes the initiative to attack first, NOTHING WILL HAPPEN!!!
*take the initiative to do things. take the initiative to connect oikos to my christian friends.
Night - Manna from our PAPA WHO AM I? WHY AM I HERE?
By Pastor D.
~1 Peter 2:9-10
1. Jesus Picked Me ["but you are a chosen people..."]
2. Jesus Lets Me In ["but you are... a royal priesthood..."]
3. Jesus sets Me Apart ["but you are... a holy nation..."]
4. Jesus Shows Me Off ["but you are... a people belonging to God..."]
5. Jesus Lights Me Up ["...who called you out of darkness, into his wonderful light..."]
WOW! Aint that amazing... I have never thought myself that way before. The message really spoke to me and touched my heart. Jesus actually picks me up. He chose me!!! I'm not just a nobody!!! Jesus actually is so proud of me that he shows me off!!! Wow! That was a new revelation to me...
It didnt just stopped there... during the altar call, God spoke to me. Firstly we touched me. Secondly, he spoke to me, assurred me through a few adult leaders who prayed for me at the altars. He aint done with me yet. Every time I thought God has spoken to me through this leader, now to focus back on him. I thought he was done talking to me at the altar. I was wrong. He kept sending different leaders to speak to me, to reassure and affirm me, to reveal to me God's purpose for me.
That night, I was assurred of my identity with Christ; God affirmed my position as an SP and as an SOF; God told me that He knows and sees my recent tiredness and encouraged me; visions seen by the leaders were told to me.
Snooze..... ............... .................... .......................... ..... ..... ...... ......
5.45am Arise My People!
6.15am Report it's Time Alone With God - before that, there was a bottle check. I got a bead snapped for not having my water bottle full to the brim. (apparently i did not hear the news about the botlle having need to be full when reporting that morning, and had drunk some water before i came.) My heart pain to see that precious sweet bead get snapped due to my unalertness and unpreparedness. I felt the loss. I had grown so attached to the 7 pretty green beads that was tied round my hand the entire day the day before.
=""((
We kept silent... praying, preparing our hearts, as we made our way quietly down from our SU campsite to the beach, while dawn had not yet arrived. though on the outside it was silent, in my heart, my mind, I was singing praise and worship songs unto the Lord.
We worshipped at the beach, and looked at the scenery around us, God's beautiful and wonderful and magnificent creation. We took our time reading the 'allocated' word of God, speaking to the Lord, hearing from Him, absorbing His creation. We gathered together again, and ended with worship unto the Lord, worship that sounded like the voices/the hearts of angels. In the end, we realised that we actually spent approximately TWO WHOLE HOURS with God. WOW!!!
Taking time to be still and listen to God, God spoke to me about the passages I read. It made me realised that I should really spend time with God, and not just 'rush' time. I need to be still and allow God to speak. I need to give myself more time to meditate and reflect upon the Word of God.
Hear Ye Hear Ye... WHY SHOULD I SERVE??
By Sis Gwen.
1. Heart of Serving ... ... it's all about love. Love is the motivation of serving.
2. Head of Serving ... ... know your purpose, guard the purpose God has given me and serve it.
3. Hand of Serving ... ... JUST DO IT!!! Take the courage, pray for someone. "God can use the little I have, with my heart so desired to serve, and enable me to grow sooo much more."
My Heart, my hands where leads my feet? WHO AM I? WHAT AM I DOING?
By Pastor D.
1. The harvest is ready!!! - we need a sense of urgency. the time is NOW!
2. Good sense of time - respect one another by being punctual, having a good sense of time.
3.Catch the Heart of God in us.
... ... ... ... ok, now i'm lost, becoz i had paused some time and left this post incomplete... ...
ya, then that's about the end of the camp, and we headed back home.
but before that, God spoke to me through my leader:
-Have confidence not in self, but in God
-Dont lose the heart/love for the people
-I am hospitable
- - - Ezekiel 34 - - -
am i the irresponsible shepherd? OR like God, the True Shepherd?
~I need to 'feed the flock' - feed God's people, feed those under my care [vs2]
~am i ... strengthening the weak? encouraging the weak & faint hearted??
healing those who are sick? praying for those who are unwell, for healing??
binding up the broken? binding up the broken-hearted, to give them love, care & concern??
bringing back what was driven away? bringing back those who had backsliden??
seeking the lost? seeking those who havent accepted Christ/ the pre-believers?? [vs 4, 16]
~I should feed my 'flocks' good solid food, not just keep all the good things for myself & grow fat while others grow thin. [vs14]
EMERGE: A NEW GENERATION!!!
Yeah! Last week was my church's youth (IGNYTE) camp... called "Emerge: A New Generation" From 10th December 2006 - 13th December.
It was a terrific camp! A bit of background info before i go into the camp details... this camp was my second youth camp. My first youth camp was two years back "Running After You" in the then called Passion! Ministry. Last year, i wanted to go for camp but it clashed with my Japan Exchange Trip. I was even more horrified to know from my sister upon return that last year was supposingly the last camp as the people signing up are getting more and more, and few places can accommodate us. i felt a stab in my heart that "Running After You" was my first and last youth camp...
Praise the Lord, this year it was announced that IGNYTE has found a place for the camp. YEAH! "Running After You" indeed was impactful and God empowering, but i feel that what i brought back and enjoyed the most was the fun filled activities and the interaction and fellowship with my group, "Asics"... but this year's camp, "Emerge:A New Generation" totally blew me...
My group was definitely great, not only great... but super fantastic!!! i just love my group... but most importantly, God spoke to me and i felt so close to Him like never before... in every activity, i could hear Him speaking to me. I totally felt that indeed i was by His side, He was by my side all the time... i felt this closeness that i missed for a long period of time already.
ok, let's start from the very beginning... "the very first place to start..."
1st Day:
my group is called "ELIPHELET"... it is the name of one of King David's mighty warriors... all the group names are names of king David's mighty warriors taken from 2 Samuel 23: 24-39
Well, we started getting to know each other as we made our name tags as a group...
My group's bus was the first bus (Yeah! Dont need to wait) and the 10 of us boarded, with another 2 more groups and the bus ICs. In my group there are 9 youths, 4guys & 5ladies, plus an adult leader, a lady.
On the bus ride there, many people sleep, but i wasnt actually feeling sleepy though usually on this kind of bus rides i would sleep coz so bored... anyway, i ended up playing first "bingo" with Sis Serena (my partner), and Sam & Merv (sitting in front of us)... then Sis Serena went to sleep and the 3 of us played lots of brainteaser questions, word games, etc. After the toilet break, as most of them were awake, we played those word games together with our other members. It was so fun... i guess that was when we "broke the ice".
Well on arrival @ Melacca Makhota Hotel, as we were one of the first few buses, and there are about 9 buses in total, while we waited, we came up with our group cheer =)
It was a terrific camp! A bit of background info before i go into the camp details... this camp was my second youth camp. My first youth camp was two years back "Running After You" in the then called Passion! Ministry. Last year, i wanted to go for camp but it clashed with my Japan Exchange Trip. I was even more horrified to know from my sister upon return that last year was supposingly the last camp as the people signing up are getting more and more, and few places can accommodate us. i felt a stab in my heart that "Running After You" was my first and last youth camp...
Praise the Lord, this year it was announced that IGNYTE has found a place for the camp. YEAH! "Running After You" indeed was impactful and God empowering, but i feel that what i brought back and enjoyed the most was the fun filled activities and the interaction and fellowship with my group, "Asics"... but this year's camp, "Emerge:A New Generation" totally blew me...
My group was definitely great, not only great... but super fantastic!!! i just love my group... but most importantly, God spoke to me and i felt so close to Him like never before... in every activity, i could hear Him speaking to me. I totally felt that indeed i was by His side, He was by my side all the time... i felt this closeness that i missed for a long period of time already.
ok, let's start from the very beginning... "the very first place to start..."
1st Day:
my group is called "ELIPHELET"... it is the name of one of King David's mighty warriors... all the group names are names of king David's mighty warriors taken from 2 Samuel 23: 24-39
Well, we started getting to know each other as we made our name tags as a group...
My group's bus was the first bus (Yeah! Dont need to wait) and the 10 of us boarded, with another 2 more groups and the bus ICs. In my group there are 9 youths, 4guys & 5ladies, plus an adult leader, a lady.
On the bus ride there, many people sleep, but i wasnt actually feeling sleepy though usually on this kind of bus rides i would sleep coz so bored... anyway, i ended up playing first "bingo" with Sis Serena (my partner), and Sam & Merv (sitting in front of us)... then Sis Serena went to sleep and the 3 of us played lots of brainteaser questions, word games, etc. After the toilet break, as most of them were awake, we played those word games together with our other members. It was so fun... i guess that was when we "broke the ice".
Well on arrival @ Melacca Makhota Hotel, as we were one of the first few buses, and there are about 9 buses in total, while we waited, we came up with our group cheer =)
" Eliphelet Eliphelet
We're the Best.
Eliphelet Eliphelet
Beats the Rest.
Eli..phelet! "
Well, that's the short one actually. We prepared a longer one but didnt used it.
After checking into our bunks, and having eaten our dinner, it was service time. =D
A special note about services at camps... they are very very impactful, very very refreshing, and it is where everyone usually receives a special touch from God, and new revelations of who God is and/or what He had in store for us, as individuals and as a church. It is not that normal church services are not that powerful... we can hear God better at camps because, usually we are not so distracted by the things around us, or worrying about one thing or another.
Pastor D. shared about Emerging From Egypt, finding true freedom in the word of God... we need to emerge out of our 'Egypt' (evil/bad practices...sin) and into God's destiny.
I was quite disappointed. I didnt receive a touch from God and though i was paying attention to the sermon and trying not to let anything distract me, i still felt far away from God that night. Maybe, there are still barriers surrounding my heart that keeps me away from God. I know that God was calling me, but i was like deaf to Him still.
2nd Day:
breakfast. Then TAWG (Time Alone With God - personal devotion). Service... anyone late, "pumping position now!" More than half the campers were late, thankfully not me and my bunk mates but sadly lots of familiar faces, both gals and guys. Pastor G. preached about Building the Great House of God, a house made of strong foundation by... Having a Master Plan, Having the Right Materials, so that we'll become a Rock for God's Kingdom & a House for the Glory of God.
lunch. Then group dynamics where we shared our expectations of camp and what camp is like to us. For me, camp is like when a baby is born. When a baby is born, it represents a new love - like when i would fall in love with God all over again at camp. A baby also represents more and new responsibilities in the near future - as what i would expect when God reveals to me what He wants me to do, during the camp. It is also a new found joy.
games time!!! lots of games, which i felt that my group did well... i love Eliphelet loads... my members are so enthusiastic, fun and sporting. Great games, wont write all of them in... but... The last game, the best, and the wildest was... WATERBOMBS!!! Splash splash Splash... Many of us don't even know who is in our team and who isn't... i got splashed by my good friend who later found out that we were from the same team...haha, betrayal... And she & I escaped from another friend, Jus, who was approaching us with a pail of water, in hope that he could dunk us... phew... Good thing we managed to escape.
morale of the game: "Every men counts"
bathe. Dinner. Blindfold time... "REALIGN"
what happens is that for this activity, we were blindfolded, cannot talk... Were only led by our adult leader. We walked in a row, hands on shoulder of front person. 1st stop, room where we had to fix a jigsaw puzzle blindfolded and were allowed to talk. Cant be done. then 4 person got blindfolds off, still cant be solved.
2nd stop, all blindfolds off, 3 minutes to memorise a long bible verse... haha, i can still remember... Joshua 24:15 "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Ammorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household we will serve the Lord." Then we were brought into a bunk with the television broadcasting High School Musical, and there were tidbits and drinks for whoever that wants. Then two by two we left the bunk to individually repeat the verse from our memory.
blindfolded again. Next stop, "surrender and give up your sticker or continue being tortured!!!" We were shouted at by a harsh voice that made us do pumping (push ups) and sit ups, still blindfolded... i was at the verge of giving up. I don't know how to do pumping and i didnt really do pumping before. it was torturous for me... i just keep saying "For Jesus..."
Next stop... unblinded, spot the 2 differences in the room, as i wasnt wearing my spectacles, i couldn't see clearly, all of us miss all the differences. Blindfolded. Reach the end point.
Go for time of worship and a debrief and objective of the game... it was a 2 pointer, but i cant remember the 2nd point and didnt have writing materials wif me then. 1st point - To be Realign by God, we need to be in the Right Position.
Doing some self reflection in my bunk before i slept, God spoke to me...
- Being blindfolded, i cant see, need to depend and rely on the people in front leading us and the one giving instructions and walk by faith [In the world of darkness/sin, trust God to lead us through as we cant see but God can see what's lies in our path, but only when we obey Him and walk by Faith, not by sight then can God truly lead us]
- Standing still, still blindfolded, for some time, waiting, anticipating, feeling impatient [God is teaching me to have patience]
- Cannot talk nor communicate [don't question God, just obey]
- Memorising Joshua 24:15, a long verse, with distractions such as food, drinks, TV, comfort (air con) [God's Word is important, don't get distracted]
- When we reach steps, humps, slopes we cant see, our leader would inform us, i felt a sense of safety and love [God wants to ensure our safety too and doesn't want us to get hurt for He loves us]
- Pumping while still being blindfolded, feeling tired, a little irritated, on the verge of surrendering [Dont give up in times of trial]
- If we cant even 'survive', and complain at these slight discomforts, what will happen to us when we REALLY face the real obstacles and trials in our lives?!?!?!
3rd Day:
breakfast. morning exercise, which includes more pumping for my tired out arms from last night's pumping. Breakfast. TAWG. Service. Pastor D. shared on A New Generation from GILGAL... Gilgal, Joshua 5, represents the PRUNING of God, the PROMISES of God, and the PRESENCE of God. We were consecrated with oil by our leaders. While being consecrated with oil, a leader prayed that I'll be courageous like a lion, live in purity, and be a good influence (that's all i can remember anyway)... this is when the unexpected happened... Being consecrated already, i moved to the back portion of the hall so that others have the chance to be anointed and continued worship...
Wanting to continue worshipping God, reaching out to Him, communicating with Him, I fell to my knew, kneeling in God's presence. I could feel that the atmosphere was thick with the presence of God, but still had not received a personal touch from Him yet...
As i was speaking in tongues, being already baptised by the Holy Spirit, suddenly, tears just started flowing and flowing, and i couldn't speak in tongues anymore as i was so overwhelmed, and started sobbing and crying for like no particular reason, the Lord just hit me like that. I was then convicted by God. I was reminded of the Parable of the Lost Son, that Jesus told... All these while I was like that lost son, i was God's lost sheep. I rejected Him and tried seeking comfort in the world all these months, yet it left me more tired, more desperate, more 'poor' than before. I never thought that way since i still regularly go to church and look forward to it, and do my TAWG quite regularly, yet God reminded me that when i did my TAWG, my heart wasnt in it. In church, God called me back again and again to return to His side. I do respond, but return to the world not long after the day is over.
That day, i cried out to God, saying "i Repent!" I have never been so sincere, so convicted, and have seldom or never used this word when apologising to God, but at that moment, i knew that i meant that word with all of my heart. I cried out to Him and He forgave me, and brought me back to His side again, all barriers broken down by the blood of the Lamb. I rededicated my life, my heart, my soul and spirit, back to the one true God, Jesus.
***This is the first time I cry, as in really cry and sob, instead of just tears flowing down, and what's more, so uncontrollably. Who can explain this, except that it was a visitation from my Abba, my Father in Heaven, who loves me. PRAISE THE LORD!!!
lunch. YEAH!!! Siesta.... *snooze* ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.............................................. *Yawwnnn.....* So tired, coz last night and last last night didnt have alot of sleep, so quite tired, physically... but spiritually just so so energised.
"Bridging the Gap" it's a game where every group are given profiles of oikos (non-Christians, unsaved characters) and we have to rush to get them save (accept Jesus Christ)... To win the person over to Christ, we had to find various stations all around the hotel to complete activities. When we have completed lots of activities for that person, we have to go find the character, which are some of our leaders, and they will tell you whether you know them enough (whether you have done enough activities for them).
So my team took off. First stop, prayer station. To 'pray' for a certain person, we have to use our hair to soak up water and squeeze into a cup. Once it is overflowed, it means you have sincerely prayed for that character. We focused mainly on 3 characters, out of the 5 character profiles we had.
We finally finished enough care acts for a character and ran to find her. Actually before that, we had already approached her but she said that though we know her quite well, but we don't know her well enough, just need one more thing. This time, she said ok, since we know her so well, she will give us an opportunity to listen to what we wanna tell her ( she requested to hear a real personal testimony from one of us). Janan shared, and the testimony 'moved' her ( his testimony is real by the way, and really shows the power of God). We nearly forgot to ask her the most important question, as at the back of our mind, we were thinking of just completing the task for this game... "Do you want to accept Jesus into your life?" She said yes...
In the midst of our game, before we went to 'save' our character, we heard the news... 2 characters had died, one in an accident and the other committed suicide. I was so stunned, shocked, angry with myself, disappointed for they were the other 2 whom we were working on to save. If only we had reached them in time!!! Then it hit me, that is the reality in life... The end times are coming and yet here we, Christians, are wasting time and letting lives slip though our fingers. We need the URGENCY!!!
God spoke to me, through this activity. If i could work so hard, try so hard for a game, willing to do pumping, running here and there because of limited time... Why cant i do that in real life??? Why aren't i working that hard for the people i love who has not personally come to know the Lord??? What if the characters that died were my friends, relatives, teachers, people i know whom i fail to try my best to preach the gospel to them??? Will i then regret when it is too late??? *ponder*ponder*
To close the activity "Bridging the Gap", Pastor Su. shared with us about Emerge As God's Army, by Being like Jesus, Having Compassion, Asking the Lord for the Harvest, and Going to Reap in the Souls. "Lives are slipping away... What am i gonna fo about it???"
dinner + group dynamics... And tasting/trying fried worms... YUCKS! So salty and disgusting, quite crunchy though. Service by Pastor G. About Leaping Into the Unknown... we will need Incredible Staying Power (Seek God's Mind, Have a Perserving Heart), and we need to Invade Into Our New Season (Though Obedience to His Ways, Be Ready to War Against Opposition). That night, after altar call... we began praying and praying for our ministry, the different people... The NS men, the JC students, the Polytechnic students, the ITE students, the Secondary school students, our pastors, the entire IGNYTE ministry, etc. I loved it, praying for others just stirs up my spirit and granted me a new form of strength and energy.
Moreover, it was a time in the History of IGNYTE ministry, which is only about one year old, and moving into two districts next year, IGNYTE@Adam and IGNYTE@PayaLebar . That night, Pastor Ger. who have served in the youth ministry already for 8 years, and is leaving the youth ministry, who is also known as a prophet in my church, anointed the two district pastor, Pastor G. And Pastor D. respectively, and prayed over them and appointed them in front of us campers as witnesses before the Lord, to commission them as district pastors, granting them fresh anointing. It was an exciting moment!
supper (cup noodles... but i didnt take coz i am not hungry and don't really like cup noodles due to bad experience in the past) and we also exchange contacts. Bathe. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..................................
4th Day: (and sadly, the last day of camp too...)
breakfast. Service by Pastor Ger. on Emerging As A New Generation Of Kings. A True King ... Comes from Obscurity, emerge through Adversaries, have Faithfulness and Intergrity, is a Real King.
Then, we split into 2 groups - IGNYTE@Adam and IGNYTE@PayaLebar , and our district pastors spoke to us.
Lunch. Move out, heading towards Singapore, Home Sweet Home!
The bus ride back was so so fun! It was a great time of fellowship with my group mates. I didnt even catch a wink, though i was a little tired. And what's more, usually at such rides, i would nap, whether long or short... This is the 2nd time i didnt! (1st time was the bus trip to camp) It was real fun... i just LOVE my group so much!!!
ELIPHELET! ELIPHELET! I LOVE YOU!!!!
Sam, Janan, Josh, Merv, Clio, Emm, Pam, Grace, Sis Serena... You all are GREAT!!!!!
FRENZ 4 EVER!!!
It was real fun... Merv started calling lots of people, actually all the gals in my grp, except Sis Serena, evil... i don't know why *innocent look* Me, Clio, Emm became 'evil mistresses' and Pam, Grace became 'evil minions'... so we called him the 'evil master'... As we were so so bored, Pam, Grace, & me made up a Christmas song for Merv... Here it is, dedicated to our watermelon boy... Hit it man!!! ... ... ... ... ... ...
"On the 5th day of Christmas, his true love gave to Merv,
5 ... Wa - ter - Bombs ;
4 Watermelons;
3 Evil mistress;
2 evil minions;
and an evil master who loves red!!!"
In the bus, don't really know why, i suddenly call Janan 'gor', so from then on, it just slip out everytime i address him... He is like my big brother, and i always wanted an older sibling to like dote on me and watch out for me, and so that day, i made a 'gor'. I guess he doesn't really mind coz he isn't anyone's gor, but now, he is me and Merv's gor... that's how we sometimes call him...
Yeah! HOME SWEET HOME!!! We were back at Trinity... And guess what?! My sister, brother, and cousins were in Bus 9 and i was in Bus 1!!!! I had to wait for my bro, my sis, my 4 cousins before i could go home coz my uncle is fetching us... And while waiting (for more than 45min), i heard a testimony from my friend... her wallet, which she realised was lost and still couldn't find at the end of camp was found!!!! She dropped it in the bus on her way to church on the first day of camp... PRAISE THE LORD!!! She was so worried about it and we were praying that somehow God will help her wallet to appear, though on the first day she ransacked her bags countless times and there seemed no hope of the wallet appearing. Praise the Lord, indeed He answers ur prayer and nothing is impossible for Him!
ELIPHELET
Camp was really GREAT!!! My only regret was that it was so so short!!! it was only like 3&1/2 days =(
1st Scholar's Circle Camp 2006
Whoa! This Scholar's Circle Camp, 8th-9th June 2006, the 1st ever held in my school, is the BEST camp I've ever been to... not comparing with my 2004Youth Camp though. =)
I mean, it was just so fun, fun, relaxing, and more fun... and SLACK!!! I mean, to me personally, that is Good... please!!! U study so hard for 1 semester, for the mid-yr papers... it's just time to "CUT!"...take a break, and relax.
This camp was mainly organised by my 2 good friends, Jos and Theo... with our 2 teachers. They didn't really had much time to plan... and not many people turned up. All the Scholar's Circle boys, either couldn't make it or couldn't be contacted or just simply don't wanna come. Too bad for them... and good for us girls. =D YEA!
Well, we had a total of 15 students participating in this 2day1night camp.
We started with briefing and introduction as we did not really know some of the members. We were divided into 3 groups where we know and don't know some of the members. Then, off we go to "Amazing Race".
3Stations:
#1 - School Foyer:
The group is given 5 pieces of potato chips. They are to put 1 piece on their forehead, and move it into their mouth, WITHOUT using their hands... cannot help each other too. HILARIOUS! To pass, u need to succeed with at least 2. And my group did it! Yea! Hey, it's not easy lor.
#2 - School Canteen:
We have to play this game like: 5feet on the ground, 2 heads on the ground, 1ear on the ground, 2 nose on the ground, etc... at the same time... I think it would had been very funny if it was taken in a photo. Too bad I forgot about taking photos at that moment.
#3 - D&T Block Area:
2 person blindfolded, and grp members are to give directions for 1 to pick up pens and the other, rulers, both at the same time, with the game master giving wrong directions. Blindfolded people not supposed to touch the benches. Not easy XP
After that, we had like bonding session. We reintroduced ourselves, class, CCA, and our hobby. Next, we play the entanglement game where everyone is to stand in a circle, and grab the hands of people opposite them... then, we had to try to untangle ourselves without letting go of the hands... a great game to pay and break the ice =)
Well, one funny thing that happened was... we realised that 3 girls were holding hands and in a separate circle of their own while untangling ourselves. We had a laugh... Tired out, we sat in a circle and I taught them a game... both hands on the floor, with one hand over a hand of the person sitting on your right. Then, "tap, tap, double tap... tap, tap, tapping...". When the professionals were left, we started getting a little dizzy as the current goes one round and change direction. Whew, haha, fun game.
We broke up back into our groups for lunch... we r very WeiRD people... going all the way to Woodlands just to dine @ Pizza Hut... while others went to J8 and Orchard... 2 hours lunch break.
2pm - Yio Chu Kang Grassroot Club... BOWLING!!!... so so so fun! I quite took to bowling. We played 3 games in a row, most of us beginners... me, a 2nd time "bowler" Was very fun and enjoyable... we enjoyed ourselves lotz. I did not that bad =) ENjoYABle!!!!!
Back to school... bathing time, 45min... then watch the movie... "Pay It Forward" A very nice, touching, inspirational movie, a movie with a lesson to learn and take up. Instead of returning the debt of someone, u have to pay it forward to 3 other people, meaning u have to do something great for 3 people, something that would change their life.
DINNER! Packet food... self ordered and collected by the partnership J&T (Jos and Theo)... hahaha...lol...all thanks to them! Followed by free time of 45min... free & easy night stroll within the school compound... well, me and a group of friends just wandered in the school, taking night shots. And back to movie screening. 2nd movie - "Dead Poets Society"... Not Long After... ZZZzzzZZZZZzzzzz... ... ... ...
Yawwwnnn... *stretch!* MacDonald Breakfast...YUM! Then, 3 of us had to leave for a short while due to CCA meeting... the rest stayed in the air con rm and played "TABOO". I Like that Game! It was so so fun, and addictive... the whole day long, can catch a glimpse of people playing TABOO every now and then. As everyone had too good and heavy a breakfast, we decided to forgo lunch.
Not long later...
Time for... "FEAR FACTOR!"
Tee hee hee... ...
4 Stations:
#1 - Hot Stuff
A blindfolded member to pick 2 slice of bread for the group to consume... chilli sauce bread or WASABI bread!!! YUM! Haha... my station *rubbing hands in glee* ... 1st grp picked 2 wasabi pieces...yucks! The other 2 grps picked 1 wasabi and I chilli... I tried the wasabi bread... Let me tell u, unless u really like wasabi, don't ever try it =) I hated it! It was HORRIBLE!!! But edible.
#2 - Charade
Well, as I was not there, I don't really know what happened... seems like you play a game of charades... if u cant guess the word, u will have something done to u... I think the station master drew on them.
#3 - Spelling
Something to do with spelling out words and bursting of balloons. I heard that I of the sec2 girl actually took 5min bursting a balloon... using her nametag while others used ways like stepping on the balloons.
#4 - Sour Memory
What I called a remedy for wasabi... 10 cards... need to memorise them in 1 min n in order. Members cannot help each other, is individual memory. Forfeit: 1 cup freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice mixed with those bottle sweet lemon juice; 2 skittles (very sour); pieces of fresh lemon to finish.
Then... ...
HIGH TEA!!!!!!!!!
Yum! Yum! Good food... food from Prima Deli... cakes, chicken pies, fruit tarts, choice of 4-5 types of drinks, etc. Delicious and Yum!
Then, short debrief and prize presentation and group photo... pack/clean up, and dismiss. Oh and watching the movie have lesson also... [Pay It Forward] ~ How can we start the "pay it forward" system in our school??? [Dead Poets Society] ~ How can we create a rich school culture???
Hmmm... that is something to think about... ...
Ok, photo link for this camp, for those who wanna view the photos:
1st Scholar's Circle Camp 2006 Photos
I mean, it was just so fun, fun, relaxing, and more fun... and SLACK!!! I mean, to me personally, that is Good... please!!! U study so hard for 1 semester, for the mid-yr papers... it's just time to "CUT!"...take a break, and relax.
This camp was mainly organised by my 2 good friends, Jos and Theo... with our 2 teachers. They didn't really had much time to plan... and not many people turned up. All the Scholar's Circle boys, either couldn't make it or couldn't be contacted or just simply don't wanna come. Too bad for them... and good for us girls. =D YEA!
Well, we had a total of 15 students participating in this 2day1night camp.
We started with briefing and introduction as we did not really know some of the members. We were divided into 3 groups where we know and don't know some of the members. Then, off we go to "Amazing Race".
3Stations:
#1 - School Foyer:
The group is given 5 pieces of potato chips. They are to put 1 piece on their forehead, and move it into their mouth, WITHOUT using their hands... cannot help each other too. HILARIOUS! To pass, u need to succeed with at least 2. And my group did it! Yea! Hey, it's not easy lor.
#2 - School Canteen:
We have to play this game like: 5feet on the ground, 2 heads on the ground, 1ear on the ground, 2 nose on the ground, etc... at the same time... I think it would had been very funny if it was taken in a photo. Too bad I forgot about taking photos at that moment.
#3 - D&T Block Area:
2 person blindfolded, and grp members are to give directions for 1 to pick up pens and the other, rulers, both at the same time, with the game master giving wrong directions. Blindfolded people not supposed to touch the benches. Not easy XP
After that, we had like bonding session. We reintroduced ourselves, class, CCA, and our hobby. Next, we play the entanglement game where everyone is to stand in a circle, and grab the hands of people opposite them... then, we had to try to untangle ourselves without letting go of the hands... a great game to pay and break the ice =)
Well, one funny thing that happened was... we realised that 3 girls were holding hands and in a separate circle of their own while untangling ourselves. We had a laugh... Tired out, we sat in a circle and I taught them a game... both hands on the floor, with one hand over a hand of the person sitting on your right. Then, "tap, tap, double tap... tap, tap, tapping...". When the professionals were left, we started getting a little dizzy as the current goes one round and change direction. Whew, haha, fun game.
We broke up back into our groups for lunch... we r very WeiRD people... going all the way to Woodlands just to dine @ Pizza Hut... while others went to J8 and Orchard... 2 hours lunch break.
2pm - Yio Chu Kang Grassroot Club... BOWLING!!!... so so so fun! I quite took to bowling. We played 3 games in a row, most of us beginners... me, a 2nd time "bowler" Was very fun and enjoyable... we enjoyed ourselves lotz. I did not that bad =) ENjoYABle!!!!!
Back to school... bathing time, 45min... then watch the movie... "Pay It Forward" A very nice, touching, inspirational movie, a movie with a lesson to learn and take up. Instead of returning the debt of someone, u have to pay it forward to 3 other people, meaning u have to do something great for 3 people, something that would change their life.
DINNER! Packet food... self ordered and collected by the partnership J&T (Jos and Theo)... hahaha...lol...all thanks to them! Followed by free time of 45min... free & easy night stroll within the school compound... well, me and a group of friends just wandered in the school, taking night shots. And back to movie screening. 2nd movie - "Dead Poets Society"... Not Long After... ZZZzzzZZZZZzzzzz... ... ... ...
Yawwwnnn... *stretch!* MacDonald Breakfast...YUM! Then, 3 of us had to leave for a short while due to CCA meeting... the rest stayed in the air con rm and played "TABOO". I Like that Game! It was so so fun, and addictive... the whole day long, can catch a glimpse of people playing TABOO every now and then. As everyone had too good and heavy a breakfast, we decided to forgo lunch.
Not long later...
Time for... "FEAR FACTOR!"
Tee hee hee... ...
4 Stations:
#1 - Hot Stuff
A blindfolded member to pick 2 slice of bread for the group to consume... chilli sauce bread or WASABI bread!!! YUM! Haha... my station *rubbing hands in glee* ... 1st grp picked 2 wasabi pieces...yucks! The other 2 grps picked 1 wasabi and I chilli... I tried the wasabi bread... Let me tell u, unless u really like wasabi, don't ever try it =) I hated it! It was HORRIBLE!!! But edible.
#2 - Charade
Well, as I was not there, I don't really know what happened... seems like you play a game of charades... if u cant guess the word, u will have something done to u... I think the station master drew on them.
#3 - Spelling
Something to do with spelling out words and bursting of balloons. I heard that I of the sec2 girl actually took 5min bursting a balloon... using her nametag while others used ways like stepping on the balloons.
#4 - Sour Memory
What I called a remedy for wasabi... 10 cards... need to memorise them in 1 min n in order. Members cannot help each other, is individual memory. Forfeit: 1 cup freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice mixed with those bottle sweet lemon juice; 2 skittles (very sour); pieces of fresh lemon to finish.
Then... ...
HIGH TEA!!!!!!!!!
Yum! Yum! Good food... food from Prima Deli... cakes, chicken pies, fruit tarts, choice of 4-5 types of drinks, etc. Delicious and Yum!
Then, short debrief and prize presentation and group photo... pack/clean up, and dismiss. Oh and watching the movie have lesson also... [Pay It Forward] ~ How can we start the "pay it forward" system in our school??? [Dead Poets Society] ~ How can we create a rich school culture???
Hmmm... that is something to think about... ...
Ok, photo link for this camp, for those who wanna view the photos:
1st Scholar's Circle Camp 2006 Photos
Combined UG Mt Ophir Expedition
I just came back from "mountain climbing" last week. It was my school's combined UG (uniform groups) Mt Ophir Expedition. For those who don't know, Mt Ophir is a mountain in Malaysia.
It was indeed tough and tiring... but it was quite fun while it lasted. Initially, I was complaining and lamenting and regretting going. Being a pampered Singaporean youth, a little 'hardship' will yak and yak, lamenting away. But I totally enjoyed this trip, a lot...
1 important lesson that I learnt was not to take things for granted but to be appreciative. My eyes opened during this trip as I hiked up the 'mountain'. I started to be very grateful, especially to my parents, who in their concern and worry, prepared me for this trip which I initially did not see the importance... snacks that are strictly reserved for eating while trekking, simple medication and first aid, a good camera with a large memory space, etc.
Actually, my dad said that I was not supposed to share the 3 Mars bars, but to eat them every 2 hour interval. Along with that, my mom also gave me a 'tube' of Oreo biscuits (which I shared around and in the end never did get to try it =( ...) and some sweets, all of which I shared. I even got scolded by dad when he realised that I only ate 1/2 a Mars Bar when I was supposed to eat all 3. =P
Anyway, it is good to share, especially to others who may need it more. For me, I personally did not mind eating less, as long as some others are happier. *shrug* And the medicine/1st aid came to good use... esp the 'brown tape plaster', medicated oil, and the zam buk. I think others use my parents blessings more than I did, but it doesn't matter. I am glad to offer my service to others.
The thing I enjoyed most was the fellowship. As it is a combined UG, I got to know and made friends with some of my peers from other UGs, especially the girls. For those whom I known, through this trip, we fostered better and closer relationship, getting to know each other better, and depending on each other. This does not only stop at my fellow peers, but also fellowship with the sec 4 seniors, the teachers, the CIs of other UGs, and our guide that followed us from Singapore.
It was so nice to see the unity, friendship, help, teamwork, encouragement, etc. given on this trip... as strangers/acquaintances help and encourage each other on. I felt very glad and privileged to know this group of people, as well as to together conquer Mt Ophir. Though we were not perfect, and some of us were a little mischievous and unthoughtful, I still enjoyed the company very very very much.
On the whole, I would like to thank God for several things:
*That none of us really got lost
*That no one got seriously hurt
*That the weather was very good, though it started to rain on the way down. But at least it did not start to rain earlier.
*For protecting us and giving each and every one of us the strength and courage to conquer the summit
*That I had a great and enjoyable time
*For my parents who gave me snacks, medication, 1st aid that came to very good use during the trip
*For granting us His favour
*For TREES and their roots, as they helped us as we climb up and down the mountain... without them I would have slipped and fall much more times =O OUCH!
*For the Malaysian guides who patiently waited and guided us both up and down the mountain.
*For our Singaporean guide who took the courage and faith to guide and help us, ensuring that we have/get everything we needed... for she had a speech difficulty, yet took the courage to try to communicate with us and bear no grudges against the negative remarks foolishly made.
*For the CIs who helped to organise and assist the teachers
*For our 4 wonderful teachers, who made this trip possible, who had courage and faith in their students, who encouraged us even in their enthusiasm and otherwise.
*MOST IMPORTANTLY, all thanks and praise be to the Lord God, the Jehovah... who made this trip possible, memorable... who led me through the decision of going, whose hand was always covering us and protecting us from all harm.
I really totally enjoyed myself lotz... at first I was saying, "I would never come to Mt Ophir again, not even if u pay me a thousand dollars, not even for any badge..." But it was indeed a achievement, and I may consider going again if the opportunity arises, though once I start climbing I would probably complain again. XD
The fellowship was indeed Great! I may have said that I regretted going, at the beginning of the climb... but I know for sure that I totally enjoyed myself on the whole and have no regrets going. No journey is too tough to go through if you persists and try, and with God by your side.
I TOTALLY LOVED THIS MT OPHIR TRIP!!!!!
PS. The photo links... for those who went and want to see the photos:
To View:
http://s55.photobucket.com/albums/g121/Love_MtOphir2006/
For easier download of photo files:
http://www.filefactory.com/get/v3/f2.php?f=540897
http://www.filefactory.com/get/v3/f2.php?f=9af4e3
http://www.filefactory.com/get/v3/f2.php?f=aa5002
http://www.filefactory.com/get/v3/f2.php?f=ee509a
For File Factory... go to the sites... the click "Don't want a premium download? Click here to access our free download links"
Sorry for the inconvenience, cant find any better sites... any recommendations, do email me or leave a comment or a tag. =) Happy Viewing!!!
It was indeed tough and tiring... but it was quite fun while it lasted. Initially, I was complaining and lamenting and regretting going. Being a pampered Singaporean youth, a little 'hardship' will yak and yak, lamenting away. But I totally enjoyed this trip, a lot...
1 important lesson that I learnt was not to take things for granted but to be appreciative. My eyes opened during this trip as I hiked up the 'mountain'. I started to be very grateful, especially to my parents, who in their concern and worry, prepared me for this trip which I initially did not see the importance... snacks that are strictly reserved for eating while trekking, simple medication and first aid, a good camera with a large memory space, etc.
Actually, my dad said that I was not supposed to share the 3 Mars bars, but to eat them every 2 hour interval. Along with that, my mom also gave me a 'tube' of Oreo biscuits (which I shared around and in the end never did get to try it =( ...) and some sweets, all of which I shared. I even got scolded by dad when he realised that I only ate 1/2 a Mars Bar when I was supposed to eat all 3. =P
Anyway, it is good to share, especially to others who may need it more. For me, I personally did not mind eating less, as long as some others are happier. *shrug* And the medicine/1st aid came to good use... esp the 'brown tape plaster', medicated oil, and the zam buk. I think others use my parents blessings more than I did, but it doesn't matter. I am glad to offer my service to others.
The thing I enjoyed most was the fellowship. As it is a combined UG, I got to know and made friends with some of my peers from other UGs, especially the girls. For those whom I known, through this trip, we fostered better and closer relationship, getting to know each other better, and depending on each other. This does not only stop at my fellow peers, but also fellowship with the sec 4 seniors, the teachers, the CIs of other UGs, and our guide that followed us from Singapore.
It was so nice to see the unity, friendship, help, teamwork, encouragement, etc. given on this trip... as strangers/acquaintances help and encourage each other on. I felt very glad and privileged to know this group of people, as well as to together conquer Mt Ophir. Though we were not perfect, and some of us were a little mischievous and unthoughtful, I still enjoyed the company very very very much.
On the whole, I would like to thank God for several things:
*That none of us really got lost
*That no one got seriously hurt
*That the weather was very good, though it started to rain on the way down. But at least it did not start to rain earlier.
*For protecting us and giving each and every one of us the strength and courage to conquer the summit
*That I had a great and enjoyable time
*For my parents who gave me snacks, medication, 1st aid that came to very good use during the trip
*For granting us His favour
*For TREES and their roots, as they helped us as we climb up and down the mountain... without them I would have slipped and fall much more times =O OUCH!
*For the Malaysian guides who patiently waited and guided us both up and down the mountain.
*For our Singaporean guide who took the courage and faith to guide and help us, ensuring that we have/get everything we needed... for she had a speech difficulty, yet took the courage to try to communicate with us and bear no grudges against the negative remarks foolishly made.
*For the CIs who helped to organise and assist the teachers
*For our 4 wonderful teachers, who made this trip possible, who had courage and faith in their students, who encouraged us even in their enthusiasm and otherwise.
*MOST IMPORTANTLY, all thanks and praise be to the Lord God, the Jehovah... who made this trip possible, memorable... who led me through the decision of going, whose hand was always covering us and protecting us from all harm.
I really totally enjoyed myself lotz... at first I was saying, "I would never come to Mt Ophir again, not even if u pay me a thousand dollars, not even for any badge..." But it was indeed a achievement, and I may consider going again if the opportunity arises, though once I start climbing I would probably complain again. XD
The fellowship was indeed Great! I may have said that I regretted going, at the beginning of the climb... but I know for sure that I totally enjoyed myself on the whole and have no regrets going. No journey is too tough to go through if you persists and try, and with God by your side.
I TOTALLY LOVED THIS MT OPHIR TRIP!!!!!
PS. The photo links... for those who went and want to see the photos:
To View:
http://s55.photobucket.com/albums/g121/Love_MtOphir2006/
For easier download of photo files:
http://www.filefactory.com/get/v3/f2.php?f=540897
http://www.filefactory.com/get/v3/f2.php?f=9af4e3
http://www.filefactory.com/get/v3/f2.php?f=aa5002
http://www.filefactory.com/get/v3/f2.php?f=ee509a
For File Factory... go to the sites... the click "Don't want a premium download? Click here to access our free download links"
Sorry for the inconvenience, cant find any better sites... any recommendations, do email me or leave a comment or a tag. =) Happy Viewing!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)