I came to the camp perhaps as the most unprepared group facilitator, inspite of my having attended the briefing and diligently reading the camp book. Comforted by Deacon Winston’s advice on the Sunday before the camp not to be “daunted” by the camp booklet but to go to the camp just going through the 5 Ws, I then did my little piece of homework.
Praise be to God; wonders of all wonders, elder Adrian took us through all that was planned. From the lessons given by deacons KC, Swee Aun and Winston, to the Self Reflection Exercises (5 Ws: Ideal, Ordeal & Deal), to the Community Activities (LAMP, POST, STEP, Art Gallery) and finally to “My Gift For You,” the Community Leaders were most faithful in “walking us through” each, without letting up on any.
In the LAMP activity, we scrambled to put the verses of 1John under “Life, Light, Law and Love.” My “Law” sub-group ended up having all the verses that did not fit into “Life, Light or Love.” Our key message then read, “All who believe and obey His word will be children of God (1John 3:1-2); we will abide in Him and He in us (1John 3:23-24); and we will overcome the world and be victorious. (1John 5:4).
As I struggled to keep up, to facilitate, and then in the STEP game to almost a heated debate, with a splitting headache, I came out strengthened by the resolve to exhibit the “Christian Community Spirit” that ensued from the whole process. “Oh, it’s only a game! What is giving 2 marks more or less?” This is the human nature going through the grill as we profess to be “walking in the light” and “fellowshipping with one another.” In another activity, we wrote our personal struggles, crushed them up and threw them away, yelling, “Ai yeoh! Ai yah!” It was perhaps our demonstration of “unloading” our inner struggles and burdens. Very often we harbour them, becoming bitter and unforgiving. POST is for you to open up and share your struggles with your Care Team and with God. Why not “Cast your cares and anxieties on God for He cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7.
My worst subject was Art and so for my Art Gallery masterpiece I got an artist (Shawn Li) to help me. I remembered being described as a “Sunflower, mothergoose and angel” by my students at one Farewell that the school gave me. And so my self-portrait was presented in that manner.
• To be a “sunflower” - bright yellow in colour, to add sunshine to the kingdom of God. In my 40-year walk in the Lord, I have wavered umpteen times but I stand steadfast in my faith, bringing the “sun” into my home, workplace and to people I meet.
• To be the “mothergoose” – now that I have mellowed in my years to be an “auntie” to the youths and a “grandaunt” to my grandnephew and grandniece! In school I guess I’ve often been “naggy” enough trying to instill values of “Respect, Responsibility and Relationships” in the students. In Christianity the same values apply, more so in our “fellowshipping with one another”. I now am a “mothergoose” to all the house helpers and all who will come under my fold!
• To be an “angel” – to reach out to those in need as many had extended a hand to me in my need. God has blessed me much that I may share these blessings with others, both spiritually and financially.
What then are my gifts to my group members? Let me share a little with you.
• To Molly Tng, it is the “Heaven’s Grocery Store,” for her to pick her fruits of the spirit and more (patience, love, understanding, wisdom, faith, strength, courage, salvation, prayer, peace, joy, songs and praise). Best of all, they are for free, for Christ had paid it all!
• To Foon Yoong, someone I’ve always admired, so full of love and grace in the Lord, my gift is that of a “Planter of Gardens.” I see her planting 3 rows of squash: squash gossip, squash criticism, squash indifference; and 3 rows of peas (Ps): Purity, Patience and Perseverance. And so her garden goes…
• To Violet Nah (Winston’s aunt), my gift to you is a “Garden of Friends,” that you be surrounded with friends to warm your heart; friends to comfort and encourage you on in your walk with God.
• To Ris, my gift to her is a “Helping Hand” to encourage her in her walk with God and in uplifting her in her personal “ordeals” to reach her “ideals.” Make a “deal” with her!
• To Doreen Teo, our Community Leader, my gift to you is the “Butterfly.” You not only add colour to God’s garden, you also help to “pollinate” the flowers, causing them to fruit and to multiply. You zealously, and in a “no-nonsense” manner got us into our act from “LAMP to POST to STEP!” In the Art gallery, you turned us into instant artists. You deserve a pat for plodding us on!
• To Daniel Ng, our choral director, my gift to you is a “Song” for you to sing to your wife, Betty. You have renewed my joy in singing in a chorus, reminding me of my singing in the choir during my school days. And so, “ I thank you for the music, for giving it to me…”
• To Patrina Kuek, my room-mate, my gift to you is once again my favourite flower, the “Sunflower.” You’re like a breath of fresh air in my life – bright and beautiful. Strange as it may be, seeing the years between us, we are united by the common bond of love in the Lord. You’re God’s gift to me at this camp!
What are my “take-aways” from the camp?
Personally I was intrigued by the camp materials and activities conducted. They challenged my intellect and made me reflect on their significance. These are nuggets of wisdom we glean as we apply them in our walk with God.
Here are my 5 Ws of completeness:
• Wellness - Renewed strength, both physically and emotionally, during the sharing at the Prayer Walk
• Wellbeing – Built stronger relationships with my group and fellow campers
• Wisdom - Derived through the lessons, testimonies, discussions and prayers made
• Willpower – Sustained through the completion of all the activities conducted
• Wholeness – Encouraged by the care and loving kindness shown by one and all.
I have been strengthened in my “walk in the light and in fellowshipping with one another” in the Kingdom of the Lord.
My salute once again to the Organising Committee, leaders, teachers, games director, choir director, photographer and bus captains for this 2007 camp.
Agape,
Dorothy Tay
Click here to Go Back to Main Menu