YOUTH CAMP 2009 REPORT
Bro James Tan

The youth camp was held from the 16th to the 18th of December this year. In total, 19 full time campers attended the camp. The theme was 'Idolatry-Not Just an Old Testament concept'.

The camp speaker, Rev. (Dr) Bernard Low expounded from Scripture from Revelation 2 and 3, focusing on the letters to 4 churches, whilst Bro. Lim Chien Chong came in during the evenings for application sessions.

Dr. Bernard drew on the context and the cultural setting of the letters, closely examining the commendations, condemnations and counsel God gave to the churches, whilst Bro. Chien Chong unpacked the lessons and implications for us, helping us be completely honest with ourselves about our depraved spiritual condition. This presented us the opportunity to examine ourselves and to draw close to God once again.

Personally, through the preparation for the camp (and the camp itself), it made me realise the need to trust God and to obey Him in my life. Through serving Him, I have realised that despite going through the motion of service I had lost the joy of sharing a relationship with Him. Despite my many human attempts to change and to 'come back to Him', its not possible unless I place my trust in Him. I have set in my heart that in order to get right with God, I have to see the evil of my sin and despite God's hatred for my sin, He was still gracious to forgive and pay the penalty on my behalf.

"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person-though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:6-8

Also, the campers went out on the afternoons of 16th and 17th December to Tampines SAFRA and the Singapore Flyer for outings. Taking advantage of the student prices for these venues, we had an enjoyable shared experience as a camp. I thank God also for the contributions for meals from Aunty Geok Tin and Bro. Kun Cheng's mother.

As the year comes to an end, its my prayer that through the camp, all those who have attended it will not simply take the camp as a fun time or an academic exercise in Bible study, but that the precious lessons and the fellowship shared will encourage us in our walk with Christ for the year to come.