HOPE MALAYSIA CENTRAL REGION CAMP: JOY

Central Region Camp at Best Western Prima Inland Sea Resort at Port Dickson from 2-4 August 2013. The theme of the camp was J.O.Y. ,which was an acronym for Jesus, Others and You. The camp saw more than 400 adult participants, 57 children and 31 toddlers joining this camp from all the daughter churches of the Central Region of Malaysia. It was a remarkable time where participants were united and filled with joy. 

The first session on Friday night started off with Ps Simon’s sharing about Jesus as the source of joy in our lives. We were reminded to surrender all areas of our lives that are not in joy to God. On Saturday, Ps Moses shared with us the importance to abide in Jesus, only in being faithful that we will experience fruitfulness in God. In the evening session, Ps Simon shared about the aspect of O, Others. He shared the need to understand people’s needs and struggles especially when there is transition in their lives. On Sunday, Ps Simon concluded the camp with Y that stands for You, which encompasses our own lives and the need to improve in managing ourselves wisely in order to experience Joy.

This camp was a truly exceptional camp where we had the opportunity to engage with people of the same age group or current stage in life to discuss about four parameters; Characteristics, Intrinsic Values, Challenges and Needs. This session took place on Saturday afternoon. The groupings included high school students, university and college students, working adults with less than 5 years of experience, working adults with less than 10 years of experience, family group less than 3 years, family group less than 10 years and last but not least, the golden eagles which consists of senior family members. It was a great time of connecting with one another and also discovering things unique to each group. The results of the discussion from each age group were then presented to the entire camp so that everyone can better understand each other’s needs and challenges.. A take-away from this activity is that different stages of life require different methods and form of care to allow people’s needs to be met.

There were also fun activities where we unwinded and connected with one another. For example, after each session at night, participants gathered at a specially prepared supper place called JOY’s Kopitiam to talk and enjoy each other’s company. We were also treated to song performances from different participants. On Saturday afternoon, we had a telematch and dance activities. Free time was also allocated for us to enjoy water park facilities with our life groups and families. Overall, the JOY Camp lived up to its name where JOY was instilled in all of us and we were reminded that Jesus is our true source of joy.