HOPE KUCHING ABLAZE CAMP STRONGER TOGETHER
On the 31st June 2019, it was a new beginning for many people’s lives. The church was jam packed with youths of all age groups; from 11 years old all the way to 30 years old. Young people of different personalities, family background and culture were all gathered together for the annual Ablaze Camp 2019. The theme of this camp is Stronger Together. At 8am, youths were filling up Hope Church Kuching and we all had the widest smiles on as we were all excited for the things that were in store for us. Our guest speaker, Pastor Joshua Gan from Hope Kampar was invited to this camp to bless the young people. At about 10 am, 120 excited hearts set off to Borneo Tribal village.
As we stepped foot into Borneo Tribal Village, there were fun filled activities waiting for us. After the amazing first day, where we played different station games, got sun burnt as well as bond with our life group, the night session was truly a big hit. We learnt about different personalities and how God gave us different personalities to help spur one another on. Laughter and joy filled the entire hall. At 11pm, it was time to call it a day.
The second day kick-started with devotion! We did the devotion together in our life groups. It was a time where we got to know one another, not just generally but personally into every life and the different struggles each individual was going through. The rest of the day was where each life group truly bonded together and got to work together throughout the day. At around 5pm, we headed over to a river nearby and 13 young lives were baptised and they declared their faith in public. It was truly an inspiring and unforgettable moment. After everyone cleaned up, it was time for the night session that everyone was waiting for. We learnt about being a way maker to our community and to the circle of people around us. Many were very inspired and were really excited for the things ahead.
On the 3rd day, everyone was thrilled as it was the last night of the camp. After breakfast, there were three interesting workshops prepared for us, namely; “Power to Overcome, “Dancing in Pain” and “Ah Boys to Men”. These incredible workshops spoke to the hearts of the people and many were ministered to. The 3rd night dinner was special because of Ablaze Chef! This was where each life group was assigned a different type of dish that they had to prepare, cook and serve for the 120 of us. After about 5 hours of hard work, the different dishes were plated in the kitchen waiting to be eaten. There were dishes like curry chicken, ABC soup, fried vegetables, mushroom chicken and fruits! It was definitely an accomplishment for different ones and some of them cooked for the very first time in their lives!
After our tummies were filled, we were all expectant and hungry for the move of God in the final night of our camp, Kairos Night. Many lives were touched and almost the whole hall was filled with tears and joy as the presence of God filled that place. Pastor Joshua preached about being a legacy builder everywhere we go and this truly inspired many hearts. It was the night where many experienced breakthrough in different areas, many learnt to let go of things that were holding them back, many learnt to forgive and love like how Jesus did and everyone felt the presence of God. At about 10pm, we had a praise party where everyone praised and jumped their hearts out for Jesus. We capped off the night session with a time of appreciation where we appreciated different leaders and also each other. By midnight, the hall was still packed with enthusiastic youths. As it was Endless Night, many stayed awake throughout the night to have deep talks, eat cup noodle and just bond with one another.
On the last day, we had a photo taking session and our leaders wrapped up the entire camp. Many were sad and tired but definitely were on fire and ready to go back to reality to be the salt and light to their friends. This camp was a start of something new for the people. After this camp, I learnt and experienced a lot as I manage to let go and forgive the things from the past that was holding me back from experiencing God and I even started to have my own quiet time and learnt to listen to God. This camp was an amazing, memorable, incredible, life changing camp that words can’t even describe.
Written by Moeka Ashley Shimizu, Hope Kuching
