Our annual church camp begins tomorrow. Let us remember that it is far more than a scheduled gathering or a brief retreat from our daily routine. It is a gracious provision of God whereby His people gather together for worship, spiritual instruction, prayer, fellowship, and renewed consecration unto Him. Therefore, preparation for camp ought not to begin with the packing of bags, but with preparing our hearts.
Prepare prayerfully. Pray that the Lord would grant all the brethren journey mercies and gather us safely at the Courtyard by Marriott, Kuala Lumpur South, for a season of reverent worship, blessed fellowship, and edifying communion of saints. Pray for the preachers, chairmen, musicians, organisers, media workers, and all who labour behind the scenes. Above all, pray for the Holy Spirit’s working, for unless the Lord blesses, all our planning and effort will be in vain (cf. Psalm 127:1).
Prepare spiritually. Come to hear God’s Word and understand sound doctrines of His Word. The Lord wants us to be equipped with His Word, “henceforth (we) be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14).
James 1:21 exhorts us, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” Lay aside distractions, worldly concerns, unresolved conflicts, and spiritual complacency. Samuel exhorted Israel, “prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only” (1 Samuel 7:3). A prepared heart profits most from God’s Word.
Prepare practically. Arrange your responsibilities early, come punctually, bring your Bible and necessary materials, and plan to participate wholeheartedly in all sessions. Resist the temptation to treat camp casually or selectively (cf. Luke 8:18).
Prepare relationally. Determine to encourage fellow believers, show patience, practise kindness, and seek unity. Church camp is not only about receiving blessings personally, but also about strengthening one another in Christ (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-22).
May our church camp be a season of spiritual growth and lasting fruit for His glory.
The recent opportunity to visit our mission stations in Ethiopia was altogether a joyous and thanksgiving-filled experience. As announced earlier, Sis. Cheng Han, and Bro. Enosh More from India joined my wife, Carolyn, and me on this journey. While Carolyn and Sis. Cheng Han ministered to the children, I was engaged in teaching the GBI students. Though Bro. Enosh initially joined us as an observer, God graciously used him in a most providential way. As a medical doctor, he provided much-needed medical care and assistance during my debilitating struggles with altitude sickness.
We thank God for His preserving and prospering hand upon the Gethsemane BPC congregations in Addis Ababa and Alem Gena. Our Gospel outreach in Ethiopia began twenty years ago through Pastor Ephrem Chiracho, and it is humbling to witness how the Lord has sustained and enlarged this ministry over the years. Presently, Pastor Ephrem is assisted by four faithful full-time preachers—Engida, Imane, Bayera and Bedada—who labour together in shepherding both congregations and teaching the GBI students.
Currently, ten full-time students are undergoing theological training through GBI. In addition, the children’s ministry continues to be a fruitful Gospel outreach, receiving about one hundred children daily from the surrounding neighbourhood. This ministry has opened many doors for the Gospel, reaching not just children but also their parents and relatives.
We were especially thankful to be part of the 20th Anniversary Thanksgiving of our Ethiopian Gospel Mission, as well as the GBI graduation service. Truly, the Lord has done great things for us; whereof we are glad (Psalm 126:3). All praise and glory be unto our faithful God.
