Written by Pr Cornelius Koshy
On Monday, 16 May 2022, 40 youths, 16 young adults and 3 members from the GYF committee spent the public holiday together on an outing to Pulau Ubin – our first outing in two years! This was also the first time the newly formed GYF Auxiliary Committee (comprising Bros Amoz Choy, Gideon Lee, Marcus Chee, Rayson Tan) were involved in organising activities for the youth fellowship.[1] We thank God that the Aux Comm did an excellent job in meticulously planning the entire day's itinerary and activities. Moreover, we thank God for the young adult helpers who assisted as group leaders, group overseers and game masters. They were committed in their respective roles and looked after the youths' safety throughout the trip. We thank God for cloudless skies and a crowd-less island where we could enjoy the day together!
The day began at 9.00 am, in GMC Seminar Room. Pr. Cornelius led the youths in a devotion from Job 39, which recorded God's wise works in the animal kingdom, giving some creatures more strength than others (Job 39:9-10), and removing wisdom from some creature (39:17). After being split into four groups, and playing some ice breaker games, the youths left GMC at 10 am on a chartered coach to Changi Ferry Point Terminal, where they were greeted by more young adult helpers. We had packet “brunch” along Changi Point Coastal Walk before embarking on five bumboats to Pulau Ubin. We thank God that there was no queue at the ferry terminal! We were concerned because the queues for the bumboat were 1.5 hours long a week before. We prayed and the Lord answered our prayers!
Reaching Pulau Ubin at 11.30 am, the youths began trekking along the undulating paths of Pulau Ubin, on both tarmac roads and stony paths, to reach the game stations between Jelutong Campsite and Mamam Campsite. Youths also had to complete side-tasks, such as spotting certain species of flora and fauna, as well as engaging in challenging opposing teams with games along the way. We thank God for protecting the youths from harm and danger throughout, and especially for supplying strength to Elder Choy and Dns Diana who also trekked the entire route! On average, we all trekked 8 km on the island.
All activities ended by 4.30 pm, and the youths regathered for prizes and refreshments. The last bumboat left Pulau Ubin at 5.30 pm, and the youths were refreshed yet again with sugarcane juice from Changi Village. Some left directly from the jetty, while others boarded the chartered coach which had two alighting points – at Pasir Ris and Bishan MRT stations respectively. We thank God for withholding the rain till the very end, and for everyone's participation and mutual help. We also thank God that Bro Hans' two friends were able to join us in this outing. God willing, they may join us in future for Gethsemane Youth Bible Hour on Saturdays. Our grateful thanks to all who have prayed for and supported us on this trip. May the meditation of the Word and the shared fellowship work in the youths' hearts to bring about God-honouring fruits in due time (cf. John 15:1-5). We also pray that the bonds formed among the youths will continue, so that Christian charity may abound among us (Psalm 133:1). We look forward to the overseas Youth Retreat at the end of the year, God willing, from 26 to 28 December.
[1] Formed in March 2022, the Auxiliary Committee assists the GYF Committee (Pastor, Elder Choy, Dns Diana, Pr Cornelius) by executing the plans made by the GYF Committee. The Auxiliary Committee does not hold autonomous authority over the fellowship. The Aux Comm is given specific leadership over their assigned areas of service, and are to be exemplary in all manner of conversation.