My Testimony for ASC Youth Camp 2008
17th December 2008 - 20th December 2008
Vertical and Horizontal Connection
Isaiah 26:8
After reading Ching Li's testimony, it motivated me to write my part of story to tell how good our God is to all of us. Back in April when Matt, Jordan and I went to scout the land, we brought back nothing but bad news; leeches, small tent places; not safe and bla bla bla.... now that it is after the camp, it reminded me of the spies that was sent into the Promised Land to scout. As much as I hated leech and that place, I had to admit that I had fun that short 3 days and 2 nights. It was even better than the camps I’ve gone before... and believe it not, I didn't care whether the leeches bit me or not!
The planning of the camp all the way the executing of the plans for the camp, I believed by faith that God was with us. It was only by God's grace that we managed to pull it through till the end... I wasn't even sure whether I could attend the camp or not because i was told that in Kinokuniya, December is a month where staffs are not allowed to take leave unless it is for Christmas. Looking at our camp, it is held before Christmas and thus, I couldn't use Christmas as my reason for applying leave. Thankfully to God, the leave was approved at the end... Isn't God wonderful? I took leaves on Thursday (18th) and Friday (19th) and made my way to the campsite with Matthew and Jonathan in the morning.
Though I wasn't there the first night, shu ying managed to sms me and told me they made carrot fried rice and that I’ve missed out the fun... (>.<) I was touched when a few of them came to me and told me what has happened for the past day and it was really fun to see a few different faces there... I managed to speak to a few new people and you could just feel the sweet bonding of friendships all around that place. The uncle who was in charge there, Uncle Jack was really friendly and the moment I reach that place, my guardian angel gave me a can of 100plus (thankfully, they did not give me coke..i don't like it honestly) It was really good to be surrounded by people who cares for you and loves you... For that short 3 days, I managed to show love to the girls especially. Although I do need to apologize for not making extra efforts to certain people. Fast forward everything else, the highlight of the camp is definitely the ministry time where 2 people gave their lives to the Lord. All glory be unto our Lord who is the author and perfector of our faith. During the last session, Malvin asked for the 1st batch of people who have not known the Lord and is willing to know him now. To be honest, I was sad to see that no one lifted their hands. I was praying so hard in my heart for people to respond. Just then, a simple nudge deep down brings me back to reality. "Dear child, it is not of your own time that these people should respond." "But, LORD...."
Just as Malvin speaks of the second group of people, people who wants to bring about changes in their school and lives, people started responding. Most of the people went forward to be prayed for and the few of us leaders went out to pray for them one by one. I started off with Mei Leng who broke down because of some personal reasons. Then, I went off to Shu Ying, and then Gaya, and lastly Esther. Most of them, I was speechless cause I couldn't do anything but to cry with them. They were all so broken and hungering for more of God... All of them have fear deep down in their hearts. A longing for God that is growing by the minute.
All I could do is just sit down and weep with them. Just being there for them. Just to show them that someone do care for them. The funny thing is, before I go out to pray for them, evil whispered into my ear, "see! These are the people that is under your care. See how broken they are! All these are caused by your ignorance. All these are your fault! You did not do enough and they are now suffering." I was so broken hearted when I heard those whispers. Looking around, the people who responded seriously are all from my care. These lives were passed on to me to be cared for. wah, that moment, I felt so chained down with sadness, with guilt, and with pain. I couldn't do anything but to pray to the lord for strength, for peace, for love to fill my life again. I will never let Satan win me over!
Seriously, at that moment, lots of things came to my mind, things like, stepping down, just focusing on my 'private' life. shy away from everyone else, have nothing to do with church and bla bla bla..."they are better off without you" came the thought. I felt as though life could be more 'free' without this whole church thing.
I felt a slap after that (not literally)... it was God who soften my heart and shown me that these people needs me all the more to be there... "but what about yourself?!” the evil whisper came again. "I have the Lord with me. whom should I fear?!" "Is that ever enough for you?" "Yes! He is perfect and all that I need. With you (Satan), I can have what I want now. But with God, He gives me without holding back." Right at that moment, Mei Leng kind of unbalanced herself and stumbled a bit. It brought me back to where I was and yea... that happened and what I have to say is, I’ve learnt that with God, everything isn't about me and me alone. It's about his will, his plan and his people...
Leader or no leader, I am going to care for them and protect them like a lion protecting the younger ones. I will risk my life to bring them back into God's kingdom. To those who want to play around with the lives of these young ones, ask me before you dare to come near them. I am going to be a fierce protector over them. I will discipline when it is needed and love when it is needed. I will NOT let Satan win them over. They are too precious in my God's sight!
I ask of you now to pray alongside with me that these people who gave their lives to God will give it whole heartedly... Let us be accountable to one another.. ensuring that each other will continue to grow... and even if 1 person stumbles, let us all help that person together by being accountable...
share, love and grow...
