A Spirit-Led Church Camp
118 people, including HVMC staff, landed at Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre, for a 4-day camp, from 27-30 May 2023. The theme of the camp was “People of Influence”, with Pastor Amos Tan as our guest speaker.
“But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged” (2 Corinthians 10:15).
Our first church camp after five years, due to the COVID pandemic, turned out to be a Spirit-led, transformative experience with uplifting worship, an outpouring of hearts, in surrender to His prompting, and soul-searching prayers that moved many to tears. There were the contemplative morning devotions, meaningful engagement and fellowship that cut across all ages, cultures and language boundaries.
We value the inspiring sermons that foregrounded the promise, purpose and process towards becoming a “People of Influence” as we were led to recognize that we are all gifted to serve within our spheres of influence. It was a precious reminder for each of us to uphold and live out the significant mission and ministry He has called us to fulfil.
Who can forget the reflective prayer stations, the very practical five-point approach to evangelism, the invigorating Muay Thai session, the celebratory fun-filled Gala Night with performances, song and mime that reinforced the camp’s key messages. Indeed, HVMC’s Church Camp 2023 will be remembered for a long time to come!
Here, campers share their experiences:-
Kevin Tham
Just being back in a church camp community after all this while, was a fantastic experience. Added to that, the intimacy of the small group, and how we came together with the pastors, made us feel of one tribe. For me, it was also an emotional experience, where I felt the presence of God affirming and encouraging me in my spheres of influence; what an experience to deepen our relationship with Christ and our brothers and sisters!
Hoo TK
So much happened over the course of four days. Camp attendees were witness to unrestrained worship, heartfelt sharing from the pastors and our groupmates, enjoyable fellowship over durian, and mountains of fried rice, as well as hilariously entertaining acting skills from fellow campers. Throughout the camp, we have been blessed to witness God’s will and grace first-hand. His Spirit truly was present and in control every step of the way.
I sincerely hope that we, as “People of Influence”, can share this wonderful 4-day experience with others and encourage them to attend the next church camp!
Desmond Lou
Church camp is a very special time when we can leave almost everything behind and spend time just in God's presence and purpose. I appreciated the worship and teaching sessions, as well as opportunities for sharing and fellowship within the church community.
Minda Gonzales
Ps Amos' message on "Life-Changing Encounter" was very inspiring. It gave me a new perspective as a servant of God. The phrase that resonated in me was: "Do Your Part".
God put us in our spheres of influence for a reason and purpose. It's not to burden us but it is a gift. We don't have to be talented or a great speaker but we can just be a help to our leaders or people around us, so that they can accomplish what God has called them to do. For no matter how big or small our contribution is, we do it for God's glory and not for our own.
This is my first church camp and I am so blessed and grateful to our God for giving us a spiritually-inspiring camp.
Wee York Ming
Spirit-led, this was how I felt during the church camp. Ps Amos’ teaching reminded me that I need to take God’s entrusted assignments seriously because we are dealing with souls (who would go to heaven, or not). I was also inspired by our music team’s selfless dedication - we knew they had practised for hours, often skipping meals. So, thank you music team!
Atchima Ruthirawat
Despite my initial apprehension when my husband signed us up, this camp was, for me, like Bunyan’s Pilgrim's Progress, “The Delectable Mountains”, (known as "Immanuel's Land”) where there is lush country and from whose heights one can see many delights and curiosities, inhabited by sheep and their shepherds, and where, from Mount Clear, the Celestial City is visible.
I was not disappointed and was indeed blessed by this camp, learning many new things.
Philip Tang (Atchima’s husband)
The camp theme, 'People of Influence' was a step in the right direction for me, in sharing the Gospel. I was blessed by the sessions led by Ps Amos, the group discussions and the warm friendship with fellow campers.
Wilma Pols and kids
Wilma: The worship during Camp touched me deeply. At one of the services, someone prayed for me with words that represented my heart's desire — so special! The fellowship was very warm and the sermons really powerful.
Amélie (age 10): I really enjoyed the camp. I liked that we had a lot of time together, and it was cool that it was in Malaysia. I learnt what to do if I want to live with God in my life: to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him.
Stach (7): I liked that we had a lot of free time and that I befriended other children. I learnt that God wants us to love Him, serve Him, and that He cares for us.
Jolie (5): It was nice to be with my family. The food was delicious. I have learnt that Jesus loves me. And I also learnt the song ‘Flyin' for the Lord’, with a little dance.
Fang Min
Thank you Jesus! It’s been a number of years since our family participated in a church camp. Prior to this, we attended the camps yearly, along with our children, and each camp was an amazing experience. I am always grateful to be able to witness our brothers’ and sisters’ passion for the Lord. Although I was not really able to understand the content in this camp due to the language barrier, I was touched by the warmth going around, and my children had a great time! We are grateful for all the brothers and sisters and are looking forward to many more camps to come! All thanks be to our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!
感谢主耶稣有好多年没有跟教会的弟兄姐妹们一起去教会退休会了， 过去每一年我们都会参加带着孩子们一起，真的是一场很好的体验！看到大家的热情心里非常的感恩！就像这次在马来西亚这几天，虽然整个团契的过程当中我的语言跟不上， 也听不懂不是他们在讲什么，但是这种气氛我感到很温馨！ 孩子们玩的特别开心！也非常感谢教会的弟兄姐妹们！希望以后常常有机会和弟兄姐妹们一起去不同的地方！感谢赞美主耶稣！阿门！
Candra Xie
This year's church camp was my first, and the experience was great! I loved how the guest speaker, Pastor Amos, had altar calls every session. The camp gave my family an opportunity to lead worship together, which I felt was a really good experience. I also enjoyed being a vocal in the main worship band, and helping in any way possible. I am really grateful for the opportunity to lead the youth group to perform a skit based on a parable from the Bible.
Throughout the camp, not only did I get closer to some youths, but I also got closer to the young adults. I felt like a lot of people, including myself, really encountered God and experienced something we had never felt before.
Deborah Lum
I had a blast at this year's church camp! I could really feel the spirit moving within us as Pastor Amos preached the Word. Even as a youth, I was able to follow and understand what he was saying. The altar call on Sunday night was the highlight of the camp, as many were moved to come forward. The band and worship songs that night were also amazing. The four days passed quickly and I can't wait for next year's church camp!
At the close of the camp, Ps Noel Goh, Ps Amos Tan and Ps Bernard Chao, who had initiated the first HVMC church camp in 2013, joined in giving Ps Jeremy a 'Welcome Home' hug. Our Pastor-in-charge had shared about giving up an offer in Australia to heed God’s call to return to serve in Singapore. Consequently, God had honoured his obedience by allowing him to be a person of influence at ACS (International) and HVMC.
These meaningful gestures were a befitting close to a camp that was special in encouraging all campers to be “a people of influence” in more ways than one. This journey must begin individually and also as a community, right from where we are – for us, it’s not just the end of the camp; for us, the work has just begun.
Philip Tang, Atchima Ruthirawat, Rebecca Chen, Wee York Ming with Caroline.
Caroline Ho
