truth and beauty at the camp

finally, a post the subject of which may be able to do justice to the title of my blog...

sometimes we are so tired, so distracted, or so concerned with duty that we forget the wonder of serving God. i seem to be one of the culprits.

but even to such a person as I, God was pleased to show me His grace and His wonderful work throughout the camp. so although reflecting on the camp now may be a tad late, it's better that than never...

I'm sure that accounts and anecdotes of God's guidance during the camp will differ - my brother has done a very nice post full of his own thanks to God - but like how a diamond reveals it's beauty through the reflection of light on its different faces, so too, we only highlight glimpses of various facets of His encompassing grace.

for myself. i have to confess that i wasnt in too good a mood going into the camp. but how God has given me the chances to serve and share in His ministry is really amazing... firstly, I was really glad that a street e seeker actually responded and brought his friends on the 1st night. the first time i rushed out of camp during the 1st evening, i walked all the way to Serangoon mrt to meet him, but he wasnt there and i had to half-run, half-walk back in order to make it for the singspiration session to play e keyboard. then of all times, the seeker called me during the most mediatative part of the session and i had the very exciting task of trying to continue playing with one hand and putting my hp on silent mode with the other. once the singing was over, i went out again to pick the guys up. And after the first night, we actually managed to persuade the seeker to stay for the whole camp, and one of the friends to come the next day. all these, of course, is by His grace - i mean, if i was the seeker, i dont think i would have stayed with a bunch of strangers, no matter how jovially jolly they were. thanks too, to those who helped take the seekers so willingly and readily.

secondly, as many have already mentioned, the weather was simply fantastic. the only times it rained were when we had indoor programmes - so uncannily had the sky matched our planning. but then again, nothing's uncanny and there are no coincidences with God. and not forgetting the afternoon of exhausting sports station games when the sun was obscured with clouds to give us welcome shade the whole time.

thirdly, must really thank God for how the programs managed to flow smoothly. anyone in the committee would know the multiple changes and adjustments we had to make during the planning, right up to like the last few days. even then, i think nobody could be sure how everything would turn up and how the people would respond. And for me, it was the fact that i was in charge of like 3 major programmes that took up a lot of time, that was rather pressurizing. But again, things managed to get sorted out despite last minute preparations of some logistics and adjustments in timing. and really really thank God that the speaker for the 2nd day talk was good. I had some qualms about bringing in my NUS lecturer, especially after the talk was modified to include youths, but she more than aquitted herself of any doubts i may have held. I wouldn't say that she held everyone spellbound throughout the 2 hours, but at the very least she got everyone listening to every word she said and a hearty response for the activites and discussion.

fourthly, the responses of the seekers. at least one salvation and others interested. for myself, God put the task of speaking to a seeker who was quite a rare breed, if i may use such a phrase! without elaborating further here, it would suffice to say that such a person helped me to really have to think and employ not just intellectual arguments but also sincerity and love in talking to him. despite the many obstacles, i think he really made much progress throughout the camp after talking to yq, uj and myself. And despite the rarity of such a type, he was truly a 'seeker' and not just someone we invited. I believe that God helped him to have the desire and sincerity to seek. And God will bring him all the way if He so pleases.

lastly, I think that the valuable thing gained through the camp was serving God together with all the committee pp and others involved. truly, as Wei En said, there is a shared bond that results from shared values and conviction. Indeed, we are saints together on a journey, and the ones we really help are ourselves when we serve. Not superhumans that are immune from pressure, frustration or tiredness. Not angels that are free from irritation, mistakes and conflicts. Not heaven-dwellers who rejoice to praise God and delight in every little work. No, we know that too well. Not those, but saints - sinners redeemed and chosen by His grace alone, given the priviledge of serving, despite our weaknesses, despite our wrongs. And if we all know our own faults, then truly it is His goodness, that has made the camp so great. If we know our shortcomings, then it is truly Him that is glad to fill them up with His providence. If we know our weakness, then it is surely His strength that brought us through. And if we know our limits, then is it not His own power that accomplishes His purposes, even giving us the chance to be part of them?

And the amazing thing is, that is really why we are not solitary Christians. When we are weak, where does God's strength come in? Many times, it comes through others. When we need a lesson, how does God teach us? Through fellow Christians as well - through the interactions, the encouragments, even (or especially) the conflicts. Thanks a lot - all of you fellow servants.

So, wherein lies the truth and beauty? In our lesson of dependance and trust in God. If we do that, we get the strengh, He gets the pleasure of displaying His goodness and power. We are satisfied by Him, and He is glorified.

So then, soli Deo gloria.