THE JOY OF MINISTERING GOD’S WORD AT A CHURCH CAMP—A FORETASTE OF HEAVEN

Dear Members in Christ,

The joy of ministering God’s Word at a church camp—a foretaste of heaven 

We thank God for the opportunity to minister God’s Word at the recent Church camp of Bethel Bible-Presbyterian church in Melbourne. Certain members remarked that the camp is a “foretaste of heaven”, echoing the words of Rev (Dr) Tow Siang Hwa from years gone by. The camp theme for Bethel BPC this year is “Faithful in the fire: Holding fast in the shifting world”. It is based upon the study of the Epistle of 1 Peter. The epistle of 1 Peter warns the early church about the fiery trial of persecution that was about to descend upon them. In this epistle, the Apostle teaches the church about how to strengthen and hold fast to their faith in preparation for the trials that will soon happen in their lives. So, we read in the opening verses of the epistle,

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6,7

We thank God for the very well-planned programme for the camp, enabling the church members to learn and benefit for the teaching of God’s Word. But more than that, time was also allocated for fellowship with friends and family members, evening prayers, morning devotions and afternoons for outdoor activities. Just as Calvary Jaya will be having our camp in June this year, many churches will also take time for their Family Bible Camp. What is the purpose of having these annual retreats? Is there a spiritual purpose and lesson for us during camp? I hope to share some thoughts about observations I have made during this camp when we had the opportunity to fellowship, as well as minister to the brethren in Bethel BPC of Melbourne. 

A. The entire family learning from Scripture at the Church Camp

Church camp is a wonderful time for the members of the church to come together. It is a week-long retreat from the cares of the world, a time to focus and remember our common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In line with the theme, the first sermon of camp began with meditation on “Holding fast against the shift from our historic faith.”

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18,19

The Christian faith is about the love of God seen in the sacrificial giving of His only begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and peace with God. During the camp, I became aware that there were those who came to family camp with the expectation that they will be blessed by the preaching of God’s Word. There are testimonies about the benefit of the timely warnings from the lessons of Scripture. And reflections on how we must guard ourselves against the shifting world which tends to move us away from the foundation of our precious incorruptible faith.

This camp also saw a demographics tilt towards young families. There must have been more than 20 children at this camp, with parents and grandparents in attendance. This bodes well for the future of the church, as parents demonstrate their awareness for children to be taught the Word of God as well as to find Christian fellowship amongst children of the same faith.

B. A reminder of our calling and testimony to the world

One of the lessons from the camp messages was about our calling in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to show forth the praises of God. 

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9,10

Our precious faith, and our redemption which is more precious than silver or gold, makes of us a holy nation before God. We are cleansed by the blood of Christ and therefore we are prepared to serve as a royal priesthood, living a testimony which brings praise to our God.

What a wonderful thought! That collectively, as we encourage and strengthen one another in the faith, we are a special people (and that’s the meaning of peculiar); in order that our lives may show forth praises of our salvation. Dearly beloved, camp time is indeed a foretaste of heaven. Not just having time to fellowship with the saints and to enjoy some wholesome outdoor recreation, but also learning rich lessons from the Word of God. Lessons that will strengthen us, our loved ones and our children. May God move our hearts to see the benefit of spending time at Family Bible Camp. See you all at the Calvary Jaya Camp in June this year! May God’s people be edified. Amen.     

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor