Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Church Camps / Retreats

It is a common practice for churches to have church camps or church retreats, where the congregation goes off to some holiday resort or faraway place, to spend a few days in one another's company and to dwell upon God's word for the few days that they're there.

We shall be having our church camp at Sri Malaysia Hotel at Genting Highlands.

With the theme:

MATURITY in CHRIST






The place is old and in the middle of the highlands, making it not as cool as people would like it. There's no fun facilities like the theme park or beautiful garden or a golf course or arcade games.

Sometimes, we are so pampered by holidays and vacations that we squirm and complain and go 'eewwww' when we go into a room and find the paint peeling off the wall.

Yes, we would like to have SOME comfort.

If it was about general cleanliness, by all means, say it out.

But if it were because the TV wasn't working. Or if it was because the cup had a crack. Or if the toilet didn't have those free shampoo. Does it warrant a big complaint and telling yourself, "I won't go for another church camp. Such lousy lodgings."

In order to appease all parties in the church, we go to all measures to find a cheap and good place. Serviceable, affordable and comfortable enough.

We should be thankful. For some who did not know. Several trips were personally made and TONNES of phonecalls made to the hotel to confirm and to ensure that they give us everything that we want.

Thanking God is in order...

Fellowship with God is not determined by the venue. Fellowship with people is not deterred by surroundings.

Each individual plays a part in making the whole camp successful. God will already be there, to welcome us with open arms and to tell each of His child:

"I'm so happy that you decided to spend some time with Me."