The Bahasa Malaysia churches in West Malaysia had wanted to come together for church camp in 2020 but had to postpone the plan when the country went into lockdown due to the pandemic. This year, the organizing committee successfully organized the joint Bahasa Malaysia church camp from 21-23 April 2023 at Malaysia Bible Seminary (MBS) Rawang with the theme “Teguh Bersama” which means Stronger Together.
Congregations from Hope Kuala Lumpur BM church, Hope Senawang, BM group from Hope Batu Pahat, Hope Johor Bahru, Hope Klang, Hope Penang and Hope Ipoh came together for this long awaited time of fellowship and seeking God. We praise God for the response of the people to come together in the camp, with 251 adults and children, exceeding the registration goal of 238 from the organizing committee.
On the first day of the camp, there was a tingle of excitement since the early morning as some campers arrived early at the campsite in clear anticipation for the camp to start. Hearts were on fire when the first session began with heart preparation and prayers. Ps Moses Wan preached a fiery message in the second session about moving into a new season, reminding the congregation to move out of pandemic lockdown mode into post-pandemic era, having courage to do new things, and not going back to business as usual as in the pre-pandemic period.
During the third session, Ps Kenawang preached about serving God as a family, encouraging the different BM groups within West Malaysia to go beyond their own comfort zone and to synergize their resources in outreach and supporting each other. Ps Pengarah reminded the congregation in the fourth session to strive together in the Great Commission. He challenged the people that pioneering new ground is very critical in our calling to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives. Lastly, Ps Moses concluded the camp with his sermon “Do Not Forget” so that the congregation will bring the fire that was ignited during the camp to their respective locations.
Many youths responded to the worship and altar call, rededicated their lives to God and accepted Jesus into their heart. There were 7 new souls that were baptized after the camp. The children were also excited to join the children’s programme as they queued outside the hall before the children programme started. The congregation really enjoyed the time of fellowship and fun during the telematch, old friends catching up with each other and new friendships being formed.
Overall, after a 3 year hiatus, the church camp was timely for the different BM groups to be strengthened. Most of the BM groups are small, with numbers between 10-20 people in their respective location. The sense of identity and family were strongly felt when they came together in the camp. Everyone returned home with a new fire and a stronger sense of togetherness in this family of God.
“Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:25
