The highly awaited Summer Camp for Hope Leeds and Hope Malton/Norton took place on July 28-31 2023, and what a blessed time of fellowship it was for our church family. The camp committee team worked diligently hard this year to plan and organise the church camp which took place at the spacious Lenchwood Christian Centre with delegates staying in lodges, caravans, and tents too! This year, we welcomed Hope Malton/Norton to the Summer camp for the first time giving a total of 135 participants. An increase of last years’ number which shows growth in our church. Praise God! The theme for our camp for this year was “Steadfast” based on the verse in 1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
Friday evening brought an atmosphere of excitement and joy. The Holy Spirit moved and touched the hearts of many as the Praise & Worship Team led us to a night of worship. It was a blessing to see our people having a fresh encounter with Him. Sister Lanie went on to powerfully preach about being steadfast in our faith, her testimony moved many people as she reminded us to always remain still and in prayer with God.
Saturday morning came with delegates starting the day with a time of devotion and prayer. Sis. Jovita delivered a hard-hitting sermon on being steadfast in our adversities during the morning session. She reminded us that we can remain steadfast for our God is our shield in times of adversity and in times where the enemy will try to throw weapons at us.
The afternoon was filled with many games and activities which brought joy and laughter to our people as we took part in “Laro ng Lahi” which means traditional Filipino games. The tug of war especially brought a sense of friendly competition to our people. All around there were smiles everywhere as this was a time to relax and bond as one family. After a delicious BBQ party prepared by the food ministry team, it was time for the evening session to get underway.
We were privileged to hear the testimonies of Pastor Tino and his wife Sis. Nieves as they shared to us about overcoming adversities in their lives. Truly, we were blessed by the life of them and their family as it allowed us to know and appreciate them even more.
Sunday came and Bro. Danny shared to us about being steadfast in our work, teaching us to always abound in the work of the Lord.
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth”
2 Timothy 2:15
The workshops allowed our people to be equipped as a wide array of topics were available to choose from. Also, in the afternoon we were blessed to witness 6 people who took the step of faith in being water baptised as they boldly declared to follow Jesus for the rest of their lives. Sunday evening was amongst us and the excitement was once again in the air as many of our people showed up with their Bohemian outfits for this evenings’ family party. Before this, the people were once again challenged as Bro. Harold preached from 1 Thessalonians 1:3, reminding us of the need of our faith, love and hope in God in our serving.
“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 1:3
Many of our people responded to God’s message as they were interceded and prayed for. The night ended with our anticipated Bohemian family night. Our people took to the stage to showcase their hidden talents for our Hope Got Talent show, with the logistics team taking home the prize. The night was made even more special as a surprise engagement by a couple from our Malton church! How wonderful!
Our final day came and indeed no-one wanted to go home! However, we were refreshed and renewed by the Holy Spirit to carry on fulfilling the mission back home. Sis Jingle shared another powerful preaching on being steadfast in our covenant.
We are truly amazed and blessed with what God is doing here in Leeds and Malton. Seeing the breakthroughs and revival that God is doing to our family and the 4 days of teachings, fellowship and worship has indeed encouraged our people to remain steadfast in our lives and to be steadfast as one church. Praise and glory to you God!
