The annual Sarawak Mandarin Church Camp convened over three days and two nights at the tranquil Salcra Bajo Training Centre, nestled amidst nature’s embrace. With the overarching goals of nurturing spiritual growth, fostering relationships, and revelling in the splendour of God’s creation, participants congregated from different Hope Churches in Sarawak, namely Kuching, Sarikei, and Sibu, eagerly anticipating a weekend infused with faith, fellowship and joy. On the night before the actual camp, there was also a combined Life Group gathering to kick off the fellowship between the 3 Hope centres, gathering those who had arrived earlier in Kuching.
Day One
Upon arrival, participants were greeted with a warm welcome session in the lobby, followed by engaging ice-breaking games designed to forge connections and foster a sense of belonging. As the afternoon sun descended, a water baptism ceremony unfolded. Guided by their spiritual mentors, five candidates publicly declared their faith and underwent the symbolic immersion into new life in Christ, led by Pastor Wayne. The evening unfolded with a humble dinner and a soul-stirring worship session, featuring heartfelt praises, pre-recorded testimonies, and a touching sermon by brother Paul Chuo, urging attendees to deepen their spiritual journey. Before we called it a day, participants excitedly gathered at the Hope Store for a great time of fellowship and supper.
Day Two
The dawn of the second day commenced with a nourishing breakfast intertwined with group devotions to reflect on learnings from the previous day. The morning resonated with the resounding melodies of praise and worship, elevating spirits and inviting all to express their love for God. Brother Sii Riong’s profound sermon on faith journeys, encapsulated in the acronym CCPS (Calling, Conviction, Promises, and Sacrifice), illuminated paths of spiritual growth and fortitude. The day unfolded with deep moments of spiritual awakening, as four individuals embraced Jesus as their personal Saviour. After lunch, everyone was in tears after watching an emotionally stirring Chinese film depicting a true story of how everyone from all walks of life came together to rescue a boy with a broken arm. Following that, attendees engaged in diverse interest classes in the late afternoon. The second day culminated in an evening worship session that enveloped hearts in divine presence and unity, featuring inspiring worship with heartening songs and sharing of the word of God by Pastor Wayne. The evening session was a deeply moving and spiritually enriching experience, drawing people even closer and nearer to God. Needless to say, everyone was maximising the final night of the camp after the session and continued gathering and fellowshipping until past midnight.
Day Three
The final day commenced with another soul-stirring session of praise and worship, accompanied by Pastor Wayne’s enlightening sermon. The camp concluded with a group photo capturing the bonds forged and memories cherished. As participants departed by mid-afternoon, they carried with them a revitalised faith and a steadfast resolve to embrace Isaiah 54:2-3 (NIV) “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.”
The 2024 Sarawak Mandarin Church Camp stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. As participants depart, they do so enriched, empowered, and emboldened to extend their spiritual horizons and journey onward in the light of God’s boundless love and grace. A resounding chorus of gratitude and heartfelt appreciation is owed to the remarkably creative, loving, and dedicated committee whose unwavering efforts brought this event to fruition. Their tireless dedication and selfless service have left an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of all who attended, illuminating the path to spiritual growth and fellowship. Though mere words may fall short in conveying the depth of our gratitude, we extend our sincerest “Thank You” to this extraordinary team for their invaluable contributions and boundless commitment to spreading the light of God’s love.
