college retreat 2008

Hey all!

We had a WONDERFUL time at the college retreat! It was held from 12-14 September at Le Paris, Port Dickson. For the first time ever, the college retreat was held at a hotel. Usually, it's always been held at dorms. Stephanie, Abigail and I were in the same room, while John-Aidan, Jin, and Jensen were in another room. Noel roomed with Jon Koo.

This college retreat was a really diverse retreat, with half of the campers comprising Africans. They took over the worship spontaneously on the first night, and subsequently worship-led for the rest of the sessions. Their worship released a breath of fresh air into the camp. They helped move the campers into a higher level of free, uninhibited worship with their joyous dances and shouts of praise. It was as if they were like David, who stripped off his kingly robes and danced in the streets naked praising God, totally free of inhibitions. Now THAT is worship! :D It'll take some time before most of us Malaysians can release our inhibitions to praise God. As Pastor Julie said, most of us are still conscious when we worship God. So, we restrict our movements. Instead, she exhorted us to worship freely, just like how fans automatically give their loudest shouts and wave their hands in the air when their favorite football team wins. Indeed, we should all learn a thing or two from our fellow Africans. Worship like no one is watching!

On the last night, Steph, Abby and I tried to pull some pranks on Jin and Jensen. Haha. Didn't work out though...we had fun trying anyway. ;-) As Abby's birthday was on Sept 13, we celebrated her birthday by presenting her a cube of cake and singing Happy Birthday, Abby! right after the night session in the ballroom.

Besides all the fun and jokes, we felt the presence of God in this camp. It is my wish that all of us cellies who were there at camp will take the lessons learned and relevations received at camp back home, to apply at our colleges, workplaces, and daily life. Then only will the camp be meaningful.

See you all at cell this Friday night! Bring your friends! There will be testimony-sharing and birthday celebrations. Don't miss it!

Love,
Boo