Youth Summer Camp Fellowship

 We had a nice long weekend in the camp as we joined the youth in our church in their annual summer camp fellowship. Last year we travelled all the way to Lupao, Nueva Ecija to join our brethren in the North area in their youth camp but this year we held it the Overcomer Worship Center.  As the fellowship is really for the youth there are few elders in the church just a few to assist and support the youth in their activities and whatever we can do to help them achieve their goals. As warm as the heat of the summer season the summer camp brought out a fulfilling 3-day fellowship that gave a chance for the young brothers and sisters to mingle, get to know each other from different churches and for those who became friends in the past youth camps they enjoyed being with the brethren friends again.  

The attendees came from Northern parts of Luzon in Isabela, Cagayan, Zambales, and in the distant part of Region IV in Palawan, in the south from Tagaytay and  various towns in Rizal province.  They were accompanied by a few elders in their church including their Pastor.  For our small church with some really young and new members I found joy, excitement and fulfillment in their hearts as they experienced their very first youth camp.  It was reminiscing for me as well because when we were near their ages we experienced travelling to far away places to attend youth camp and the joy we experienced were bountiful as well.  Through the scheduled activities, plays, games and the sharing of God's word and messages from Pastors the youth had a really wonderful time together.

I'm sharing here some fun moments of them. 

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Communion and Footwashing

We held communion and foot washing every quarter of the year in our home church but decided to do it this quarter in our summer camp fellowship to complete the fulfilling 2-day fellowship we had last Holy week. The ceremony lasted for hours until everyone has done all. We had our late dinner and rested to prepare for an early sunrise prayer service.

 Since I prepared everything and cooked our 2-day meals the night before the summer camp I haven't had the opportunity to sleep so after the foot washing it didn't took me long before I dozed off. I woke up feeling refreshed and ready for the day’s final service. Two days are not really enough for our summer camp and we hope that next time we’ll have more days to spend in the camp and enjoy more services.

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Summer Camp Fellowship Choir

We had so many choir offerings in our recent summer camp meeting fellowship in the Prayer Garden in the hills of Tikling.  Of course the most awaited one was the kids' choir performance where they include toddlers as young as 2-year old children.  Josh seemed taller than before especially that he's behind the younger ones.

 The youth followed after the kids' performance where my two daughters Ruth and Gen were included.  As they entered high school they were baptized and were also promoted to youth.  It's nice seeing my two girls who transformed into teenage ladies now.  I still remember their younger performances in our previous fellowship and they really grow up fast.  They're more serious now and soon they will be playing musical instruments too.

Even without too much practice we - the elder sisters - had our choir songs too, yes not just one but two song offerings. It's our thanksgiving to God for always blessing and taking care of our family.  The last but not the least are the ministers who happily rendered their offered song and finished the testimony to begin the message hour.

With all our best efforts and thankful heart we offered all our songs to God who always guide and protect us all.

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Summer Camp Fellowship in Prayer Garden

We had a fulfilling holy week during our summer camp fellowship in Prayer Garden in Tikling Hills. As we always held our summer camp in time for the holidays we find it a little crowded in our usual venue. We're blessed to secure a place where we can be accommodated with their facilities - enough beddings, simple ventilation, kitchen and comfort rooms. 

Since dormitories are reserved for the bigger group who reserved very early ahead of us we were given a big room with double deck beds and we're happy enough to spend one night there in slight comfort with our brethren. Serving God is not expecting too much comfort but spiritual blessings so we're contented with what was given to us. 

On different times and occasions we're able to enjoy the air-conditioned dormitories but at this time of the year the place is fully booked. Nevertheless the function room which served as our fellowship hall is solemn enough to hear the message of God with clarity and impact. We thanked God for the opportunity He's always giving us to worship, serve and thank Him.
 

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Preparing for the Next Holiday

The long holiday season is over and we’re back to regular programming of life, work and the daily activities of everyday living. Still I remember those gifts I received and gave last month and was thankful that I was able to share my blessings again this year. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to work hard, save money and be able to buy those holiday gift ideas I have in my mind next holiday because it will bring happiness to my loved ones. 

Speaking of holiday I learned that this coming Holy Week will be a long holiday again as it will be followed by National Heroes day. We’re all looking forward again on that day where we will have our regular summer camp fellowship meeting. I should start looking for tents now as our 7-year old tent has shown expiration already and we should have replacement for it as we’re going to sleep on tents on Holy Week activities.

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:WW - Summer Camp Bonfire & Grill

A snapshot of our bonfire on the night of our first day on our summer camp in Villa Dominga Forest Resort. It brought us warmth on a cold summer night and protection also from mosquitoes.

The next shot was shown with grilled chicken barbeque on one side. Unfortunately I didn't wait for the cooked chicken because I went to sleep then.

Visit my other entry at My Crossroads

See more of WW entries -> here.

Wordless Wednesday

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Summer Camp Excitement

I’m starting on my preparation for our summer camp meeting in Indang, Cavite on April 9 and 10. As early as today I told my two daughters how many clothes they will bring and their personal essentials that must not be forgotten. All of my kids were very excited that they are counting the days before our travel. I was happy that I have trained them over the years on how they will prepare their things every time we have summer camp. They choose their own clothes and just let me approve on the contents of their packed bags, this way they help me to lighten my load. For my youngest 5-year old Josh I do all the packing but he suggests some of his favorite clothes :-) he now have some preferences. We earlier shopped for toiletries and food that we will bring so we will not be rushed on the designated time. We’ll leave at 4am on Thursday and meet our brethren before 5 am in GMA Cavite.

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All Set For Summer Camp

We're all set for our summer camp fellowship in Tagaytay City. I've packed everything from food to clothes and every little thing that we will be needing for summer camp fellowship. It's gonna be a two-day fellowship and we'll be doing the communion and feetwashing on the first day (that's today). Have searched some lessons for sunday school as I'm also scheduled as one of the teachers. Just sneaking here at my blog before we go at 3am today. Have a peaceful and solemn holy week!

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