Spiritual & Physical Feasting - INSTALLMENT FOUR

DAY FOUR

What an aching day! My arms were slightly sore from aeroplane flying and the tossing of balls and catching with towel. It was good to be able to wake up from sleep and still have the breath in my nostrils.....God-given....thank You, Lord!

This morning, Eld Seah exhorted us from Hebrews 12:1-3, to look unto Jesus and to live with eternity's value in view.

One lesson from Nehemiah rang loudly....human responsibility and God answers prayers. We often do not remember to pray and sometimes when it is beyond what we can do, we dont leave it to God but take matters into our own hands. Nehemiah exhibited courage and human responsibility besides taking necessary steps to overcome the threats of the enemies. Sometimes difficulties and problems come from within and we need to be watchful unto prayer. Nehemiah has done faithfully all that God had entrusted him. I have learned "Courage is fear under control". I know Meekness is strength under control but never see courage in that light before.

Completely random here....dont think i will ever exhibit courage for my Cockroach Phobia..... argh..... ewe....

Today's lunch was the last buffet meal (not including breakfast) we were going to have because we had Sit-Down Dinner in the night. Many people were complaining the food was being "reused" and everyday were the same dishes but cooked differently. Hmmm.... i know the chef was not fantastic at all and we did have better food in other camps. The breakfast bread was always "soggy" or not fresh but heh, i toasted it anyway and so it tasted quite alright to me. James and Lemuel were on this crazy bread gulping with 7-8 or even 10 slices on their plate at one go. Can you beat them, Shing?

Once again, we had the football challenge of the adult and youths. They formed their own teams to play futsal (hope correct spelling). See our faithful supporters year after year.....

Some injuries occured during the game and one of them was Rachel. She had a bruise on her forehead.... the ball slammed onto her face. Poor girl :( Uncle Kelvin wasnt the culprit.. dont be deceived by this photo :)

I had appointment with CtYFers to play volleyball but i couldnt make it at 2pm because i had a song practice and thereafter needed to go to nearby supermarket to get gifts for Deffrey and Quinn (to show our appreciation). They did alot of things for us, like sourcing the birthday cake, durian and arranging the hotel for the durian feast, etc. Bought some chocolates and quickly went back to my room to wrap them. By the time i was done, it was almost 4 plus. Went to the beach and saw YFers playing volleyball at a distance and the futsal challenge still going on. Felt like playing but spotted Lynn and aunty Peggy walking back from far end of the beach. Chatted with them and asked Lynn to play volleyball. She didnt know there was recreation in Tengah camp and she didnt bring any shorts or pants except for long skirts. Decided not to play and asked her to walk with me to the front of the sea and had fellowship with her. Wished i had longer time but needed to go back and check that the banquet hall was properly set up for the evening's programme.

Youths playing their beach football.... Esther's powerful kick!

Oh yes, i forgot to mention another first! I had the privilege to use a Walkie Talkie throughout the camp. It was for Deffrey to reach me and vice versa. Cool huh? Stella said i looked cool with the thing clamped onto my jeans. Haha.... it wasnt that bad actually but it proved a little nuisance one time. Church session had this short meeting after a morning session and we were kneeling down to pray when i heard Deffrey's voice "Alen are you there?"

Testimony night went on smoothly, except that uncle William came late and we couldnt sing any songs because we were waiting for the church laptop to come....only to realise it was hidden under one of the tables all along..... if only we knew it.... singing would have started much earlier.

We had the birthday celebration for June babies. Guess what reaction i had from our people after that? Perhaps we should have church camp in March or September... so that we can celebrate other people's birthday that fall during those months. LOL! Tengah folks can really joke. Maybe we should have one big birthday cake for everyone in Tengah... so all go to the stage and leave no one sitting down as audience... hahahahahhahaha

One by one testified how blessed they were and Jinder even led someone to say the sinner's prayer during this camp. Yes, this is another first.... a hotel staff came to believe in the Lord. What a rejoicing in heaven and on earth!

The night didnt end there. Children and toddlers sang their items and i must say our Preschoolers of 4 did a fantastic rendition of Deep and Wide and Read Your Bible. Their angelic voices were clear and crisp and Gloryz.....what powerful vocal!

Lynn sang one of her favourite hymn after she testified of her calling. She was terribly nervous but she did alright. Jordan people also sang their hearts out. I am heartened to see Alan Yap sang in Chinese. It was a great challenge for him and certainly an encouragement to me.

I wanted to do the overnight thingy this year but felt physically drained. Could still remember vividly last year when a lot of Ctyfers stayed up the last night to play volleyball, guitar and lazed around. This time, i was not physically and mentally prepared. My eyes for one started to feel painful and uneasy and increasingly itchy. But i was able to end my night with some singing.....accompanied by Mandy and Cassandra. They were so sweet to sing with me and they sang without hesitation or shyness. Come next camp, we do it again, k? Who will join us?

Went to bed at 12 plus. Thank God for good sleep.......