Monday, February 13, 2006

Aspirers Retreat 2006


Revival is in progress. There is no doubt, no hesitation, no turning back.

This year youth camp has moved to a new level. We decided to expand the organizing team and more than half the camp were eventually involved ain one way or another. From devotion lleader to team leader, to food personnel to worship team.... It was at first slightly freaky to have such a big team - it also meant out of control - but it also meant training and equipping. So yeah. It was awesome. And everyone did an amazing job. But because of that too, many were more involved in the camp - heart and soul. Many believed, many prayed, many stepped forward, many hoped.

God's hand was on the entire camp. It was evident. The camp was a testimony by itself. Many knew and believed and saw. And it has been more real to me than ever before - that prayer is really a powerful tool. It has really caused me to see.... Just to name a few:
  • Our initial campsite did not work out - last minute but still we found one in the nick of time
  • Not many people signed up - but more people were involved and excited
  • It rained during departure till we arrive - but not a drop of rain for the rest of the camp
  • There were internal conflicts - but we put our differences aside and remembered that we were doing it for God.
  • We forgot to buy prizes - but we finished everything else so early that on the final morning we could go shopping instead of rushing the other intigrity camp details.
Nothing could stop us. God was on our side. It was so evident.

We had all kind of activities that were new to us and to the youth. We daring to try new things (our theme is DARE after all). And our only prayer is that everything will work together to gear hearts and mind towards the one thing that mattered - to start a revival in our hearts. You cannot organize revival, but you can set your sails to catch the wind of Heaven. And so it was, every activity held a lesson you don't learn in the classroom - that is Aspirers' Retreat's trademark. The music mania that taught not to gossip, the campfire initiation taught passion, the sand castle showed that life's not fair and we learn to make the best with what we have, the raging river taught cooperation and working with what you have, crabbing taught hardship and perseverence, devotion prepared the soul, debate brought out talents and touched on certain grey topics, dorm moments refreshed and fed questioning hearts. I could go on...

What blessed my heart the most was the altar calls. Instead of lingering at the back, they stepped forward in hunger - no loiterring, no waiting, no hesitating - just there, eyes squeezed shut, hearts aimed towards Heaven, lips in prayer, tears streaming down their faces, hands trembling in desperation and in urgency. God looks for those who are hungry. He searches the earth for those who are seeking. And He will meet us there. There were no pictures, no videos, cause God was moving so powerfully. Many were touched, many slained, many experienced breakthrough in their lives, and many testified. Don't look down on yourselves because you are young, but set an example for believers...... some were only 13. All the leaders were praying, crying, hugging along with the youths.. just touched by the presence of God. After all was said and done, I stood at the altar front and cried to God. I wanted Him to touch me too. It's been so long, so dry, so distance. I told God I will not move till He touch me. And He did. He so did... I could barely contain myself. And I could not stop.

Lord we need a revival, Lord we need you to move
By your spirit and power, Let your kingdom come
Give us a passion for the lost, Give us a hunger for your spirit
Send Revival....

And this is only the begining. It has just started....

For more pictures click here. For the full CD (video compilation and complete pictures) order through Aspirers for only RM5.

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