Aspirers Retreat 2008: LIVE

Aspirers Retreat is one of THE events of the year. It is much anticipated, much waited for and all that. However, after so many years of handling this kinda of retreat, one wouldn't be surprise that the committee is a tad bit tired and less excited. More like stressed.

And so this year around Retreat came as usual, earlier than usual dates. Thus, more cause for anxiety. We were late in our planning, lethargic in our execution, lazy in our tasks. It wasn't until 2 weeks prior to Retreat that we bucked up with the sudden realization of what is happening. Argh! I'm a bad example when it comes to timing and procrastination. This time around, I felt a heavier sense of burden on my shoulder. Perhaps it was the pressure, perhaps it was the disorganization, perhaps it was simply tiredness, perhaps it was spiritual attack. Nevertheless, it was a worser feeling than I have ever felt before. I felt more alone then ever. I felt like declaring that Retreat be postponed! Imagine that. But I had reasons:

• Most plannings were NOT settled. From publicity to activities; worship schedule to venue.
• The resort that we were to stay with have not confirmed more than half of the things, with their staff being on leave all the time.
  
• 2 weeks before the retreat and registration was at an all time LOW. (far lower than the number I guaranteed the resort)
• None of the activities are concrete or totally ready
• We have far fewer leaders to just be around, watch over, help around, etc. as compared to previous years.
• I really wasn't feeling up to it.
  

So we gathered the organizing committee and all the leaders. I lectured, apologized, encouraged, hopefully motivated them as well. There was so much to do and so little time. If we really mean it to go well, that is. And most of all we needed God more than ever. Decided to begin praying and fasting to see God move. I said "God, won't you show your mighty power. If your move mightier than ever before this camp, it will only go to testify that you are not constrained by the things we plan and that a great camp is when YOU move." And so I lost my days and nights to the retreat preparation. Planning a camp is one thing, mentoring and guiding others to learn the trade is another. The latter one being the harder one. Yet, it was more than necessary.

I will spare the details of the camp. You can read them on Larissa's and Jian's blog.

But God proved faithful. He never fails. Though a lot of things were falling apart and I felt worse than ever, though I only wanted to cry at His feet from probably exhaustion, disappointment and heartbreak, God proves to be faithful. From the very first night, the very first worship session, there was a sense of deep longing and desperation for more of God. You could feel the energy in the air. The voices crying out. And that night itself, more than half the campers walk out in response to the altar call. Took me by surprise and drove me to tears. You know it when you work so hard doing what you humanly can but at the end of the day it's the part you cannot control that you want to see the most. We can only set our sails to catch the wind of Heaven. After all is said and done, it is their heart and God's move. And that, THAT is what it's all about. It's about the lives that are touched, changed, sold out to Him.

God moved in such a mighty way this camp, more than He ever did in any previous camp. The speaker was prophetic and had a message for anyone who had the guts to walk across the carpet - symbolizing the stand tat he/she is taking to live for Jesus. And so they went, one by one. The second night dragged the longest because God's move was so powerful. whether you're up front at the altar or alone at the back, God was doing His work in hearts and lives. I can't help but focus on these moments alone. These precious moments. What could be better? On a personal note, God spoke right into my heart. He told me what I needed to hear. And truly truly I will serve no other God!

Sure we had fun, sure we made friends and all that. Sure it was all good, and loud and fun. But the best part was His presence. The best part was when God spoke into our lives and we're never the same again. Aspirers! Do you see that revival has begun? Can you feel the mountains tremble? It's the sound of revival! Do you hear it?

Ok OK! I'll stop here. =) Check out MORE PICTURES as you would PREFER it in the first place on Derrick's Flickr Album. Read Aaron's version in the coming Agapeline issue. The DVD will be available for sale soon.

Talk about event of the year =)