The theme for this year's Youth Camp was all about testifying the presence of God in the community of faith by loving one another the way Christ loved us. Whilst that sounds simple enough, the addition of endless rain, buckets of mud and overwhelming fatigue was the perfect recipe for anger, frustration and hopelessness. Despite the odds against us and the dangers that seemed to stack up as the camp progressed, the example of Christ prevailed, and as the youths relied on Him and reflected on how our Lord would have reacted, they not only finished but also finished strong.

Even before the camp started, there were already a number of challenges facing us. The bulk of the group was young and inexperienced, some campers were physically unwell and the gloomy weather forecast showed that it was supposed to rain for the first two days of climbing. Given the problems at hand, the instructors tried to manage our expectations by emphasizing that the likelihood of all of us reaching the summit was not very high.

Needless to say, the start of the camp was anything but rosy. We were greeted at the mountain by cranky rain clouds that caused a delay in our hike to base camp. The river beside our original campsite was too dangerous to cross and we had to camp in a less comfortable and much smaller site due to the safety concerns. Finally, everyone would fondly remember the late night downpour we spent in leaky tents. However, by the grace of God, the rain dampened everything but the spirit of these feisty youth and the next morning they were all up bright and early, psyched up to reach the summit.

The 2nd day got off to a completely different start. The weather was absolutely glorious, defying all forecasts. Even so, the climb to the summit would still be very difficult. Scrambling on all fours was a necessity for long stretches of the climb but it was heart-warming to see how the youths were determined not just to make it to the top, but make it there together. Despite their own tiredness, they availed themselves and because they placed the needs of others before their own,a helping hand was never out of reach. In the midst of their fatigue the youth still took time to admire God's beautiful creation, which surrounded them all along the trek. It was especially so on the summit, where from the rock we stared in awe at the majestic view, feeling God's power and presence as we remembered the creator of all the glorious nature we were in.

After reaching base camp, a bombshell was dropped on the campers. We had to pack up everything and trek back down to the foot of the mountain. Apparently the mountain had been closed at the time and the park rangers required that we leave the mountain as soon as possible. The circumstances were trying but the response of the campers was no less encouraging. After 9 gruelling hours of climbing, they responded to the situation by packing up quickly without complaint, impressing the experienced instructors. The night trek was slow, tedious and tiring but the campers pulled through strong.

With a couple of days on Mount Belumut, we have learnt more about ourselves than we ever expected. Removed from the comforts of home we so often take for granted, our patience and love for one another and our faith and trust in God was put to the test. Through the trials we have overcome, we have emerged stronger both physically and mentally, more confident and more knowledgeable. However, above all, it was in our weakest moments when uncertainties abound, that we were reminded that our strength can only come from our reliance on God – lessons you just can't learn in a classroom.



by Yeo Zhi Han

posted by Joel / Rui @ 10:52 PM
0 comments

---