YOUNG PEOPLE’S FELLOWSHIP

Andrew Kan

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Eccl 12:1). This verse is our main YPF verse over the past 12 years, as well as the theme verse for the 2015 camp in Mersing. It is a verse we pray the youths never grow tired of hearing, and a verse they hold close to their hearts with understanding. This year, we are focusing on the theme “Living Wisely in the Lord” (Prov 23:19). We pray the youths see the superiority of God’s Word above all things, be equipped with discernment to choose the right paths, and thereafter to walk in it.

All these years, the Lord has blessed us with a place to come together, where YPF may call “home”. We thank God for the hospitality of Mr and Mrs Foo Chee Yong for opening their home in our early years, and the love of Berean BPC for availing the use of their sanctuary on Saturdays thereafter.

We thank God for the YPF, where we learn to remember God in our hearts, minds and deeds. We thank God for faithful speakers every week to teach us God’s Word, in a manner such that the younger ones may understand, and the older ones are still very much edified. We thank God for discussion and sharing sessions, where the youths may learn to give thanks and pray for one another, and realise that they are not alone on their pilgrim journey here on earth (Eccl 4:9-12).

We thank God for the camps we hold each year by God’s grace, where the youths come together for a retreat from distractions, and immerse themselves in God’s Word and fellowship. The recently concluded camp was held from 20-23 December 2015, and was well attended by more than 70 campers, including parents. Below are some of the campers’ testimonies.

May the Lord continue to shower His blessings upon His YPF, and may YPF be used to ground the youths in the faith, that they will never forget their Creator. All praise and glory be to our God!

Testimonies

“During this camp, I really saw how bad my situation was as a human being. God, who created me for His use, needed to remind me through the messages and His Word to remember Him. While I, so sinful and faithless, am always under His caring eyes, protective arms and He never forgets me. So I’m really thankful for our passionate speakers who have expounded God’s Word with genuine concern for us young people.

“Thank God for my group. They were very open and honest which really encouraged me.

“Remembering God as my Creator helped me see God’s sovereignty over my life and helped me trust Him more concerning my future. I’m really thankful also for those who are zealous for their spiritual lives. They are truly a wake-up call for me to draw closer and nearer to God.” —Theya

“I came to this camp wanting to change my attitude towards God. The camp was spiritually beneficial to me as it allowed me to establish a habit of doing quiet time. The messages were very applicable. The group sharings made me realise that all of us are imperfect and we need God for everything. This camp has been a timely reminder and a reassurance of my faith in God.” —Calvin

“I praise God for the opportunity that He has given me to attend YPF Camp in Mersing. More importantly, God has been very merciful to fill my soul with much joy and delight as God’s Word was being preached. It was a joy that truly satisfies the soul thoroughly. The Christian fellowship was indeed sweet and there always is a common familiarity and fondness of being with fellow brethren, in the presence of God. Praise be to God for the manifold blessings He bestowed upon us throughout the camp!” —Grace Teo

“I would like to thank God for allowing me to attend this camp. I am thankful that I am able to fellowship with new people through this camp. I have learnt that we have to remember God in three ways, in our mind, our heart and in our deeds. I have also learnt that I should not take it for granted that I have been born into a Christian home. I am thankful because I do not face opposition from my family. I like the worship we had as I found it very practical and useful. I remember what Pastor said during the workshop, “a high school student with the knowledge of God has more knowledge than a university graduate with no knowledge of the Bible.” —Rachel Loei

“At first, when I saw the theme of this camp, which was “Remember now thy Creator”, I thought it was just going to be about creation, the seven days and basically the first few chapters of Genesis. But I was wrong, as usual. Little did I know that it was going to be so much more than that.

“Thank God for the opportunity to attend this camp and learn of God’s Word and His blessings towards us. At first I was very hesitant to come as I wasn’t very keen and used to going overseas alone without my parents (I only did so twice which was during compulsory school camps), but then somehow, God in His own miraculous way, motivated me to sign the form, and so I did.

“There are so many things to thank God for during this camp. Thank God for the messages that were given to us, and the lessons I learnt from them. From the morning devotions, I learned that being holy is equivalent to being set apart from evil and sin, we are like servants to the King who is the Lord, who leads us in every step of the way, and as servants, we must give our all to Him. During the main messages, we were taught that in this sinful world and environment, we should flee from sin and stand with God, no matter how hard it will be, pray to Him who is almighty and powerful, and He will help us through every trial and testing.”

“I’m glad I came to this camp as, if I had not, I would have missed the perfect chance to study God’s Word in a place far from home, far from everyday distractions, I would have also missed making friends with people, that come from other churches, that I have not met before. I hope I will have more time with the Lord to worship and grow closer to Him. All glory be to God. “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” (Corrie ten Boom).” —Charlotte

“Thank God I was motivated to come for camp. There were three reasons why I came for camp. Firstly, I wanted to learn more of God’s Word. I desired to be much more closer to the Lord, just as I was in my junior college years where I really loved the Lord and desired for His Word. Secondly, I actually made a promise to Miranda in my note to her and I wanted to fulfill my word. Lastly, I wanted to encourage my partner and I wanted to use this opportunity to get to know more youths, as well as allow more youths know us.

“What I hoped to achieve from this camp was to increase in my spiritual growth – which I did, as I learnt more about God’s Word through the 6 theme messages and continue to undergo the process of sanctification. I also hoped to understand the need of fellowship, and the importance of it – Yes, I now have a better idea of it after being surrounded by God’s people, something which I have missed out a lot on when I was just a Sunday Christian.

“What I hope to be consistent with after camp is to go for fellowship meetings. I have tried going for FCM in University, as well as Ladies Fellowship but it was not regular, which also explains why my spiritual growth stagnated. I also wish to be grounded in my faith before my last semester of University ends as the last thing I would like to happen is not to be found in church when work starts, and I do not want to return to the Lord only when He chastises because it is a very painful process, having real consequences. I want to remain more consistent with my walk.” —Esther Tay

“Thank God for the opportunity to attend this year’s YPF camp. It has indeed been a great blessing to me. The messages reminded me again of the brevity of life and how the days of my youth are quickly slipping away. It is my prayer that I will be more fervent in serving God in the coming year, making each day count. The messages also reminded me of the great delight I had in God’s Word and how I need to consistently pray that this flame will continue to burn in my heart. Moreover, this camp has encouraged me to a deeper study of God’s Word, to know everything there is to know about God. I pray the Lord will help me to set aside more time for serious meditation of His Word in my heart. Thank God also for the privilege to serve Him in this camp. I have been encouraged by how fellow campers served in any area they could. All glory be to God!”—Miranda