Volume. XVIII, No. 42
Sunday, 18 April 2004


Family Easter Bible Camp 2004 Report


“And God is able to make all grace abound towards you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

We praise and thank God for a wonderfully blessed Easter camp held from April 9-12 at Douglas Scrub. This year, we were especially privileged to have Rev. Prabhudas Koshy as a guest speaker for the camp, with a theme of “Abounding in His Grace”. Rev. Koshy is the Pastor of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church and is also a lecturer in Biblical Studies and Hebrew at Far Eastern Bible College in Singapore.

Rev. Koshy’s messages covered the topics of “Divine Grace”, “Riches of God’s Grace”, “Abounding in God’s Grace” and “Growing in Grace”. Fundamental to the messages is that we are not saved by works, but only through the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. All have sinned and none are deserving of His mercy, but God gives us this gift, this unmerited favour that saves us from the clutches of sin and eventual death. For this, we are forever in His debt.

Expanding on the topic of grace, Rev. Koshy illustrated the various ways that we are to grow in God’s grace by believing and loving Christ, praying unceasingly and living humbly. The direct result of growing in His grace is exemplified through a sanctified, strengthened, hope-filled, service-oriented and steadfast Christian life.

Knowledge, however, is useless without application. In this respect, we were extremely blessed to have Rev. Koshy present many practical teachings in his messages. This was particularly valuable to the youth, many of who shared in testimonies of how the messages called and challenged them to make changes in their lives for the glory of God.

The four days of camp were filled with times of fellowship, singing, games and prayer. We were so blessed to have such dedicated and enthusiastic campers who helped in all respects of the camp running from cooking and cleaning to participating in the sketches, singspirations, devotions and more.

In total, over seventy people were able to make it to the camp, with forty staying the full three nights. I am extremely thankful for the camp committee and volunteers, who were pivotal in the smooth running of the event. In particular, my thanks goes out to Sis. Joyce Gong and the food/hospitality committee. Due to the increased number of attendees, we were concerned that there would not be enough food, but God’s provision was abundant. I also thank Sis. Bernadette Lee for managing the camp guide, assigning the groups, rooms and logistics for the event.

It is my sincere hope that the spiritual ‘high’ has not weaned off as you’ve returned from camp, and that you are using the lessons learned to enrich and empower your lives. God has blessed us with this camp, and with such prevailing messages of His grace through Rev. Koshy. It is only in our best interest to employ these lessons for the glory of God.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18


See you at next year’s camp.
Camp Master
Thank God for you!

I praise and thank the Lord for His goodness upon the Hopefuls during the Easter family camp. As usual, the Lord has provided us with good people who worked hard for various responsibilities before, during, and after the camp. Thank the Lord that there are always people who are willing to give their time for others. The Lord came not to be ministered but to minister. Hope and pray that all Hopefuls are willing to serve one another, instead of being served. The Lord also blessed us by sending a very articulate and seasoned preacher, Rev. Prabhudas Koshy, who graciously came and preached heart moving and touching messages. I have heard from so many people about how good his messages were. I pray that the Hopefuls will be changed and grow as a result of his ministry. I will see how individuals will show their growth in grace as a result of their learning through the camp. If we will practice what we have learned during the camp, lots of changes will take place in our church and we shall see the blessings of God in tangible ways. There is no more joy to me as a pastor to see that my people are blessed and start to grow in Christ and His grace. What Rev. Koshy did was to sow the seeds of God’s truth. These seeds must grow in the fields of our hearts. If we have not just enjoyed the messages, but seriously received them and were challenged by them, our lives will be changed, and our thoughts and values will be God-centred. Would you show me the fruits of the seeds sown in your hearts during the camp? Grace is not grace until practiced. May the Lord enable you to maintain the flames of your excitement and zeal for His sake!

In love,
Your Pastor


More Lively Hope

 

Announcements

Shorter Catechism Question No. 45: Which is the first commandment? The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Please continue to pray for Sis. Myung Ki, Rev. Peter Clements, Bro. Surish Dharmalingam, Sis Susan Varadi, Sis. Aranka Rejtoe and Life Bible School (Kompong-som). “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13).

Thank God for granting journey mercies to Pastor Ki (Adelaide), Rev. Prabhudas Koshy (Singapore), Rev. Edward and Sis. Lehia Paauwe (Adelaide), and Sis. Ayji Chong (Adelaide).

Please pray for journey mercies for Dn. Edwin D’Mello (Queensland), and Dn. Tony Law and Bro. Lincoln Law (Warnambool)

Please pray for Bro. Lincoln Law as he begins work in Warnambool, that the Lord will meet and provide for all his needs.

Thank and praise God for Rev. Prabhudas Koshy who ministered to Hope B-P Church at the 2004 Family Easter Bible Camp.

Thank and Praise God for blessed Family Easter Bible Camps in Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth.

Cambodia Missions - Missions to Cambodia in May 2004 has been cancelled. Anyone planning to go to Cambodia, 10 -31 Jan 2005, please see Ps Ki or Dn Michael D Lee ASAP.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kimber on the birth of their son, Dashiell, born on Wednesday, 14 April. May God bless them!

Please Note: There will be no “How to Study the Bible” Class and BBK Class today.

Looking Ahead: Hope B-P Anniversary Service on Sunday, 6 June 2004. Guest Speaker: Rev. Peter Chua.

 

 

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