HOPE EFC Camp

We HOPE EFC members and friends have church Camp at Grace Hill, Bukit Tinggi. I praise God that He has showered His many blessings to my wife Zovi and me.
I was surprised by the celebration of my birthday. The church does not really have a tradition of celebrating Birthdays, but thank God and thank to all church members for celebrating mine and the love gifts. In my childhood/boyhood I never know birthday celebration as I grow up in a jungle. But after knowing God, I acknowledge with Jeremiah who praise God saying "....our lives are not consumed... just by His grace...they are new every day..." (Lam.3:21-23). Praise God for giving me the church that cares me.
All the sessions and programs are good and meaningful. The speaker messages are challenging... the good thing is we are given opportunity to discuss and reflect in small groups. In my group I have my country men..altogether 8 of us..their sharing and reflections are challenging for me as a pastor.
Moreover, we have opportunity to reflect on the messages we heard from the book of James on "church and society" at solo hour. We all were guided by Mappers and were placed by the road side at night for an hour. This is basically to reflect and to listen from God. As I reflected on the message the question came to me "what is true Religion that God desire?" The answer is given in James 1:26-27...to care the needy, orphans, widows...." so am I in the true religion God desires of me? I was reflecting and praying honestly that "I will take care of the needy, orphans and widow." But how was the question since I myself have nothing. My answer was to look upon God for the needs... If God is willing and happy in my commitment He will provide the fund.
Finally, but not least.. I came to the point that as a pastor... my deeds..works..character speak louder than what I preach in the pulpit. This thought brings me to see closely to my personal walk with God. To see closely to my preaching and my life, deeds, character. I conclude that if I loose my character, I loose the trust of God.. and moreover....I LOOSE SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY.
Praise God for such blessings he has bestowed on me at the church Camp.