These were sincere words I managed to express my hopes for the days to come. My prayer is this retreat will bring us closer to where God wants us to be as a person and as a people.
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Foreword
Welcome to the BLC 2006 Church Retreat!! Selamat datang ke Taman Lutheran Lakeview! And now the Christian greeting …
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ …
I’m really excited about the retreat. Hoong Guit and the team have done such a wonderful job preparing for it. It’s been quite relaxing for me. I’ve hardly done any thing so far except making contacts for Soo-Inn, Bernice and the LCMS Orang Asli Ministry :-).
This year is also special because it’s the FIRST time we have a theme talk speaker. Soo-Inn is no stranger to us. He’s our friend, mentor and no. 1 cheerleader. On a more personal end, he has walked with me through the ups and down of my own life and ministry. I appreciate it very much. What’s exciting about this camp is Soo-Inn & Bernice will have 4 days 3 Nights to connect with us as a church community (with many new friends) through the main sessions and many conversations which will emerge. All with the view of ultimately linking us to God’s amazing grace!
In this retreat, we’re opening up space for ourselves once again for God’s grace to be at work in us. And my prayer is, his grace will also work through us. Whether it’s praying or playing, eating or sleeping, speaking or listening, laughing or even crying, we are praying for Christ to meet us wherever we are at. We are also trusting the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, feelings and wills to align them with the ongoing story the author of life is crafting here and now.
So, enjoy the whole camp in all it’s fullness. Rest well. Enjoy the exercises. Get to know people (especially new ones). Open our horizons when we’re visiting the Orang Asli brothers and sisters. Practice spiritual disciplines afresh (with the support of others – in short, group devotions are important). Sing your hearts out thanks to fresh air. Appreciate those who’ve planned the camp and are in charge of stuff. Participate fully. (Add to the list).
During this whole camp, I’m keeping these words close to my heart allowing them to soak me with God’s goodness and presence. I’d like to share them with you. Because the Living Word – Jesus can meet us through these words.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. – Eph 2:8-10 (NRSV)
Recaptured by Grace, Living by Grace!
Sivin Kit
Pentecost
August 31 – September 3 2006
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Thanks for having us .. really had a great time engaging and forging new relationships. Am a bit miffed that we had to leave a day early but looks like there’s plenty ahead to look forward to 🙂