by Cris De Rosas

We praise and thank God for another successful family camp.  This year was blessed with many sessions and workshops.  Our main speaker, Pastor Reuel, focused on “TEAMWORK.” He talked about the differences between men and women and a biblical approach on how to resolve conflicts.  We also had four workshops: 1) “Improving Your Marital Intelligence” (overcoming the five problems of marriage) taught by Al Almeda, 2) “Parenting that Makes a Difference” taught by Pastor Bob, 3) “Building Faith at Home” (ways to make the home a center for faith development) taught by Jenjen Kagawan, 4) “HeART of Worship” (preparing our heart to come before a Holy God individually, as a family, and corporately) taught by Erick Sioson.  During the week our worship team led us to heartfelt singing led by Butch Kagawan.

This year’s schedule had more time for more fellowship and relaxation.  We had more opportunities to enjoy paintball, rock climbing, water slide, swimming, basketball, tennis, volleyball, ping pong, shuffle board, and running. And, in the evening, there were karaoke, Pictionary, Scrabble, and more fellowship. The food cooked by the camp staff was delicious.  We had bacon-wrapped filet mignon during our final dinner.

On our last night, we gathered around the campfire, giving our testimony of blessings and burdens. We learned to pray and encourage each other during the midst of trials. Praise God for many families and friends got closer during the week.  Join us next year and experience God’s love and peace in your family

by Tia Marino

 “I just want to see you… SEEK THAT!” If you were part of this year’s Summer Camp 2011, you know what do after those two words.  At the same time, those words will forever remind you of all the memories that were made at Summer Camp 2011: Seek the Day.

Who can forget the commotion during the field games, the nervousness at skit night, yelling so loud but forgetting the cheers, getting soaked during the carnival and even the intensity of the night games? Everyone’s creativity also came out during the 3rd night when we had to come up with ideas on how to dress up as cave people, futuristic, Roman etc.

On top of all the fun we had, everyone who went to camp left with individual blessings and experiences. For me personally, this first experience as a cabin leader moved me. Getting to connect with the campers one-on-one was a great blessing. Simply knowing that they have such an eager heart for God was amazing enough. But I was even more humbled by how they were able to open their hearts and share their personal hurts and transgressions during the breakout session.  Many shared how they struggled with self-image, insecurities, and simply finding their place as a Christian in their daily lives. This taught us how to become more loving as the body of Christ by being there to carry each other’s burdens.

He also blessed us with Fran Rubio’s sessions which spoke directly towards each individual in a unique way. He used the camp passage, 2 Corinthians 5:21-6:2, to reveal to us how to become a stronger disciple for His kingdom. He elaborated that humanity itself is hurting so much that most people use this as an excuse to not believe in Him. In reality, we as Christians need to use their hurts and our personal sufferings to show how great our God is because we are the Gospel and we are His righteousness.

The last night was Testimony Night. We were overwhelmed with joy as we heard how the Lord blessed each person who spoke. We were reminded that God really meets us where we are in our lives and uses even the toughest experiences for His glory.  Another year of summer camp, another year blessed.  See you next year!