Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
WELCOME TO Souljourners retreat
2013 Meta
META
meaning bey o n d , after, or change
We can’t wait to meet each and everyone of you here. Away from the city, away from the noise. God’s creation awaits just outside the doors, ready to receive us. God’s people sit in the seats beside you, and will sleep in the beds across from you. His Spirit rests upon this place. The stage is set. So what are we waiting for? A sign? A hint, a whisper? There’s nothing holding us back except ourselves. God’s very presence sits potent in the air and even if you wanted to, you won’t be able to hold Him back. He is ready and waiting to meet with each and everyone of you, with arms open wide, as a Father waits for his Children. The two of you will have to figure out what that encounter looks like, but don’t be surprised if it isn’t what you’re expecting because His plans are far above ours and much, much better. Our prayer for you this weekend is to find peace in fellowship, joy in creation and love amidst God’s presence and His people. There is so much that we could say but we’ll let Him speak for Himself this weekend.
special
THANKS O Guest Speaker Pastor Kyla Moon Pastor Larry Kong Camp T-shirt Designer Jocelyn Wong Camp Book Designer Andrea Lau Servant Team Aaron Chan Andrea Cheng Andrea Tai
Matt Lowe Melissa Chang Becca Mar
A-Team Melissa Chang Chris Chan Nick Wong
Kristen Lowe Chris Li Kent Lau
All worship teams, cabin leaders and activities team leaders Lifeguard Kimberly Ho First Aid Kimberly Ho Pastor Larry & Camp Luther and its staff
camp RULES Be Punctual
to meal times, activites and messages.
Be Conscience Do not
leave the campsite premises before notifying someone. & enter the on-site staff homes, offices and staff rooms.
of other groups on site and limit noise after 11PM.
Show Respect
to the camp site, property and the camp staff.
& enter the kitchen.
(only on-duty kitchen staff are allowed in the kitchen)
Follooww Do not walk
the dinning room clean up procedures.
along the waterfront after dark.
Do not use
the waterfront equipment without permission.
Activities TEAMS JeffCheng Justine So Sandy Young Andrea Tai Jocelyn Cho
JoshMar Einer Lim Jennifer Liu Kris Ho Nick Wong
ShannonLim Christy Zheng Aaron Chan Kathleen Joe Kenneth
CalvinSu Sandy Lun Sonya Tam Veronica Chris Chan
CelineLai Kyle Tam Carissa So Ben Huang Jordon K Andrea C
Eleanor Wong Naomi Kober GP Terynn Chan Kent Lau Leslie Emily Chan Matt Lowe
Andrea Tung Brennan Chan Harwood K Kimmy Ho Valerie
Becca Mar Raina Kim Chris Li
WinstonLai Victoria Chang Kristen Lowe
Steph S Priscilla Yip Jacky Liao Joseph Lam Andrea L
Jamie Low Mel Chang
cabin
Girls Guys GROUP P U O R G
JeffCheng / MattLowe Calvin Su Ben Huang Einer Lim
S
Jacky Liao Nick Wong
ChrisLi / BrennanChan Josh Mar Harwood Kwan Kenneth Poon Kris Ho Joseph Lam
KentLau / AaronChan
MelChang / BexMar
Winston Lai Kyle Tam Jordan Kwun
Eleanor Wong Valerie Chang Priscilla Yip Sandy Young Kathleen Joe
Chris Chan
AndreaCheng / SonyaTam Carissa So Hillary Ko Jamie Goco
Sandy Lun RainaNaae Kim Celine Lai
JustineSo/ AndreaLau Joycelyn Cho Jennifer Liu Andrea Tung
Shannon Lim Naomi Kober Jamie Low
AndreaTai / KristenLowe Christy Zheng Emily Chan Terynn Chan Kimmy Ho Victoria Chang Veronica
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
F RE E T IM E
PHOTO TIME
Day 1 Devotion
Who are you?
Transformation in Christ hinges partly on unmasked, painful honesty about who we really are in relation to God. It begins with us taking a deep hard look inside of ourselves and asking who we are behind all the walls we put up to protect ourselves and beneath the surface of the “glittering image” we present to the world. Jesus said, “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Honesty requires fully looking at the truth. It must be “unmasked” because, like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, we would rather hide from the truth and protect ourselves rather than come out exposed, naked to God. This has been the problem of sin since the beginning of time (Gen. 3:1-‐ 19). It is “painful” because, while the truth ultimately liberates us and brings us closer to God, initially it is something we would rather avoid (Scazzero, 2003). Read Romans 3:9-‐26 In this passage, Paul contends that everyone stands guilty before God. In chapters 1 and 2, Paul has dismantled the common excuses of people who refuse to admit they are sinners: (1) ‘There is no god’ or ‘I follow my conscience’ –1:18-‐32; (2) ‘I’m not as bad as other people’ –2:1-‐16; (3) ‘I’m a church member’ or ‘I’m a religious person’ –2:17-‐29. No one will be exempt from God’s judgment on sin. Every person must accept that he or she is sinful and condemned before God. Only then can we understand and receive God’s wonderful gift of salvation and the new identity that accompanies it.
Verses 13-‐18 emphasize the ramifications of sin in human life. So far as the relationship with God is concerned, the rupturing power of sin has been noted (v.11, 12). But what effect does sin have on the sinner? The effect is total, because his or her entire being is vitiated. Observe at this point the various members of the body referred to: the throat, the tongue, and the lips (v.13); the mouth (v.14); the feet (v.15); and the eyes (v.18). This list serves to affirm what
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theologians speak of as total depravity, i.e., not that man in his natural state is as bad as he can possibly be, but rather that his entire being is adversely affected by sin. His whole nature is permeated with it. Human relations also suffer, because society can be no better than those who constitute it. Some of the obvious effects—conflict and bloodshed—are specified (v.15-‐17). The supreme problem of life is: How can man get into a right relationship with God? How can he feel at peace with God? How can he escape the feeling of estrangement and fear in the presence of God (Koinonia Christian Fellowship, 2009)? Going beneath the surface of our lives can feel as if we are walking on a tightrope fifty feet above ground without a safety net below. The Gospel is like the safety net. It alone gives us the foundation to take the risk of stepping out onto the tightrope in order to explore our inner depths. The Gospel says you are more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believe, yet you are more accepted and loved than you ever dared hope because Jesus lived and died in your place. A great exchange takes place when we place our trust and faith in Jesus Christ (Scazzero, 2003). God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) Questions: • What does Romans 3:9-‐26 declare about the universal condition of mankind? How does this affect your perception of yourself and others? • What does the Gospel mean to you and how you live your life? • Although we know the truth sets us free (John 8:32), why is “unmasked, painful honesty” with ourselves so difficult? What might be some reasons it is difficult for you? • What “glittering image” might you be presenting to yourself and others that God wants you to remove?
Notes
Day 2 Devotion
A New Identity
As we place our trust and faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the priceless gift of salvation through His sacrifice on the cross. Redemption through Him is undoubtedly an unfathomable blessing in itself, but along with it we receive so much more from the God who deeply loves us. Read Ephesians 1:3-‐14 Ephesians begins with a lavish list of gifts that belong to every Christian. The list itself is quite overwhelming and forms part of an extended praise by Paul for how richly God has blessed each of us. God ultimately gives us a new identity in Him. He takes our old lives and gives us a brand new slate. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Cor. 5:17 (NKJV) In the New Testament, Jesus went about recreating people’s identities. An alert reader of the Gospels will find time after time when Jesus was repainting a person’s identity. For example, He went to dinner with tax collectors and non-‐law-‐keeping Jews (called “sinners” by Pharisees), and He enjoyed their company. By His mere presence, He was starting to give them a powerful new identity. The new identity indicated that God the Father and Jesus thought the tax collectors and “sinners” were worth knowing. Paul the apostle developed the whole area of identity in greater detail. When he addressed identity, he used the language of the “old worn-‐out man” and the “qualitatively new man.” He told Christians they would have to shake off the “old worn-‐out man” like clothing and put on, also like clothing, the “qualitatively new man” (Eckman, 2008).
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But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-‐24 (ESV) It is important that we also change our perception of who we are. We must begin to see ourselves as God sees us, and not how the rest of the world may see us. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV) Questions: • List out each of the aspects of our new identity in Christ according to Ephesians 1:3-‐14. • What impact does this list have on your faith? Is there one aspect that means more to you at this point in your spiritual journey? Why? • What does it mean to be a son or daughter of God? How do you live out that identity in your daily walk with God?
Notes
Day 3 Devotion
Growing, Growing, Growing
In C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, there is a portrayal of what it may feel like to allow God to transform us. Eustace, a young boy, becomes a big, ugly dragon as a consequence of being selfish, stubborn, and unbelieving. Now, he wants to change and go back to being a little boy, but he can’t do it himself. Eventually the great lion Aslan (representing Jesus) appears to him and leads him to a beautiful well to bathe. However, since he is a dragon, he cannot enter the well. Aslan tells him to “undress” of his thick dragon skin. Eustace remembers that he can cast off his skin like a snake. He takes off a layer by himself, dropping it to the ground, feeling better. Then as he moves to the pool, he realizes there is yet another hard, rough, scaly layer still on him. Frustrated, in pain, and longing to get into that beautiful pool, he asks himself, “How many skins do I have to take off?” After three layers, he gives up, realizing he cannot do it. Aslan then says, “You will have to let me help you.” To which Eustace replies: I was afraid of his claws, I can tell you, but I was pretty nearly desperate now. So I just lay flat down on my back and let him do it. The very first tear he made was so deep that I thought it had gone right into my heart. And when he began pulling the skin off, it hurt worse than anything I’ve ever felt…Well he peeled the beastly stuff right off – just as I thought I’d done it myself the other three times, only they hadn’t hurt – and there it was lying on the grass: only ever so much thicker, and darker, and more knobbly looking than the others had been. And there I was as smooth and soft…Then he caught hold of me…and threw me into the water. It smarted like anything, but only for a moment. After that, it became perfectly delicious and as soon as I started swimming and splashing I found that all the pain had gone from my arm. And then I saw why. I’d turned into a boy again…After a bit, the lion took me out and dressed me…with his paws…in these new clothes I’m wearing.
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C.S. Lewis describes it well: To go in this radically new direction, it feels as if God’s claws are going so deeply into us that they are cutting into our very heart (Scazzero, 2003). Read John 15:1-‐17 In order to bring forth more fruit, the vinedresser or gardener prunes the grapevines to keep the plant healthy and productive. Questions: • Think about an uncomfortable experience/process you went through or a time when you were out of your comfort zone. What did you learn from that experience? How did it build your character? • Consider the story about Eustace and John 15:1-‐17. What “dragon skin” do you still have on that you must allow Christ to remove? Or, what parts of your life need to be pruned in order to allow you to produce more fruit and grow in character? • John 15:5 stresses that we must abide in Him in order to bear fruit. What does the word “abide” mean (in some versions it may say “remain”)? In what ways can you continue to abide in Him when you return to Vancouver? • Reflect on the past few days of retreat. How will what you have learned here change how you live after retreat? How will knowing your true identity continue to impact your life and those around you?
Continue to grow and produce fruit. Abide in Him.
References
Eckman, D. (2008). Knowing the Heart of the Father: Four Experiences With God That Will Change Your Life. Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers. Koinonia Christian Fellowship. (2009). Romans 3 Devotional Questions and Commentary. Retrieved from http://koinoniatexas.org/2009/10/romans-‐3-‐devotional-‐ questions-‐and-‐commentary/ Scazzero, P. (2003). The Emotionally Healthy Church: A Strategy for Discipleship That Actually Changes Lives. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.
Notes
Notes
Dear
,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Psalm 139:1) I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2) I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3) Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-31) For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27) In me you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:28) For you are my offspring. (Acts 17:28) I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5) I chose you when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12) You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16) I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts 17:26) You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) I knit you together in your mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13) And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6) I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. (John 8:41-44) I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (1 John 4:16) And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (1 John 3:1) Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. (1 John 3:1) I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11) For I am the perfect father. (Matthew 5:48) Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. (James 1:17) For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33) My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3) My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalms 139:17-18) And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17) I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40) For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5) I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. (Jeremiah 32:41) And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3) If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. (Deuteronomy 4:29) Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
For it is I who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13) I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. (Ephesians 3:20) For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Psalm 34:18) As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. (Isaiah 40:11) One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. (Revelation 21:3-4) And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. (Revelation 21:3-4) I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. (John 17:23) For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. (John 17:26) He is the exact representation of my being. (Hebrews 1:3) He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. (Romans 8:31) And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. (1 John 4:10) I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. (Romans 8:31-32) If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. (1 John 2:23) And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. (Romans 8:38-39) Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7) I have always been Father, and will always be Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15) My question is… Will you be my child? (John 1:12-13) I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)
Your Dad Almighty God
Notes
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water
Dock Canoes
Water slide
Campfire Pit Horseshoe Pits
Guest 2
R.V.Sites
Staff 2 #12 #11
Playing Field
CABINES
#10
Craft Shack
#9 #8
Softball Diamond
#7 VolleyBall
Parking
#6
Chapel
#5
Dining Hall
#4
Kitchen Guest 1
Staff 1
Canteen
Parking
Cabin 0 playground & Trampolines Tenting Sites
Playing Field
Gym Parking
Parking
Workshop Camp office Private Home