"Permai Snapshot" #55 (Jan/Feb 2023 Issue)

PPPP Family Camp 2022

Written by: Lu Kai Xin

Translated by: Tan Chien Chin

Praise God!

The first family camp of Putra Prima Preaching Point (PPPP) was successfully held in Canaan Valley from October 22, 2022 (Saturday) to October 24, 2022 (Monday), with a total of 76 participants. The brothers and sisters created wonderful memories during the three-day and two-night camp.

During the theme talk session, we learned more about the background of the Methodist Church and the importance of unity in the church During group discussions, we also shared on ways to unite the church.

Of course, this camp will not be complete without a series of games The brothers and sisters tried their best to remember each other's names, like the brightness of brain competition! Men and women, old and young, cheered and went crazy together, what a spectacle!

“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2). The will of God for us is to be in one accord with one another God Himself binds brothers and sisters together in love. The camp was short, but our friendship lasts for a long time because the love of God binds us together

PPPP plans to be established as a local church in 2024. What is needed is unity among us, prayer and commitment Preaching the gospel and glorifying the name of the Lord in one accord are signs of a revived church!

It was a much needed break for me…

By: Yulia Ten

I’m Yulia from Jakarta, Indonesia. I’m a homemaker with 3 kids and 13 bunnies

As far as I could remember, the announcement of PPPP Family Camp had been made almost every week. I told my friends in church that I couldn’t join the camp as the date coincided with mine and my mom’s visa renewal to stay in Malaysia. Furthermore, I received a few negative comments about going for trips since we are still dealing with a pandemic But I know that God is still in control.

Then, things changed and I was really glad we could join the camp even though the situation initially seemed impossible due to our busyness, my 13 bunnies and so on.

God placed a desire in me to bring my mother-in-law and sister-in-law along for the camp. They are non-believers yet they joined us for the 3 days 2 nights' camp

The testimonies from them were a good response even though they mentioned that all religions are the same and all gods are the same too. My response to them is that our Lord is a living God I testify to them as an ambassador of Jesus I’m thankful that during the 3 days 2 nights' camp, there was no negative energy and they were spared from contracting Covid-19.

The camp was good for me It was a much needed rejuvenation of my soul and my mind as a child of God and a full time homemaker. I not only regard Putra Prima Preaching Point (PPPP) as my church but also my second home. The intimacy between us as brothers and sisters in Christ became closer as we get acquainted

The morning devotion and talks over the 3 days were good and empowering. Honestly, I’m looking forward to PPPP being established as a local church The camp had empowered me to walk in confidence with God, and with brothers and sisters in Christ despite our differences in characters, personalities and backgrounds.

I'm looking forward to our second family camp.

BY: GABRIEL YEOH

As I took a step int campsite of Canaan Valley, I sense tremendous excitemen anticipation coming from participants of our long-aw Putra Prima Preaching Point ( family camp. This was the family camp organised by and everyone was looking fo to it. A few members scurrying around carrying loa luggage for those who had ar Others engaged in light-he banter Airy laughter e throughout the spacious cam The three-day-two-night cam themed “Harmony in one, A with Jesus”, adapted from Ro 15:5 The goal of the camp w unite and build the body of in harmony and love.

After a hearty lunch, we had a session of briefing and bonding

Then, we had a few ice-breaking games and other activities. We were also divided into groups. Each group consisted of members of different ages and with whom they will be together throughout the entire camp We got to know more about our team members over tea while enjoying a light meal. The first session of games was intense and exciting Each team battled to outdo each other in different abilities in terms of strength, height, and even in the skill of yelling for the longest duration After tiring ourselves out competing with each other and cheering for our team members, we had a short ‘warm-down’ session learning praise dance.

Nothing is more satisfying than a hearty meal after burning many calories during the games and praise dance. We devoured the scrumptious meal laid out before us Satisfied and refreshed, we headed back to the hall for a time of worship. Our first theme talk was by Reverend Pung. He preached that to be united, we have to be selfless and humble, having the same mindset - that is to share the gospel After an encouraging talk, we split into our respective groups for sharing and reflection It was indeed a long and exhilarating day and after a quick supper, everyone retired to bed early, hoping to replenish their energy for another exciting day ahead.

The second day was pretty much the same as the first, packed with theme talks, workshops, and games The day began with a devotion led by sister Mandy. After the devotion and worship, we had Theme Talk 2. Reverend Pung shared about the factors that caused division within the church, and we can prevent it from happening by sharing each other’s burdens and putting aside our differences Subsequently, we had a workshop conducted by pastor Chee Keong where we learned about the background and structure of the Methodist churches in Malaysia. The rest of the day was filled with fun and laughter and everyone was in high spirits The special highlight of the camp for me was the barbeque dinner. I had an enjoyable and jolly time conversing with a few adults and it was hilarious when we burnt some chicken and corn Another highlight of mine was playing captain ball with the youths. We made a few new friends with some youths from another church. Many of us chit-chatted deep into the night and went to bed very late that night, feeling exhausted but content.

I dreaded the last day the most as the camp drew to a close. After the devotion led by sister Ai Lee, we had our last theme talk Reverend Pung talked about how we should set Christ as our example, to obediently follow Him in humility and submission. The church could be united and resistant to division if it practises humility and submission. Following Theme Talk 3 was a short seminar about the church’s blueprint by brother How Hwai. He encouraged us to come forward to serve in different ministries in the church The seminar was the last activity of our camp Thereafter, with heavy hearts we headed back to our respective rooms to pack up our belongings.

Many relationships were cultivated and fostered in this short span of 3 days and 2 nights camp. I strongly believe that we have grown together in both love and unity as a church. I strongly encourage all of us to continue growing together in love and humility, holding on to this flame of unity burning bright in our hearts. I would also like to thank the amazing committee members who took the time off their busy schedules and tremendous effort to make this camp a huge success. Finally, to those who missed this phenomenal camp, there’s always a next time!

Editor