News From Sabah

5TH SABAH YOUTH CAMP 2000 May 28-31 There were so many things to be done in preparation for the Youth Camp 2000. The sanctuary had to be extended, extra toilet and a bathing area had to be put in and water tanks had to be filled. How much food? Are there enough kitchen utensils and crockery? Which church will contribute which items, such as vegetables, rice, pails, etc.? Who will carry water from the pond to flush the toilets? Physical logistics. But not to forget the spiritual preparation. Each church took one week block to complete 40 day prayer and fasting chain. There were just too many aspects to this camp to just let it be.

"Bejana Kemuliaan Bagi Yesus" or VESSELS OF HONOUR FOR JESUS was the day time theme. The evening services were evangelistic and was themed, "Jamaan Kuasa Yesus" - Touch of The Power of Jesus.

This was to be our harvest point. There had been several outreach efforts during the first half of the year in accordance with the Youth theme this year, "Sow, Care, Harvest." The Lord was gracious and there were many first timers, most of them school students, including the ones who attend free English Class taught by bro. Clement every Saturday. A new village is also opening up to the Gospel as a result of 7 youngsters brought to the camp for they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and were baptized. Altogether 221 attended the camp, 58 received the Holy Ghost , 26 baptized and 1 delivered from demonic influence.

The Jesus Is Alive Missions (JAM) team from Singapore, bro. Moncy Matthew, bro. Desmond, Sis. Zeal and Sis. Avril ministered in Word and poured themselves out in prayer ministry and at the altar. There was a special time of imparting and praying for each leader on the last night. Several people received personal prophesies and many received directions for their lives. May the Lord bless this church that so freely shares all they have -- finance, talent, time, themselves.

There were lighter moments, too. The JAM football challenge trophy went once again to Kg. Bonduk. While the male members busied themselves with football, the female counterparts had hilarious time playing games (sukan nika). Most amazing of all, the Bible Quiz on the book of Mark was won by the church formed only less than a year ago, Kg. Longgom Kecil, as a result of 5 youths from that village that were saved during last year's youth camp.

The miracle happened. The water supply for the kitchen use lasted the entire camp! Wonder how many trips bro. Marloni made to the neighboring village with piped water supply, Kg. Narandang, to fill up all the water tanks at the camp site. Even the food was better this year than previous years, thanks to donations from various churches in kind. Mostly vegetarian, except for the eggs, sardines and anchovies used for flavoring.

Our big challenge now is how to extend the present facilities to accommodate a much larger crowd anticipated for our Family Camp in November. The sanctuary and the sleeping quarters were utilized to the maximum during the just completed Youth Camp.

Even as we rejoice, our minds are racing, so that the Lord will not have to hold back anyone from attending the Family Camp due to the lack of space to accommodate them. The conditions are primitive but every participant would agree that they would rather be there than anywhere else in the world because there is nothing like the Presence of the Lord and the fellowship of God's people.

Sis. Suk Clement
June 3, 2000
Sabah, East Malaysia