10th NSCD 2010 Camp IV: Best Of The Best

I was sharing a dormitory with a staff member and eight girls from other homes. As I was the last person to check in on the first day, the bed left to me was one on top at the end.

All my roommates were Indians. As soon as they gathered, they had endless conversations in Tamil even after the light was off at 11.30pm. I normally slept well anywhere and in any situation. It even occured to me to doze off at a Mamak stall while my friends were chatting right in front of me! Strangely, I was not able to get much sleep during my stay in this camp.

The third day, I still woke up at dawn. It was raining heavily. I could not go to the beach side. So I stayed at the reception corner. A few single shoes, slippers or socks were scattered on the road. Who were the naughty ones behind this?

Stray dogs were the culprits. The committee had overlooked this matter and no warning was given to the campers. As a result, every morning, I saw stolen, abandoned and sometimes torn objects desperately waiting for their owners to take them back.

Rev Jeremiah's wife Sis Me Ngoh who was in charge of the devotion asked the first question "Which stone can capture light?".

The answer was diamond which she compared to the believer of Christ with the following characteristics:
1. Saved from the kingdom of darkness.
2. Separation from worldliness.
3. Realize our weaknesses.
4. Allow God to use people and circumstances to cut away our weaknesses.
5. Exposure to God's Word.
6. Need for continual cleansing by the Word of God.
7. Know our spiritual gifts and God's special calling for us to serve to benefit His Kingdom.

How are we cooperating with God's discipline in cutting the flaws out of our lives?
1. Dedicate our life to the Lord.
2. Avoid the "flaws" that come through rebellion.
Then we will be a splendid jewel for God's glory.

I was supposed to go to Hall Two after that. The previous and third session about character, inner motivation to do what is right, was very interesting. For some reason, Paul, Matthew and David were transfered to Hall One to listen to Ps Joel's preaching and I was asked by Mrs Sinna to accompany them.

Because of this sudden arrangement, I responded to one of the most important altar calls in my life. While my tears were flowing, God comforted, encouraged me and confirmed the things in my heart through Ps Joel who laid his hand on me.

When the session was over, all the campers took group photographs together. I had no idea of the exact number of participants. I only knew that due to Albert's and my unique status as teachers turned busybodies turned volunteer staff and the CCH boys' "high profile", others easily recognised nine of us.

After the lunch, the children carried on with their group discussions instead of going back to their rooms to take a nap. When it came to outdoor activities,

they were still full of energy.

The not so energetic adults like us just sat on the chairs and talked about our joy as well as frustration of dealing with these children whom God had placed in our hearts. I had befriended Sis Chui Ping from Praise Home whose testimony in Mandarin I wished my family members would hear in person one day.

That afternoon, I was annoyed to see some of our CCH boys covering themselves with caps, jackets, withdrawing themselves from the crowd, acting passively or complaining about the dizziness caused by sunlight. I made up my mind to do something to turn these "ladies", whom even I myself as a woman could not stand, into authentic men!

After the dinner, my "spider disciple" approached me again to invite me to dance with him, the requirement of his task. I was told that he had a twin brother who shared striking resemblance but had a different personality.

I also moved my limbs a lot during the worship. When the "Best Of The Best" group performance started, at first I watched the drama,

singing and advertisement with full attention.

After awhile, I could not focus any longer and nodded off. But when I finally went to bed at 1am, I was not able to sleep immediately because of the Tamil "live broadcast" which lasted another half an hour...