By Melvin Dineshraj

PARTICIPANTS OF THE EMMANUEL TAMIL ANNUAL CONFERENCE (ETAC) biennial family camp found joy when they gathered at Rompin Beach Resort, Pahang, from June 9 to 12 for a time of bonding and spiritual journey.

They signed up with expectations of a well-balanced camp that would include challenging theme talks, meaningful discussion topics, engaging workshops, fun-filled games and excellent beach facilities, and were not disappointed. Participants from every ETAC church were present.

In line with the theme for the camp – “Joy in the Journey”, a series of talks were conducted by the Rev Dr Prabhu Singh, an anthropologist with a PhD in Inter-cultural Studies from Asbury Seminary in Kentucky. The sessions focused on how a practising Christian could get the most out of his or her journey with Christ.

Using David as an example, campers were able to appreciate the joy of salvation in his life and relate it to their own. The speaker centred the topic on David’s cry for restoration in the 51^st Psalm.

The life of Paul was also examined and the campers discovered how such a man, in the midst of great suffering and persecution, could be perpetually joyful in the Lord.

Thirdly, the life of Nehemiah was used as an example of a great man who did great things for God while depending on no one else but Him. The Rev Dr Prabhu Singh spoke of how in Christian service, we ought to ensure that our tasks begin with vision, are fuelled by passion, upheld with determination and sustained through devotion to God.

Workshops were also conducted on topics such as “The Gift of Tongues” and “Stewardship of Your Finance”. These sessions ended in thought-provoking question-and-answer sessions.

Campers were also treated to good, clean fun as the youths of the conference took the lead in organising games for the young and old alike.

The highlight of the camp was the camp fire night called “Flame Nite” when campers were divided into groups and engaged in a cheerleading face-off in front of the bonfire. This was followed by a talent competition where groups pitted their acting and singing skills against each other.

The family camp was a meaningful one where participants were given the rare opportunity to interact with one another in a very informal and laid-back setting.

Melvin Dineshraj is a member of the Tamil Methodist Church, Short Street.