4-7 July 2006

The Youth Board of the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) held a camp to "train the trainers" at the Chefoo Methodist Centre, Cameron Highlands. 41 youths participated, most of them tertiary students.

The aims of the camp were (1) to provide discipleship tools for the youth leaders, (2) to promote discipleship ministry among the youths and (3) to help renew the spiritual life of the participants.

There were two courses offered and participants could choose either one: 1. Basic Life Principles, conducted by Rev. Yuen Ting Yong; 2. Freedom In Christ, conducted by Stephen Cheah and his assistant, sister Doris.

Basic Life Principles is an international course founded by The Institute of Life Principle, USA, applied in many countries where churches and organizations have benefited from it. The course speaks about the basic living principles of people, teaches how to overcome conflicts using the seven principles from the Bible, and helps to evaluate and correct our life concepts. The seven principles include design, power, responsibility, suffering, ownership, freedom, and concepts of success.

Rev. Yuen has been teaching this for many years. She has great understanding of the course and is able to link her personal experiences into the teaching. Because of this, the participants could absorb not only the set of principles but also the practicality of the course.

Freedom In Christ is a famous course well known in the world. Many Christians experienced the freedom they have never had before at the end of the course. Mr. Stephen Cheah is also an experienced teacher in this course. His teaching included Christianity and different global views; directing the participants to know their identity; and finally working towards repentance from their sinful lives and seeking God's help. Many experienced great change in their lives through the course, especially in thinking and spiritual freedom.

Besides these two courses, each morning a session of devotion was given by Rev. Khon Weng Joo. He led the participants to know God's love, and the works of the Holy Spirit in their lives. A special talk was also given by Pastor Leong Weng Cheong on his ministry in Group Gospel Evangelism. This is a locally developed evangelistic tool mainly designed for young adults. Pastor Leong had spent eight years to develop it.

On the last day sharing before the camp adjourned, many mentioned that they had benefited tremendously from the courses, eventually seeking a breakthrough in their spiritual life. No one felt exhausted in this compact camp but instead felt more energetic. They hope to share their learning to the youth in their churches and give them the benefits too.

Adapted from the article by
Rev. Khon Weng Joo, CAC.