Monday, February 26, 2007

Syndesmos

The title is a greek word. Its pronounce as 'Su-Des-mos'. Its been an exciting weekend, went for OCF summer retreat. It was a three days and two nights camp. There, i got to know a group of people, either from Malaysia or Singapore. The camp was relaxing and fun. Messages were good. It was a good reminder of my own objectives and also a good time of fellowship. But i got to say, it seem a little disorganised.

New words and name
Mozzies - Mosquito
Uti - Utility vehicle (pickup or lorries)
Chook - Chicken
Peta - Peter (Female version)

Thursday, had a tutorial, which was canceled and nobody knew. We were standing outside the class for 45minutes, waiting for the tutor to come, but he never came. After i got back, i was exploring around the unit's website and i came across the discussion board where the tutor put a topic, stating that there was no tutorial in week one. The rest of the day, i cannot remember.

Friday, i had an hour lecture, it was on introduction to mass communication. The lecturer had a script in his hand and he was reading off it. Now can you imagine how boring would that be. Anyway, after i got back i had to pack my bag for the retreat. Since it was only going to be a short camp, i packed light. Did i mention, it cost me AUD$50.

The pickup time was 245pm. I was 5 mintues late, when i got to the meeting point, there was no one. I started to panic, i was wondering if people here really keep to the timing. So i waited, at 310pm, there was still no one. I called Lindy, and was i told that the timing had be changed to 315pm. I was relieve and a little annoyed. People started appearing at 320pm. By the time all arrived, it was 4m already. The camp starts officially at 4pm, and we left the pickup point at 4pm. Maybe they do not really keep to timing after all.

By the time we got the the campsite, it was 430pm. I thought we were very late; i looked around, and realised Murdoch OCF was the first to arrive -- the retreat consist of people from Murdoch, UWA and Curtin. People started to come in as time past, introduce myself and got to know more people.

Things are planned here differently from that of Singapore. Its good that roles are given out properly, people know and complete the tasks that they are given, this will really help to get things organise. Thank God for people like Zhiqiang to always push for things. In a day, they have two messages, one in the morning and the other at night, and a workshop in the afternoon.

The theme of the camp was Unity in Christ. The person speaking on the messages was Pastor Timon Bengston. I felt he was good, the points he brought out were biblical and fair.
Four main points were given.
1) Defining unity John:17-20-23
2) 7 basis of our unity Eph 4:2-5
3) Purpose of unity Eph 2:11-22
4) Application Phil 2:1-15

Workshop was by uncle Nat, this is what they call him. We had to do the DISC test to find out our personality. D for dominant, I for Influence, S for Steady and C for conscientious. I am a SD person. I had only 1 point for C, now i wonder how did i become the administrator for last year youth camp.

Other that the talks, we had small debates. Calvinist against the amonians(or however you spell it). Tiring topic, never really came to any conclusion. But it did led to other interesting topics like, The right person for you. Is there only one, or are there a few or you can choose anyone as long as they are Godly people. Has God plan everything out or is there this permassive will he has, to allow humans to choose. Write in my comments to let me know your thoughts. No debates just thoughts.

The camp got to interact with people, played card games, taboo and bridge. Back in BSC, here is an idea i have which may be helpful. When we have events, maybe we could like set aside specific people to talk to new-comers when they come, not everyone has to be busy to setup the event, Sometimes we just want to help set up things or just want to do something to look busy, we tend to forget new comers and they just linger around. Those who have been selected, do not feel useless, or free just because you got nothing to do, your role is important so as to make people feel welcome and comfortable. It is not force, but something we want to do out of love. Break out of the comfort zone which we have been taught over the years but yet not do.

Well that was over the weekend. I came back on Sunday, and got to chat with my family and dear! She went over to my place to visit and taught my family to use skype. It was good to see them. Thanks dear!

Now that school has officially started, i have things to do. With the time i have, i will probably study most of the time. Still thinking whether i should use part of it to do my own personal inductive bible study. Its not that i do not wish to, but whether i will be displined to.

This post is slightly long, thanks for reading. Do continue to pray for me.
Prayer list
-Pray for focus on God
-Pray for a holy live and not be distracted by the distractions here.
-Pray for discipline and wisdom to spend my time.
I will see you all soon. God bless and take care.

1 comment:

yen said...

hey! actually, yf did have that, we were called the befrienders, but it suddenly stopped.. i did that DISC test too. (: i'm a SC, not surprising, but ya. i guess thats why i prefer to follow than lead. (: lol. glad to know what u've learnt.. and abt that 'right one', i dont have a fixed view, but i guess if u trust God with it, the answer will be clear.? i dont know. lol. what do u think? oh ya, i got a new blog.. its http://helloepiphany.livejournal.com
glad to know ure doing well, will cont to pray(: