Camp Empowered 2008!!!

EMPOWERED MINISTRY:
"...a generation of young Catholics, who are excited about GOD, in love with JESUS and empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT..."

Here's a brief introduction about the youth ministry i usually joined and belonged to when i'm back home is the Empowered ministry. Firstly, the Empowered Ministry is official name of the St. Joseph's Parish Youth Ministry, Kuching. With these amazing verse from the bible: This is a generation of those who seek HIM, who seek your face O GOD, psalm 24:6, perfectly move this ministry with great zeal and enthusiasm to gather especially the young people to grow and strenghthen their faith in GOD.


Another exciting event organized by the Empowered Ministry besides their weekly Bible Sharing and Youth Gatherings, Easter Rally Concert, Roadshows, Dinners and etc.. was the Empowered Camp 2008. With different approach from the previous Camp One Way, Camp Empowered has it's own uniqueness. The camp theme was: The Kingdom Revealed, Matthew 25:34. Overall, it was a mind boggling experience for me!

Here are quick sneak peak on the camp site and some activities held during camp:

This is the official emblem of the Empowered Camp. A very creative design of emblem which potrays deep meaning of the whole camp expereince.

The registration of this camp took place in front of the Youth Room at St. Jospeh's Parish Centre. All camp participants should register by 8am. During registration, we were given our name tag, mineral water n camp kit which contain the camp schedule, rules and regulation as well as mini stationaries...

Final inspection of camp participants in the bus..hehe..i was seating 2nd seat from behind.

After more than 2 hours journey from Kuching, we finally arrived...Sematan...hmm..to be exact, its one of the National Service Camp Site. We had our camp there. Since the camp had this kingdam and castle concept, so the Camp Committee decided to named this camp site "The Prince of Peace" Camp Site...cool huh?

Here are the camp committee members!!! Warmly welcome us with their colourful royalty robes..hehe. We were then divided into various groups. Mine was Alohay Mauzi, which means: "God of my Strength"...

Here's the beautiful lake i passed by as i was ushered to my "chamber" or fondly known as dorm...

The girls' royalty chamber...can guess which one of these is my royalty bed? =)

and yes...the royalty bathroom...

Introducing my beloved group members: Loreitta, Faith, Cliff, Allan, Sherman, Amy, Janice, Matthew, Didi..and last but not least, my beautiful group fascilitator: Cherylene or also known as Chu.. this was taken in the royalty's dining hall...makan time bah.

Our first session was conducted by Mr Martin Jalleh..he flew all the way from Ipoh, Perak. He is a really amazing man which inspires many hearts of the young and old. Regardless of age, many were touched by his talks and motivation. Its good to meet up with him once again after the last camp in 2005. Yes! He still remember me..but no so well though, he called me Paulynn instead of Michelle..lol.

Here's the King and Queen of the Empowered Camp...hehe. Their job is just to officiate the opening and closing ceremony of this camp..haha. All campers were "crowned"...just before camp is over.

The Family Nite was organized at St Joseph's Parish Gallery as soon as we had our Youth Mass. Here parents and their children who attended camp get togther and had dinner. It was a truly amazing nite. My group and I performed a simple verison of Dikir Barat with a recitation of poem especially dedicated to our beloved parents.

Parents applauding happily and were truy impressed by their childrens perfomance...

The best group goes to: Alohay Mauzi!!! Yay! we won the game session and our group has the best flag design too!

Alohay Mauzi: Group Flag

Meet Princess Michelle ...with the camp emblem..and of course with my royality crown. LOL.

In conclusion, this short-coming camp has left me an unforgettable experience. I believe that God's love is unconditional that He gave His only Son, Lord Jesus to redeem the world, John 3:16 and Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life. John 14:6. God's love is first love, sacrificial, steadfast, affirming and humerous! Let the Kingdom of God revealed for we are His chosen race...His Inheritance. AMEN!

Kuching Beach-Pasir Pandak

Cool afternoon breeze at the beach of Pasir Pandak was really calming and peaceful.. with distance of 25 mins drive from the Cat City... indeed away from the hustle n bustle of city life. Pasir Pandak beach has its own very attraction of tranquility although rather desserted and not really well known if compared to the Damai Beach or the Sematan Beach in Kuching.


There are a few island around the beach.. Geographically, this beach is pretty attractive. Well, my friends n i were seating under a shaded area of a tree while enjoying my mushroom chicken mee... it was our lunch or so called "picnic".Hey, it was a spontaneous plan.


What a sweet afternoon... Right in front of us were a few kids with their parents bathing in the sea... not far from us were a group of guys having their mini barbeque bash. There are a few simple stall which serve burgers, drinks and mini snacks. Overall, nothing fancy bout this beach..its just simple. No fast food outlets or high-tech fascilities. However, everyone seem relaxed and happy still...


Here are a few snap shots from my humble phone of Pasir Pandak beach... hehe

so friends out there..do consider to visit Pasir Pandak beach. Eventhough it is not as outstanding as the Teluk Chempedak Beach of Kuantan or the Port Dickson of Seremban, Pasir Pandak definitely offers tranquility which rejuvenates your mind and soul with simplicity.