Kerry
Looking back at my time at the Malaysia camp, my heart is overflowing with thankfulness. It was an incredible blessing to meet with so many brothers and sisters from all over the world. From pursuing God together, sharing family times and visiting local homes and schools, to singing and dancing together, every single moment became a treasured memory. What I treasure the most was witnessing different nations come together to worship God with a pure heart, united in love for Him and for one another.
I found that many of the practices—like our first/last thoughts, being "about to smile," having breakfast with the Lord, and enjoying Him in prayers—greatly help me remember that God is closely living with me day and night. Whenever I remember He is right here with me and respond with a smile or a short prayer, I feel such deep peace and sweetness in my heart. This practice also helps me realize more of what is in my mind and thoughts throughout the day. Because of this, I’m able to cut out the worries and put my trust in the Lord more.
So grateful for this global family and the beautiful ways God continues to draw us closer to Him!
Harmony
With my friends, I love going to class together, encouraging and challenging one another, experimenting with new ideas, and taking time to debrief about our days. The Lord desires the same kind of closeness with me. When I read Mark 14, He reminded me how He just desires my pure love. Regardless of what I can offer or the results of my love, the Lord remembers my heart for Him. This helped me pivot my perspective.
Before the camp, I told the Lord, “I don’t want to be stuck in my own way.” I was troubled by reality and unsatisfied with myself. I felt I couldn’t change and struggled to smile. Now I am able to consult the Lord first, and He teaches me to be less task-oriented. When stressful situations arise, I remember how much I love the Lord. This helps me focus less on my insufficiency and mistakes. Every experience strengthens my friendship with Him and I won’t let my reality diminish my love. I can smile more because I trust in my Friend, who loves me unconditionally and takes care of all things for me.
Timothy
During Malaysia trip, we practiced to have breakfast with the Lord. We had done it before in Philippines and Brazil - this time we practiced it every day to keep about to smile and keeping the presence of God while eating. I find it not only helps me at the moment, but it's preparing me to pray unceasingly. It helps me to understand how it is to live with God moment after moment and to keep Him with me, even if I am focused on work or something else during the day. It's not that I need to keep talking to Him but while I am doing what I need to do, I still remember the Lord is with me as I am doing that thing. I feel that I'm less disconnected from the Lord as I continue remember to keep the smile with me.
Acacia
In the camp, I learned to be the Lord’s close friend, living with Him from day to night. I enjoy the practice of having breakfast with Him, telling Him things, or simply eating silently in His presence. Presetting my last thought at night and my first thought in the morning to say, “I love You,” to Abba and the Lord has also saved me from many random thoughts and worries that can arise when I am unaware.