RETREAT!!!

I've always wondered why a "retreat" is called a retreat. Guess its because we retreat from the world we live in to a place where we can focus on the one thing that matters most in our lives: God. Well, on the 8th April 2005, LBCM went on our retreat labelled "Bangkitlah & Bercahayalah" ("Rise and Shine").

It started out as a busy day, alot of packing and unpacking. Muscles bulging and sweat dropping we managed to move all the equipment needed from church to the conference room. With the help of Caroline's "White Rabbit" candy and Daniel's "Choco Pie", we managed to have enough energy to play a game of basketball, or two. Chicken Express and some dilluted cordial were our dinner and so session one started of beautifully. Unfortunately for me and Ko Alex, we were in charge of putting people to sleep. What a tough job man!! So many naughty people sneaking out (I think I caught Daniel sneaking out at least 5 times that night =P ) but it wasn't only the youth that were naughty, some of the Tante2 and Om2 didn't want to go to sleep as well. Aiya!! My reward was half a container of home-made martabak!! Yummm... (To the chef: I like chocolate and peanuts better thanks =P hahaha... Thanks chef! Beaut mate!!)

(I just realised this is going to be a long blog so be patient hehehe...) The next day started off nicely also. It seems that waking people up is easier than putting them to sleep (Darn kalongs! Hehehe). For me, since I'm fasting, I couldn't eat till 3pm. Most of the day I played basketball and took care of the kids (It seems there's a part of me that still loves being a Sunday school teacher. Love those kids!! So naughty yet so cute!) Session 2 and 3 followed shortly. The preacher was really good, really garink euy!! Real crispy at times! Ha3.

We were also split into 4 groups and had to organise an act by the end of the day so we didn't have much free time but it was good anyway. I made another bro that day, Ronald my man!!! So crazy, so funny!! Which brings me to one of the most important events of the day: the baptism of 5 very special people. Denny, Ronald, Reza (Atep. Roof?), William and Mimi. Many blessings to you my bro's and sis' in Christ!!.Before we knew it, the day ended and the performances started. They're all so good and funny. Before it was my turn to become security again, we had a special presentation for my bro from China, Yogi. I believe we made him cry again. Right Yogi? Hehehe... The night ended with less fuss than yesterday. Many people still sneaking out but I was too sleepy to scream at them =P

Day3 also was a brilliant day. With breakfast and the Sunday service gone, we had another surprise for Yogi: 2 buckets of water!!! Hahaha... Drenched him and poor JJ also. Hihihi... After lunch and a few games of "Chop-Chilli-Chop" everyone went back home to "bobo". Throughout the whole retreat God blessed us with His presence, His spirit and perfect weather! The star's we're beautiful, you could actually see the milky way!

Little do we know that this retreat had been a retreat from ourselves, our world, our lives, our pride and into the heart, the presence, the beauty and the majesty of God. That's what I call a RETREAT!!!