Centre of New Life Family Camp 2024 – “Better Together”

A family camp where we grow in faith, learn the Word and play as a community together, all ready to better serve God and His people.

Many of us thought last year’s family camp was our best camp ever. It left CNL members inspired and excited, wondering how 2024’s family camp could be better. But it was – thanks to the leadership and toil of our 11-member camp committee led by Natalie Chua.

This year’s bilingual family camp took place from June 13 to 16, 2024 in Penang, gathering 160 campers ranging from 2 to 85 years old. With the theme “Better Together” resounding throughout word and worship, we were reminded how we were indeed better together as ONE body of Christ.

We walked away full – from fellowship, Penang’s delicious food, and most importantly, from God’s word delivered by the dynamic Rev Chris Long of Kingdom City in Kuala Lumpur, and our youthful Chinese interpreter Ps Aster Soong. Rev Chris and Ps Aster kept the congregation – young and old – enthralled across all five teaching sessions – with their humor, wisdom, pragmaticism and boundless energy.

2024 – a leap year for a leap of faith
Rev Chris Long delivered five practical teaching sessions that resonated deeply with CNL members. He started by reminding us of the uniqueness of the year 2024. It is a leap year, and signifies a time for new beginnings and expansion, urging the church to likewise leap out in faith. To do so, we will need to let go of our past burdens by “burying the bones of Saul” and prepare our lamps for light to triumph over darkness (2 Samuel 22:29-31). God’s word purifies, protects, and prospers us, and only with Him, can we become overcomers and His word will be fulfilled in our lives.

Live for Christ. Live a great life. Live in unity.
Rev Chris reminded us to never stop loving God, His people and ourselves, stressing kindness, generosity, hospitality, and encouragement. Living for Christ involves inspiring others with uplifting words and truth served in love, maintaining God’s vision of ourselves and steadfast love. He urged us to remain joyful, age gracefully, and serve gladly. The call to CNL was clear – to be a multi-generational church where each generation contributes and serves one another regardless of age.

Through the story of Ruth, who exemplified selfless service and sacrificial love, the next call for CNL was clear – that we are to become new wineskin. To cement this, we sang “New Wine” by Brooke Fraser and Hillsong Worship. It reminded us to lay down our old flames to carry God’s new fire today. For where there is new wine, there is new power and new freedom.

Unity is a key ingredient to staying better together, but it doesn’t mean conformity. We were reminded to be gracious, generous, grateful, godly and good to stay and live in unity. To live as Jesus would and to forgive as we are called to. Only then, can CNL give new life.

“Better Together” children’s program
Alongside, we invited Ps Pamelyn Tay from Tabernacle of Grace church in Penang and her wonderful team of fun and enthusiastic volunteers to share the Word with nine children ranging from 5 to 12 years old. The children learned about belonging to God, teamwork, sharing, shining in the world, and following Jesus. Between teachings, the children participated in fun activities and on the camp’s final day, presented a dance item to “Better Together” by Jana Alayra.

Play and fellowship
Between teachings, campers had time to engage in kampong time activities. We came together to paint 160 small mosaic art tiles on what CNL means to us, and how we see the church. It was inspiring to discover hidden creative talents amongst church members, and how each individual saw the church differently and as a community.

Fellowship was also a key component of the camp, bringing together individuals across congregations and age groups to connect and share stories over meals. We had the opportunity to explore Penang for its delights – be it durians, cafes and Peranakan food, or play at the Upside Down museum. On the final night, campers had the opportunity to share their reflections over the last few days over delicious supper and ‘campfire’.

New wineskin
As camp drew to a close, we saw the hearts of individuals – young and senior – come alive through praise (rap and dance!) sessions. Led by Rev Chris, the Holy Spirit was clearly moving in us and stoked a fire and passion never before seen, bringing about a vision for members who have called CNL to be their home.

We emerged from camp with new wineskin – uplifted, united, and convicted to serve God and His people.