Empowered to Engage: ACTS College Retreat 2023
By Freddy Quek, ACTS College
A time where we engage God and fellow students.
On July 12, the college team of faculty, staff, students, and alumni embarked on our annual four-days-three-nights (July 12 to 15) retreat in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It was a memorable journey that reaffirmed the power of unity, filled with supernatural encounters with God and spiritual engagement. The occasion was graced by distinguished missionary speakers, Rev Melvin and Louise Ho, who left us with profound insights that would undoubtedly continue to resonate with us.
Insightful Preaching
The first night was immersed in the warmth of familiar camaraderie and strengthened bonds as we found ourselves in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Rev Melvin took center stage with his thought-provoking sermons on “Engaging Personally with the Call of God” (Genesis 22:1-9). He emphasized that each person’s relation to God’s calling is unique and that there are always sacrifices in following God. He shared the nature of God’s call, the cost of God’s call, and the promised reward of God’s call with the end goal of responding to the call of God. He challenged us to obey the will of God, as it will have both short and long-term impacts on people and the places where God has placed us. This obedience will result in blessings for ourselves and others beyond our imagination. He urged us to answer God’s calling by listening passively and responding actively, aligning our choices and actions with God’s divine orchestration.
On the second day, Rev Louise paralleled the narrative that being empowered by wisdom is the manual for living wisely. She invited us to consider the complexity and simplicity of wisdom. Adding to the experiential learning, she shared her poignant moments of personal revelations when God’s call echoed in her soul, inspiring us on our spiritual journeys.
Community Bonding
Amidst the profound intellectual and spiritual enrichment, we also sought to strengthen our bonds as a community. The retreat involved delving into the depths of our souls and connecting with others on similar spiritual paths. The ‘Imposter’ game was pivotal as we navigated through the unfamiliar territories of trust and deceit in a fun and exciting setting. This activity provided an avenue to build rapport and friendship, interspersed with hearty laughter, thrill, and a few doses of suspense.
The retreat was an invaluable experience that further enriched our faith, deepened our understanding of divine purpose, and fortified our camaraderie as a community. We rediscovered ourselves and recommitted to our spiritual journey. Reflective, uplifting, and inspiring, the retreat at Johor Bahru will remain etched in our hearts forever. We thank the camp committee for their organization and efficient service. The fellowship was genuinely unforgettable; God touched all of us, and we were refreshed physically and spiritually. May the Lord continue to unite us in love through ACTS College.
