The LORD is my rock!

I came back from Camp Kedron which is an annual Christian event held by Central Baptist Church. The theme was "One God, One Family". There was insightful and inspiring talks by Pastor Bob. I personally learnt heaps during this time. Some of the points which particularly spoke to me include:

• God's love has a powerful and magnetic power.
• 1 John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"
•  Pastor Bob shared a song sung by the Watoto Choir "My Father knows my name". He shared a story about a student in his Scripture class. One day she asked him if she knew his name. 

"No, could you tell me what it is?" he asked.

"Tonya" she replied. Pastor Bob committed to memorising her name.

During the next lesson, Tonya put up her hands and he said "Yes, Tonya". He said she had the biggest grin on her face. He later found out that she had no parents.

• Our availability to God is more important than our ability. This point is very encouraging because I have in the past struggled in my confidence in my competency to serve God.
• "It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving" Mother Teresa. 
• Best expression of love is T-I-M-E. 
• Small actions can mean a lot to some people. I remember this in my life when I first came to Central Baptist Church traumatised and with a heavy burden on my shoulder. The hospitality and warm welcoming of many Christians really touched my heart. I was not looked at as a number, a scum or a nameless face but as a human being created with a purpose and precious in God's eyes.
• Be prayerful of the people around you. Sit down with someone who is struggling and pray for them.
• Don't be discouraged by failure. Hardship is what refines us to be better and stronger people.
• Sometimes being loving and caring is to confront and rebuke them. However, do this in a gentle manner.

During our free time, I was bouncing with joy and excitement to take photos of nature and wildlife. I had the chance to go bushwalking to the top of Kuringai National Park. The path was steep and we had to climb many rocks. At the top, there was a wooden cross and one of the cliff rock was engraved with "The LORD is my rock".