It has been almost 24 hours after I went home from Multiply Leaders’ Camp 2016, and I still can’t put into words the joy and fun I experienced in this camp. As soon as I went home yesterday, all I can ever think of is to blog but for some reasons, my head couldn’t think straight (the good kind). I was too overwhelmed. Now, maybe my thoughts could finally fly as I tell you how much I enjoyed this year’s leaders’ camp.
Two days before camp and I’m halfhearted in going. Even with the requirement of going as I head one of the committees (the games team), I still had second thoughts. With my school works coming in: a project and a final exam and worrying not to meet the camp fee, it was hard for me to convince myself to go. But obviously, God has better plans. He provided me the amount I needed to go to the camp and of course, a way for me to do my project, so at least I could finish it in the camp itself. I was telling to myself: “Jecho, ito na. Si God na nag-sabi na pumunta ka.”
With 30 minutes of sleep (just because I had to finish everything I have to finish haha), I packed my stuff and went. To tell you honestly, at that time from halfhearted, I’m slowly becoming excited. Maybe because I’m starting to realize that God has something in store for me at the camp, that He will have me guided and strengthened. Of course, the first thing I had to do as soon as I arrived at CCF is to ready not only the things for the games but also myself for new friends and new learning.
Upon arriving at RRC, I immediately told myself, “Ito na Jecho. Ito na nandito ka na.” And then I realized the reason I didn’t want to go is myself, just because of myself only. Not because of the projects I have to do, the exams I have to review for, but because of myself. And thank God, He reminded me. He reminded me of how undeserving I am to be ever in this camp, but still, He let me be in this camp. I humbled myself. I let God control me and everything I have to do. But God didn’t stop there. He grouped me with people I’m completely different from. Not to mention their love for basketball and swimming, it was a full on dying to myself scenario. All I uttered that time was “Sobrang cute mo Lord. Huhu.”
This time, I was thinking of how aloof I was with my group mates. I remember seeing them in youth services and telling myself “Parang hindi talaga kami magiging ka-vibes.” But then again, God disciplined me. God broke the chains of pride tangling me for becoming the good leader He wants me to be. As the day goes by, my fellowship with my fellow brothers-in-Christ has becoming closer and closer. I’m seeing myself enjoying their company, and being in VIBE with their humor. Also, I’ve learned so much from them. Truly, God has plans
The first plenary session came in and God continued His plan for me in this camp. Before going to camp, I’m really discouraged of how my discipleship group is turning out. Members are becoming inactive, and I was close in convincing myself to give up on leading. But (here comes the “but” part again) God never disappointed me. He reminded me of how important discipleship is, of how crucial my part is. He reminded me that He will be with me, and it’s 100% sure, in continuing my journey of discipleship. This time my conversation to myself with the Lord started again and I said: “Lord iba ka talaga!” One thing I realized as well is the reason for the inactivity of my disciples is myself. Then again, God is letting the “self” in me die.
Day 1 is coming to an end and I remembered all of the stuff I had to do: preparing for the games, recording for my project, editing the video for my project, and reviewing for my exam. Man, I got tired just thinking about it. But of course, God stayed amazing as He is. I finished my project just in time for the deadline and, miraculously (because I was really confident that I’ll be taking the final exams), I got exempted for the exam I have to prepare for. “Lord di ko na to kinakaya. Sobrang amazing mo” I told myself. The games also went well! God will orchestrate indeed! You just have to let yourself die and let God control you.
To sum it all up, if you remember how big your God is, He will surely affirm you with His works and plans for you. Dying to self isn’t a concept where you lose, but a concept where God will lead you in to greater things, which will make you a winner. I thank God for the opportunity for letting me go to this camp. I’ve learned so much in this camp and I will be forever grateful for that.
“Then He said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”” -Luke 9:23
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