“Living Stones, For Our Cornerstone!” A Life of Grace and Gratitude

Phyllis (1st from left, back row) with her group at Church Camp 2025.

I was seated next to Kenneth, one of CCMC’s staff, at lunch on the last day of Church Camp 2025. We chatted. He encouraged me to submit my reflection.

Serendipitously, we met near the steps to King Albert Park MRT after Sunday’s Service. Again, he encouraged me to write. Prompted, I write to express my gratitude to God and to all of you who made my camp experience beautiful.  

My journey to the camp started when I hovered near the table on the last day of registration. The friendly volunteers encouraged me to sign up.  

The lessons and personal sharing of our camp speaker, Dr Tan Lai Yong resonated. One of his videos stood out - that of a little boy learning to walk.

Dr Tan asked, “What will (truly) help this child walk better?”

My response was, encourage the child with cajoling, clapping and cheering him along, as a community.

I asked myself, “How can we help each other walk this road of life?”

The answer emerged: “Love God, show love to each other and share God’s love wherever we go.” 

To work off our satisfying Peranakan dinner, we jostled through Jonker Walk, feasted our eyes on the Melaka River before returning to the hotel. Photo credit: Joel Tan

Our camp booklet showed a free-and-easy time on Day 2. I wondered, what God would have for me that night? What would I be doing? I don’t have the guts to go out alone at night. Will I be stuck in the ‘ark’ (camp venue) where I do not know many people?

I experienced this love in the ‘ark’. On that evening, fellow church members Joel and Joanna invited me to join them for Free & Easy time. After a sumptuous Peranakan dinner, we decided to walk back to the hotel.

In front of me was Joel carrying my backpack. Behind me was Joanna carrying my water bottle, in case I needed a drink during the trek back. Writing these words reminded me of Psalm 139:5: “You hem me in behind and before…” Isn't it interesting that I got to know Joel and Joanna just days before at the church prayer time? 

Let us encourage one another, with kind words, actions, and cheer each other on. Share how the love of Jesus shines in our lives. 

Campers were asked to share little notes to bless one another with words of encouragement and affirmation. Among the notes I received, two of them double-affirmed one of God’s assignments for me in the community - “to continue to be a good…” and “to continue to be impactful…”  Thank you, my encouragers.

Let us answer Pastor-in-Charge, Rev David Gwee’s clarion call - “Committing To A Legacy of Faith”. Encouraging one another on the way, let’s sing, “I will trust in Christ every step I take,” words that are repeated in three stanzas of the Camp Theme Song, ‘Every Step’. Let us join our children in their Gala Night song, “Jesus, I’m livin’ LOUD for You”!

Thank you all. Thank you all, especially to Camp Commandant Justin and team. You made the days of “Living Stones, For Our Cornerstone" a celebration of Grace and Gratitude.

All praise and glory be to God.