TRAC MSF Camp 2006 at Paradise Sandy Beach Resort Penang, 14-17 March 2006

Attendance at the 15th TRAC MSF Annual Camp 2006 was a record in terms of the number of participants from among the seniors and also the clergy. There were more than 270 participants from all 14 local MSF chapters and also from GYM (Glowing Years Ministry) of TRAC Singapore. There was, however, the noticeable absence of the seniors from Wesley Johor Baru who had been attending our Camps for last few years.

The opening worship service was conducted by Wesley Penang and the keynote address by our Bishop, Dr. Hwa Yung, on the theme "Committed to God, Empowered to Serve" was very well received. During the official dinner on the first night we were presented with a delightful rendition of 'Oldies' by the local singers.

The AGM and the election of office bearers of TRAC MSF Board for the year 2006-2007 were held on the second morning. This was followed by a discussion on issues concerning the MSF and its growth. After tea, the participants were able to relax by way of line dancing, movement to music demonstration, swimming etc. while others hurriedly had their rehearsals for the Fellowship Night.

On the third day there was an organized half-day tour of Penang, including a visit to the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. Those who were familiar with Penang, however, took their friends out to taste the local cuisine and to do some shopping. After tea, the newly-appointed Director for MSF, Rev. Hwa Jen presented "A Vision for TRAC MSF". This was a draft aimed at eliciting further response from members but due to insufficient time a brief discussion was held the following morning.

The Fellowship nights on the Day 2 and Day 3 were chaired by Wesley Seremban and Wesley Kuantan. We thoroughly enjoyed the skits, songs and line dancing etc. by the different MSF chapters. The most hilarious was of course the concluding episode, "The passing away of Kopi-O-Kow-Kow" of the 'Kopitiam' saga that had been a well-loved item for the last few camps. The main character in the episode is none other than Mr. Tan Kee Chaw who tickled the audience with his jokes and antics as he chaired the second Fellowship night.

The morning worship services were conducted by Wesley Ipoh, Emmanuel PJ and Trinity Penang whilst the vespers were led by the Trinity PJ and Wesley KL. The installation of the TRAC MSF Board of Management was conducted by the TRAC President, Rev. Ong Hwai Teik at the closing worship service during which he delivered a message on "What are we looking for in life".

After the Worship Service there was a period of fellowship as we bade farewell to one another till we meet again at the next TRAC MSF Annual Camp in 2007.

Thank you - members of the Organizing Committee from Wesley Penang, Trinity Penang and Wesley Sungei Petani for the hard work you have put in to make this Camp so successful and memorable!

For the first time in our TRAC MSF Camp we were able to have, not only a speaker but our own Bishop, Dr. Hwa Yung to speak to the seniors and to inspire them, through three successive sessions on a common theme "Committed to God, Empowered to Serve". The Bishop's message was indeed very touching and inspiring. It came from the heart and resonated in the hearts of all present. In fact, the message from the Bishop was the highlight of this year's Camp and would certainly be of great help in the formulation of our Vision for TRAC MSF. The Bishop's message focused on the following aspects: (i) Living as God's Child. If we truly come to know God as our Father, we would commit our lives fully to Him. We will also find ourselves greatly empowered by his forgiveness and love to serve Him despite our brokenness and our biological age. (ii): The Father's Transforming Process. The Father disciplines us in order to heal and transform us. When we face trials and tribulations or suffering we should not lose heart because this is part of God's transforming process. The fruit of this healing is a new meekness and humility as well as a development of a Christ-like character with a deep compassion for suffering humanity. (iii) Knowing the Heart of the Father. Genuine mission flows out of knowing (through His Word, His Presence, Suffering and Prayer) the throbbing of the Father's heart, to know His love for the sinner, the needy and the poor, and to be consumed by that love.