2005 Ablaze Camp Testimony
Press Forward was a breakthrough for me in more ways than one. It was first time for that I carried so much responsibility in Ablaze with games and performing in a skit. I was thinking ‘boy am I disaster waiting to happen.’ But I felt that God was telling me that I shouldn’t shy away from challenges because I live by faith in God, not in my own abilities. So God really blessed me in this aspect. This coupled with the incredible High School Ministry lesson (everyone had fun mocking my incomplete uniform) where the skit performed relatively smoothly (thank you God). God really spoke to me about being embracing challenges for him and being a leader to my school, my friends and my family. Also it was there that I was given a baton (albeit in plastic) in spreading the word of God in my school. Through Torchie’s incredible teachings, I also learnt about Philippians 2 about how Paul although he had reached the top professionally, socially and academically considered all his achievements loss compared to knowing Christ. I felt really convicted because I won’t live forever and my achievements will fade away. The only thing that will last is that my relationship with God and the resurrection of Christ. I also know that I have something better in Christ who died for my sins and no one can take that away from me. I’ve learnt so much from this camp in the fields of leadership and making God my number one priority. I also gotten to know my brothers and sisters in Christ that much better and have so many great memories (Victor please stand up). So bring on Ablaze Camp for 2006!
Haha, how hardcore do I look in this pic? 
I could have titled this testimony as “A spiritual journey begins”. Looking back, I still remember when I was typing this testimony up. I was so nervous as I tried to not just describe the life changing event, but do it in a witty and eloquent manner. I was stressing more than usual because Lisa Toh (or was it Lucy) gave me the call on the morning of Igvo “Hey Trung, just wondering, can you do a testimony tonight?” You can imagine the panic excitement that was running through my mind.
I’ve been reading this entry a lot lately, whenever I’ve felt down or inadequate before God. It’s a good reminder for whenever I stuff up or begin condemning myself for being a sinner. It’s good to have that reminder that God won’t give up on me and that what happened at Ablaze Camp 2 years ago was not a mere memory, but a springboard to bigger and better things.
However, at the same time, I realise that I still have a long way to go. Ablaze Camp may have started the whole process, but it was just that – a start. Christianity is not about the hype, it’s about the life- the life of Jesus Christ. If I had just coasted on the emotional high after Camp, I would have left the church within a year. I’ve seen people who I seriously believed were ready to go to the next level and beyond, but just faded away after a few months. Personally, it was heartbreaking. It gave me the lesson though – the death of Christ may have won the bar, but we still need to fight the day to day battles. I’ve stuffed up, time and again. However, I know that the God that I discovered in 2005 is still the same God today when I’m facing my own personal battles. Even if I do screw things up.
After all, he’s not the author and perfector of my faith for nothing.
