Testimony at BOOT CAMP 2012

Shouting Boot camp 2012… S4G!!! The long awaited week finally came! Young people across the nation gathered at Langcauan Hall, Jamboree Site, Los Baños, Laguna last April 23 until April 26. This youth gathering was hosted by Project Acts Mission Challenge with the theme “Stand Still and See the Salvation of God” (Exodus 14:13)

Day 1- STAND STILL. Let all the glory and honor be unto God for the lives of pastors, leaders and staff of PAMC! Their preparations were truly a blessing for all of the participants. The registration started as the clock struck 10 am. As expected, there were first timers and repeat attendees. It seemed that most of them were so excited to meet new faces and to share the greatness of the Lord in their lives. Upon registration, the delegates were divided into 7 color-coded groups and were tasked to design their respective group flags. Team members wasted no time and immediately got to know each other and developed camaraderie. After an hour, the seven groups proudly displayed their artistry as they waved their flags with their cool names boldly emblazoned on each one, to wit: No Fear, SOS (Saving other Souls), KAPE (Knowing God with All your heart and Provide others with an Everlasting love), UNITY, V-Tag, Army of One and Coconuts. Not to be outdone, the staff also made it more exciting and cool by naming their group TETRIS (The Extravagant Team Rejuvenating In Spirit) with their very own flag. Campers had fun watching the videos of the Boot camp 2011 recap together with the post-camp leadership training and mission trips of PAMC team. It was followed by the testimony of the interns and an opening celebration of praise and worship headed by Pastor Joseph. Then, Pastor Gene de Leon shared the Word of God focusing on the topic Stand Still. He persuaded the campers to make Jesus as their solid foundation. All campers were very attentive to what God was telling them. After the preaching, Bootcamp 2012 had the traditional “Jesus Jam.” The campers sang, shouted, danced, laughed, and even jumped as they worshipped the Lord. They had different ways of praising and worshipping but it was a night of placing themselves in the presence of God. In summary, the first day was more than what everyone expected! God had made everyone to stand for HIM- His leaders, the Pastors, staff, counselors, the team leaders. He had raised young people from dead to life. He consumed all emptied hearts and filled them with His love, grace and mercy. Day 1 was the day when God struck the heart of the campers to recommit themselves on Him and be firm, to stand firm, to stand still.

DAY 2- SEE. To God be the glory for the lives of the campers! Before the sun rose, most of the campers were already awake; they were all excited to have their group devotion. Their first devotion was guided by their group counselors. Some of them started with a song offering to the Lord, while others shared their testimonies. It appeared that most of them paid special attention to what God was revealing in their lives, in their church ministries and the lesson God was showing them. As the clock turned 7 am, all spoons and forks were ready to attack their first breakfast meal. Then, to call the attention of the campers, they had an ice breaker. Campers called it “Change your Partner” with a special tone on their voices. After that, an inspiring worship began to open the eyes of the heart of the campers, followed by the Word of God from Pastor Joseph Maraon. He encouraged the young people to never allow Satan to attack them and cause harm on them. Instead, they must be the ones to attack the enemy and to fight for the King, who is Jesus! In addition, Sis. Raquel Banasta unlocked the vision and mission of God for the younger generation. She encouraged the campers to be used by God in all aspects. God is so amazing! He is truly a loving God, a trustworthy God. After lunch, delegates had their survival challenge. Others found it difficult, while others showed enthusiasm as they surmounted every step of the challenge. It was an exciting day that all of the campers tried their very best to help one another to reach the end of the course in triumph. The next hour was spent for refreshment, bonding and fellowships; some delegates went for swim at the pool, some took a much needed rest, while the rest took the opportunity to practice for the group presentation. In the evening, Pastor Ruben Salvatierra spoke concerning the heart of this generation, a devoted, passionate, desperate heart for the Lord! After a long day, we ended it with a bonfire. Everyone’s attention was caught as selected campers reenacted the story in the bible when Elijah asked God to bring down fire from heaven. At the same place, each group presented their flags and cheers. Some delegates also shared their testimonies. Campers also did a ceremonial burning of the un-surrendered aspects of their lives. To sum it up, God opened the eyes of the heart of the campers so they could see the vision: a vision for the younger generation, a vision for the Philippines, a vision for the Christian world. Jesus is entrusting us His visions only if our hearts and eyes are focused on Him. In some instances, obstacles may hinder us, delay us, but if we remain focused on what God is showing us, we will never have any reason to quit and miss the chance to see the deliverance God will reveal in His time. 

DAY 3- SALVATION. The glory be unto God for all the blessings He had given to everyone. The day started with a prayer for all nations and a group devotion headed by the team leaders. After breakfast, all campers were back on their extreme energies as they cried out to God in desperation during the Praise and Worship. There was an intense atmosphere of worship over the place as the campers raised their hands and knelt down in prayer. Then it was Pastor Paul Ramos’ turn to uplift the spirit of the campers. He shared the characteristics of an eagle which young people must acquire, just as in Isaiah 40:31. On the other hand, Sis. Czareenah Dagasdas, emboldened the delegates to be a Christian at heart. She delivered the Word of God leaving behind the courage to step up and to be Christian young people who will be used by God to empower the Philippines someday. Furthermore, it was the Day of Blessing so selected delegates joined the staff of PAMC in giving slippers, school supplies and food in a chosen community. The slippers were brought by some delegates and donated with other sponsors while the school supplies were provided by BOSS Foundation (Brigade of Serving Servants). Delegates have not missed the chance of sharing God to the children and even with the parents through Bible stories, Christian songs and also their life testimonies. Simultaneously, at the campsite, campers were in workshops regarding SHAPE, Dance ministry, and Music ministry. It was a remarkable day for all of us! In the evening, Pastor Dante Apostol expounded on the salvation that God is doing. He instilled in the hearts of each and every delegate the readiness to envision the crossing over which signifies the victorious salvation of God. He also inculcated in the mind of the campers that they are the clay pot of God like in Jeremiah 18. During the night, campers showed their astonishing talents and their most creative performances through acting, singing, and dancing. Truly God had blessed this day! It was the day when He revealed that His power is enough to bless all ministries He had entrusted us. It’s not about who we are; it’s about how great our God is. It’s about the redemption. It’s about the empowerment of His bridal generation for His glorious salvation. 

DAY 4- STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF GOD. It was the last day of the camp and it begun with a prayer for Israel. Then campers did their morning group devotion. Some of them shared their testimonies on what God was telling them. It was an emotional day that they could not contain the shower of God’s love, His never ending grace and mercy and His blazing Holy Spirit. After breakfast, all campers were ready for the trekking at Mt. Makiling. They walked for about an hour and as they reached the river, campers poured out a prayer of blessing on that mountain. It maybe the second or third time for the others to trek on that mountain, but it was always a different experience especially as they communicated with God while walking. Before lunch, they watched the video sent by Pastor David Gilliam. Then, the attack! The boodle fight! All campers ate in banana leaves. They were so noisy while eating because they were in joyous celebration. After lunch, the closing ceremony started with the awarding. The team V-tag won as the Best in Talent Show and Best in Flag Presentation. On the other hand, team Army of One won the Best Cheer. Though only two teams won the award, we believe that all campers were winners and conquerors as testified by some delegates. Then, PAMC recognized the participation of the counselors, team leaders, staff and Pastors. The camp ended in victory! It was a week of fun, refreshment and recommitment. Day 4 marked the day when campers had to go back into the real world, face challenges, conquer temptations, and apply all that they have learned. Nevertheless, God will be with them, whatever happens, all they need to do is TO STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF GOD. Let all the praise, prestige, glory and honor be unto the Lord!!!!!!!

By: Sarah Monina Garcia

Youth Leader PAMC