Young Adults' Group

The YAG-YC Retreat

by Pastor Mark
December 07, 2015

An exciting time ahead

The YAG-YC Retreat is finally here. This is truly an exciting time for all of us who will be going over to Le Grandeur in Johore for this Retreat. Due to the A & A that is ongoing, we anticipate that it will be too noisy for us to hold the Retreat in church.

In fact, even as I am writing this article, I had to relocate from my office to another place in church in order to avoid the noise that can be somewhat disruptive. The decision to move out for our Retreat is a wise one and we look forward to having three days of uninterrupted focus on the study of the Lord’s Word. What is my approach as we gear ourselves for the Retreat?

1. Prepare

The theme of the Retreat is “In the day of trouble”. Pastor shared that he has 30 pages of notes concerning the ministry of Asaph and his Psalms that we want to study, to understand and to learn from concerning this challenging theme.

In order to get the best out of the Retreat, I am preparing myself by taking time to consider the Psalms of Asaph. I have read the Psalms of Asaph which are mainly Psalm 50 and Psalm 73 to Psalm 83. I must say that they are not easy psalms to understand. It would be good for us to take time to read these psalms ahead of time in preparation to hear what pastor will be teaching us. Let us come that much more prepared…with ears to listen and to learn. (Heb 3:7)

2. Ponder

At this Retreat, there will be time given for us to ponder over what we will be learning. After each session, we will be given time to discuss within our groups what Pastor has taught. As we ponder over the lessons, we can go deeper in our understanding. I always look forward to these Retreats where we can reflect over our life and ministry with reference to the word of God. Let us seek to ponder over the Scriptures and to give ourselves entirely to them that we may see ourselves progressing in our faith. (1 Tim 4:15)

3. Perspective

This Retreat is also different in that it is the first time that we are combining both the YAG Retreat and Youth Conference together. This will give us an opportunity to mix with the young people over the course of the Retreat. Our perspective concerning this should be that we are brethren in Christ and we should seek to love one another. (1 Peter 1:22) Let us be challenged to fellowship with one another as brethren in Christ.

4. Prayer

As the Retreat begins, let us be much in prayer that the Retreat would be a real blessing to all who will be coming. We should never take for granted that the Lord will bless the Retreat each time. Let us pray for God to speak to all of us.

Let us especially pray for Pastor Charlie. Last week, he was hospitalised for treatment and had to go through a battery of test. He is still not recovered yet and it is going be very taxing for him as he speaks throughout the days at the Retreat. Let us pray that the Lord will uphold him …to grant him grace and strength to teach the Lord’s Word each day. Let us pray that the Lord will bless the whole Retreat with His abundant grace.

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