Wingo and Mrs. Chiu, the former principle of Faith-Love Hostel (S.D.C. was primarily Faith-Love Hostel).

Transcription

1

2 Thus far has the Lord helped us. (1 Samuel 7:12) In 2006, Suen Douh Camp (S.D.C.) did not only see our Lord helping us builds the house (Psalms 127:1), but also watches over the city (Psalms 127:1). For that, we deeply realize the Lord has been our help. Last year, as S.D.C. reaches its 35 years, is a historical period. Due to the change of serving focus, The C&MA Hong Kong had been exploring the possibility of handing over S.D.C. to Hong Kong s related association. Undergoing long period of discussion and preparation of lawful approve, finally, the hand over ceremony was held on 8th Aug., simultaneously with the 35 th anniversary celebration on 15 th Oct. Wingo and Mrs. Chiu, the former principle of Faith-Love Hostel (S.D.C. was primarily Faith-Love Hostel). We begin the plan of entire re-construction and fundraising, which proves that S.D.C. is striding forward. After examination for many years, we hope to improve the camping facilities of S.D.C. so as to meet the requirement for applying the guesthouse license. The first phase was started in Oct., primarily, moving the office to block 2, and furnishing the block 1 into an entire dorm. The new office was done on late Dec. In the original planning, the reconstruction of the block 1 shall be started on Jan Somehow, since the fundraising target had not reached its target, this part of project postponed to Sept. The whole re-construction project spends over US$2,400,000. The target of the first fundraising appeal is US$750,000. We had been experiencing the amazing of grace: During Apr. and May, there are 7 of the staffs left S.D.C. due to further studies, health problems, and family issues...facing the peak of gospel camp and operation during summer vacation, we hired the suitable staffs. The Lord had also guided through several experienced persons to help out. At the end of this year, the vacancies had already been replaced by other new staffs. To consolidate our relationship and strengthen group cooperation, we arranged for a 3 days trip to the Mainland China and Macan. This was a preparation activity to the summer period. * * This year, many special events happened... S.D.C. organized a share meeting cooperates with the church in Ying-de town of Mainland China and Hong Kong churches. Having opportunity to share experience on how to reinforce our serving support to this town. Besides, our staffs also visited the churches in this town and arranged certain church members for gospel travel to S.D.C. In the investigation from Education and Manpower Bureau, S.D.C. achieved several distinctions, especially gaining the highest scores in General Opinion section. In 2007, we will continue to work on the re-construction project and fundraising, hoping that not just meeting the goal but doing better than expected. S.D.C. has large extent of development, especially on the research and development of teenager s evangelism. The next target: to promote our serving activities to non-christian schools. Please keep S.D.C. in your prayer. Wingo and his father at our fundraising carnival 2007 Wingo Kong General Director 2

3 The C&MA of the United States joins together with the C&MA Church Union of Hong Kong in praising God for the 35 years of gospel ministry at the Suen Douh Camp. God has used the camp to bring thousands of people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to nurture and strengthen the faith of many more. We praise God with you for his faithfulness in using the Suen Douh Camp. Camping gives people, particularly young people, the opportunity to leave their familiar surroundings to spend time in a quiet, more rural environment, relax, and enjoy God s creation. In these times of retreat, people are often more open and willing to listen to the truths about the Creator God. For many, this has led to new faith in Jesus Christ. For 35 years, Suen Douh Camp has provided these experiences not only to church groups but particularly to schools and youth organizations. These gospel camps have presented the gospel to tens of thousands of young people. From the beginning, the camp has been a cooperative effort between the Mission and the Church Union. Although missionaries initially provided significant leadership to the camp, throughout the past 35 years it has been local Christians of the Church Union who provided the core of leadership to this work. For many years now, even though the camp has been under the authority of the Mission, no missionaries have been directly involved with the day-to-day operation of the camp. When the Mission begins a work in a new area, the goal is to have local Christians provide leadership to churches and all other auxiliary organizations related to the church. As soon as possible, the Mission turns churches over to the local National C&MA body. Even as the Mission helped found and had significant impact on the Alliance Bible Seminary and the Alliance Press, at the appropriate time these organizations were turned over to the Church Union. I am pleased that on August 8, 2006 the C&MA of the US and the C&MA Church Union of Hong Kong signed the papers that turned over all property, assets, and management of the Suen Douh Camp to the Church Union. The C&MA of the United States celebrates with the C&MA Church Union of Hong Kong, all its churches, and its members the full incorporation of the Suen Douh Camp into the Church Union. God has been faithful and done a marvelous work these past 35 years. We believe that God will continue to do wonderful things through the Suen Douh Camp. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth... For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100: 1, 5) With gratitude for God s faithfulness, Jim Malone Assistant Vice President International Ministries The C&MA of the United States Rev. Jim Malone and Rev. Peter Chu, our first camp director at 35th anniversary dinner 3

4 Dear Friends of Suen Douh Camp: I am delighted to be able to participate in this Commemorative Issue which is being published to honor and celebrate the occasion of the Thirty-Fifth Anniversary of Suen Douh Camp. This assignment has given me the opportunity to slow down from a very hectic life and look back on years of blessing from the hand of God. The idea of Suen Douh Camp was the result of the many years I spent at Camp-of-the-Woods in the United States. While in University, my parents were in Hong Kong as missionaries and I really had no place to spend my holidays. One day I heard of Camp-of-the-Woods and it sounded like a perfect place to spend a summer although I had no idea what a CAMP really was. During my years at Camp-of-the-Woods I discovered what camping could do in the life of young people who were searching for meaning and purpose in life. I discovered that when young people came away from their families and were exposed to good Christian counselors, they often accepted Christ as their Saviour and because they turned their life over to God at a young age, they tended to follow Him the rest of their lives. In 1965 my wife Donna, whom I had met at Camp-of-the-Woods, and I were assigned as Christian and Missionary Alliance missionaries to Hong Kong and our assignment was to reach the youth of Hong Kong. We were the only missionaries I know of at that time who were given that task and over half of the population were under the age of 18. We were soon to discover that the best method of evangelizing these young people was by taking them to camp where we could really concentrate on leading them to Christ. The story of how God gave us the present facility is a miracle in itself and the history of the ministry is nothing but astounding and a testamony to the faithfulness of God through the years. Early on in the ministry, I met Peter Chu and invited him to assist me as the evangelist and eventually the Director of Suen Douh. I will be forever grateful for the partnership God gave to me with Peter and subsequently Andrew Au- Yeung. Others have followed and carried on the ministry but since we are looking back into history, these are really the two men who built this ministry to the Glory of God. Down through the years through difficult times and hardships, we have constantly turned to God for guidance and He alone has made this special place a real Evangelism Factory. Thousands of people have heard the Gospel for the first time in this place and trusted Christ. I have met them all over the world and each time I meet one I give God the Glory. My family and I often look back on the years we lived at Camp in Fanling as the best years in our lives. Our fellowship with the staff and the privilege of seeing the Camp develop has been a highlight in our lives. I have always believed in turning leadership over to others and this plan has worked perfectly at Suen Douh. I am so proud of all the leaders down through the years and I praise the Lord for the leadership of Wingo at this time in the history of the Camp. Our goal has never wavered or changed. We have been ordered by Christ to GO and preach the Gospel. I know of no better example of that than Suen Douh Camp. To God Be The Glory. Now, those of us who were used by God to get things going are starting to grow older and it is time for the younger generation to take the baton and run the rest of the race. God obviously has His hand on this sacred Camp and He will continue to Bless as we trust Him. "For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever!" (Romans 11:36) Rev. John and Donna Bechtel (The founder of Suen Douh) came back to Suen Douh frequently John and Donna Bechtel Founder and Honor Camp Advisor 4

5 In these past thirty five years, the presence of the Lord has filled every corner of Suen Douh, where miracle upon miracle has sustained us in today s landscape. Although our facilities are old, worn out and cannot logically compete with the many other campsites around Hong Kong, campers keep coming. It is something inconceivable through the lens of modern business management tactic, for all that we had accomplished can only be explained through God s grace. In these past thirty five years, our most fundamental aim has been to spread the gospel to each non-christian to step foot into our campgrounds. Mr. Andrew Au-Yeung (former camp director) attended our 35 Through posters, tracts, sermons and other various activities, our goal has th anniversary ceremony as the guest of honour. been that each camper would have at least one opportunity to clearly hear the Gospel from God s word. We have focused on hosting gospel camps of diverse nature and bought over one and twenty hundred thousand campers to the Lord. Some call us a gospel factory. We harbor no pride, for we know that such accomplishment could only be achieved through the Lord. Thirty five years worth of grace is rather overwhelming, to say the least. In these past thirty five years, our staff has come from the unworthy and neglected, left drifting by the wayside by society until called by the Lord. Many of us haven t had the best training and education and we learned mostly through experimentation and experience. However, by God s Grace, we stuck together through thick and thin, and offered to God our utmost best. It is evident to us that God appreciates this attitude of servitude: Not counting losses; not afraid to work hard and suffer; not afraid to accomplish the most belittling and filthy of tasks; willing to express our creativity unreservedly; and most importantly, loving God as well as our fellow man. We have offered all these things into the Lord s hands, and He has turned them into immeasurable blessings. While one cannot neglect the roles of monetary wealth and higher education in today s society, we have always placed the sincere and humble heart before all else. This had been our tradition of excellence at Suen Douh for thirty five years. In these past thirty five years, we understood the prerequisites to participate in the Lord s affairs, and the standards which Christ chose His servants. Although Seven-Eleven isn t our legal trademark, for as long as any former of current staffers can remember, we had always worked long, long hours. Is money, fame and power our motivation? We can honestly say no, for His hand is what drives and motivates us. Despite our weariness, our physical exhaustion, despite a thousand no s dwelling within our veins, we aim to serve every camper that comes our way with utmost care, and we seize the opportunity to share the gospel with them. It s been thirty five years. How did we manage to maintain this tradition of direct evangelism? Which managing strategy did we embrace? It s all a mystery to us, and there is only one explanation from us: We re not a business enterprise, and we aim not to please the will of men. Christ is our boss, leader, and manager; we re but His workers serving His people here on Earth. There s a well-known Taiwanese author who once said: It is a tragedy of current times when the young wander aimlessly. At thirty five, Suen Douh is still young. Our aim is to match the calling of the Lord, working together to achieve His ministry. If God allows it, perhaps in another thirty five years, our aims and unfaltering spirit will continue to influence the men and women of that generation. Andrew Au-Yeung Former Camp Director and now Camp Advisor 5

6 Dear Terry, How are you? After the camp for a few days, I miss you so much. Thanks for your patient during the gospel camp and share the good news with me. That s so great that I accept Christ Jesus, and God gives me a colorful and a better life. In these few days, I joined a fellow-up group in church for new believers, I met a girl has same age with me. She asked me, Why you can have such a joyful life, seems like nothing to worry about? How can you change your life? At that time, I told her immediately. I know a God, the real and the only God. I depend on Him, I tell him what I worry about, and give Him my burden. He picks me up; give me selfconfidence, joy and peace. If you truly accept Christ Jesus to your heart, your life will change, and have a better life. During this short conversation, she replied me immediately, I please to believe this God be my savior of my life. The bible verse said Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16: 15) is so real and true. Right now, I know why you give me this verse in the bookmark - to teach me share gospel with people, to lead more people become the son of God. Dear everyone in Suen Douh Camp, Hi, how s everyone? Still remember me? I am Tze Yan, haven t contacted with you all for so long. Last time I sent you a letter was Time runs so fast, it is 2007 now. I am a grade 8 student. Right now I have a little bit pressure and scary about promote to grade 9. Actually I feel headache on facing this kind of pressure. You know what, my sister is facing the grade 10 right now, and my mother got sick for a long time, finally she gets well now. However, we pray together every night. My mother bought a new bible. Whenever she read some special or useful verses, she will mark it down and share with me and my sister. I miss you so much. How are you right now? Reply me as soon as possible. Tse Yan Sister Terry, I had already join the bible correspond course. I would finish this course as soon as possible. So great can talk with you. Please reply me as soon as possible. Keep in touch. Christine 6

7 A: Angus Kwong (Staff) C: Chan Ho Lam (Gospel camp student) A: What s the main reason that you want to join the gospel camp? C: The main reason is most of the classmates want to come to Suen Douh Camp, that s why I also want to be here. Also my brother has been here 2 years ago, and he told me that the camp site has many exciting facilities and programs. So I was very looking forward to be here. Ho Lam and Angus (S.D.C. Staff) A: What s your favor facilities or programs in these 3 days? C: All the facilities are great, the mini-golf, archery and IPSC(International Practical Shooting Confederation). They are new to me, because not so many places have these facilities. The drama is so funny, our counseller dress-up like a Red Indian to dance with us, that s so funny and also the suppers are very good. A: Do you know Jesus more after this camp? C: Yes, I know Him more than before. Before the camp, I don t really believe that we have God in this world. However, after group discussions and shared with counselor, I know more about God. Chan Ho Lam Grade 6 student Kam King and Pauline (S.D.C. Staff) This is my first time to visit Suen Douh Camp, I learned so many things, like team spirit and patient, because so many classmates share a bathroom, therefore I need to be patient. In these 3 days, the most exciting thing was the sermon from Mr. Wingo. I couldn t imagine he can use magic to share gospel with us, it was so unbelievable. Also, counselor Pauline, leads me think about God indeed. Tell you what, I am Christian! Not just I knew more about Jesus Christ, also I accept Him in this camp. Pauline gave me a bookmark; it is very valuable to me. It has a Bible verse Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. (John 1: 12). I will memorize it inside my heart. Suen Douh Camp, it was such a wonderful experience for me in these 3 days. Because we don t have badminton count in our school, therefore it was a very good opportunity to play badminton with classmates, so that I could build up a good relationship with them. In these 3 days, we could sing with counselors and leader at the basketball count. It was a very special and sweet experience for me. I know Jesus Christ more after camp; He helps us and listen our prayers. Whenever I am sad, I could talk and pray with God. I could get better feeling soon after prayer. Joyce Cheung Grade 6 student Kam King dê~çé=s=ëíìçéåí Joyce and Himeko (S.D.C. Staff) 7

8 Matt 19:14 But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (NKJ) Can children be saved? Children are never too young to receive Christ. And we should, and must present the gospel to them at an early age and give time an opportunity to receiv Christ. God forgive those who neglect the little children! Will you be very angry if I say that a boy is more worth saving than a man? When we are fifty or sixty, we are almost worn out. And if we have spent all our early days with the devil, what are there remains for God? But these dear boys and girls; they are the world's future. The past has been and we cannot alter it; even the present is gone while we gaze on it; but our hope lies in the future: Therefore, to minister to children is the mission of Suen Douh Camp. They can say are in the ministering to minister to the largest group in the world. Children are everywhere. Commitment to Jesus Christ 85% of all commitments made to Jesus Christ, happen between the ages of

9 Another way of looking at it is that if a child does not receive LORD before he is 14; will most lightly never accept Christ as LORD and Savior. And if we can introduce them to Christ - their life will be changed. They will know and experience God s love and guidance. How important it is for us to touch children and this is God s desire to take place. Suen Douh Camp Suen Douh Camp is a very special place where every child is given a very clear presentation of the Gospel individually and publicly and asks whether they would like to make a commitment to Christ. In the 3 days and 2 nights, amidst the recreation, they will learn about their Creator and His creation, their worth as God s children, and what it means to be a Christian. It is important also to be at a place where they are away from their normal environment of school and home. To take time out and to look at the most important issue in their life. Their destiny is at stick. They have their whole life in front of them and it would save them from years of pain as they grow up. When I ask them how does it feel after they have said the sinner s prayer? They always reply that they feel very peaceful and joyful. With many of them; I see an immediate change in their attitudes. I have attended about 30 camps and about 95% of the children in my group receive Christ. What a privilege to see the Holy Spirit work in the life of every child. We cannot be with them. Their teachers cannot be with them, even their parents cannot be with them all their life, only the Holy Spirit can be with them as they grow up in this dangerous and confusing world we live in to help and guild them. All the children come from Christian schools and there is a lot of sewing already taken place. In most cases, 6 years of sewing, and what a joy it is to reap. Suen Douh Camp to me is harvest camp. Pastor Francis Chan Childern Minister Calvary Chapel 9

10 1. History Suen Douh Camp (S.D.C.) was primarily a children s hostel. The main building was built in the 50s. In 1971, The C&MA Hong Kong Field took over S.D.C. Since the buildings and the facilities had only been refurnished once 20 years ago, a great effort and large sum of fund was needed every year for maintenance. 2. Present Situation To keep the pace of modern life style, S.D.C. needs to improve. In order to fulfill the requirements of government s guesthouse license, this change is inevitable and instant. Main hall, vice hall, and function room... Recreation facilities, rope course, archery field... Kitchen, the hygiene of dinning room... Leisure location and devotion place... New Office Dedication on 12 Jan Direction Our serving operation runs over 30 years, S.D.C. has already accumulated valuable and variable experience. Facing the large field of evangel, we would like to reinforce different aspects to consolidate our tendance to the public. Camp site layout: To achieve more space to promote our ministries to Non-Christian primary and secondary school... Reconstruction of camp site: Relocation of dorms so as to increase personal space and provide more comfortable resting area... Enhancing of equipments: Equipping of visualizers and computers in halls and rooms, to provide high quality of related training Progress In order to meet the need of Outdoor educational camp and Gospel camp, S.D.C. proposes refurnishing in phases to keep the normal running of present evangelism and to minimize the possible influence. The starting day was scheduled on October of 2006, after the rebuilt process, S.D.C. will certainly look brand-new. The 1st phase: Finished on Dec. of 2007, including the refurnishing of the block 1, moving the present office to block 2...Costing US$ 750,000 The 2nd phase: From Jan. to Aug. of 2008, including the refurnishing of block 3 & 4, constructing basketball court near soccer court...costing US$320,000 The 3rd phase: From Sept. to Dec. of 2008, including maintaining of kitchen, dinning room and halls, to build a jogging road around the soccer court... Costing US$750,000 The 4th phase: From Jan. to Mar. of 2009, mainly including the outdoor engineering such as rope course, adventurous facilities, and fences...costing US$570, Appeal Thank you for God, giving us confident to face this challenge of raising US$2,400,000. We belief God will help us to get through this difficulty and provide every need for Suen Douh To proclaim the truth! We are urgently to raise US$750,000 within this year, for paying the first installment of rebuilding fee. We would like to appeal for your offering to achieve this goal. In Him. 10

11 18% 82% No. of Christian groups No. of non- Christian groups Attendance No. of groups 392 a. No. of Christian groups 321 b. No. of non-christian groups 71 No. of campers 27,376 No. of campers- days 51,319 No. of days not used 40 Being used days % 72% No. of campers receive Christ in Camp No. of campers had not yet receive Christ Remark Gospel Camp A. No. of groups 75 B. No. of campers attended 8,124 C. No. of non-christian campers before Gospel camp 5, No. of campers receive Christ in camp 4, No. of campers had not yet receive Christ 1,590 Background of campers A. Primary School students of grade 5 to grade 6 7,802 B. Secondary School students of grade 7 to grade C. Senior Citizens 50 A. No. of volunteers 350 B. No. of Bible / Christian Literature had given out from Gospel Camp Campers 157 C. No. of campers registered the Bible correspondence course 34 D. No. of letters received from Gospel Camp campers

12 Number of campers 1,200,000 1,000, , , , , Number of campers claimed to receive Christ in Camp 140, , ,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,