A Spirited Retreat at Sinar Eco Resort
Location
Sinar Eco Resort (Johor, Malaysia) sits quietly tucked away from the traffic noise, and is sufficiently distant from the hurried pace of urban Singaporean environments. Along the narrow tarmac leading to the resort, we saw the occasional shanties, one or two factories, and a few nondescript eateries. Beside these sightings, the road was largely flanked by thick vegetation and disused palm plantations. The resort was well suited for a retreat, bearing resemblance to Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade campsites, spaces conducive for forging community spirit. Staff were hospitable, rooms comfortable, and the cafe, where we had meals and afternoon board games, was spruced up with cosy Christmas decoration – green and silver tinsels and soft golden bulbs adorning an otherwise bare wooden roof. A proper choice of retreat venue is necessary for a smooth-running retreat, and thanks to God and Xiu Zhen’s judicious choice, activities and bonding proceeded without lapse.
Fellowship and Activities
The retreat spanned three days and two nights, from the 7th to the 9th of December. The mornings of the second and third days were a time of worship, word and prayer. Rev Anthony preached on winds from each of the four compass directions, and the symbolism of each. He also reminded on the importance of the Spirit’s work in our lives, and exhorted us to draw close to Him. Also, Rev Anthony shared on the upcoming Bible study plans for young adults.
Afternoons were free and easy time. We had a choice to play board/card games or to participate in a variety of indoor or outdoor activities offered by the resort. The second day before lunch, we had a tour of the farm. This involved a visit to goats, pigeons, fish in ponds, horses, cows and other animals. We fed them and inquired the staff on interesting facts about husbandry. Right after dinner for both nights, we gathered at the meeting hall to play competitive and cooperative games. These game designs were ingeniously thought out, the sort that brought out jest and hearty laughters.
Reflection
A total of about thirty persons were present, which was a healthy turnout, considering how young adulthood is well-known to be an immensely busy time in life. We thank God for a safe trip, and it was a pleasant time to interact with members of different cell groups. Amid an individualistic society, it is heartening to experience these moments of fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, which attest to the vibrancy of the young adult ministry in our church.
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