The adults of City Harvest Church’s WYZ District attended a special getaway to spend their time with God and loved ones.
Contributed By Rubez Wong
The leaders of WYZ district formed closer ties after the adults retreat.
Following its successful event debuted two years ago, the second WYZ district adult retreat took place this year from May 29 to 31. The retreat provided a holistic experience for the adults to deepen their personal relationship with God, as well as spend quality time with family and friends. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Pulai Springs Resort in Skudai, Malaysia, the retreat was attended by 190 adults and 26 children.
CHC pastors Wu Yu Zhuang and his wife Audrey Ng, who head the WYZ district, shared that the aim of the retreat was to encourage the adults to take time out to renew themselves spiritually and recreationally. Said Wu, “Most adults nowadays are busy with their careers and other daily commitments. It is sometimes difficult for them to find time to meet with God or fulfill their personal needs. The purpose of the retreat is to help them set time apart from their busy schedules to enjoy God as well as one another.”
The adults gamely participated in the activities organized.
The retreat delivered well on its objective with a program scheduling fun-filled group activities, spiritual sessions, and also “free and easy” time. The retreat involved heart-pumping team building games which pitted adults to use their wits and work together to complete challenges.
Opening the first night’s session was an inspiring healing testimony by David and Carol Sng. The couple shared how David was involved in a near-fatal car accident several years ago but miraculously survived. He managed a full recovery against doctors’ predictions that he would end up blind and crippled.
David said, “I know that if it was not for the grace of God, I would not be alive.”
Wu then preached on the importance of numbering one’s days. He taught that troubled periods would eventually make way for breakthroughs. The believer should make time for what is deemed as priority, rather than try to find time for them.
Kong Hee, senior pastor and founder of CHC graced the retreat as the guest speaker for the second session.
It was a relaxed and casual affair as Kong encouraged the adults through touching on experiences in his own personal journey with God. He revealed that the key to longevity in the ministry was to have the Holy Spirit as one’s best friend. Kong went on to share the three main reasons why a believer needs the Holy Spirit: Because the Holy Spirit has a presence, has power, and is a Person who wants to relate.
Wong Yung Yeow and Carol Lim’s testimony blessed many in the retreat. PHOTOS: Aaron Ling & Raymond Hsu
For the final day’s session, couple Wong Yung Yeow and Carol Lim shared their testimony on how God had helped restore their marriage during a difficult period. They also elaborated how God provided for Wong financially, and how Lim was transformed from having low self-esteem to being a confident and successful woman today.
Ng closed the retreat with a message emphasizing the importance of building one’s own altar to God. Even when fellow members and friends have fallen away from God, it is essential for us to remember God’s faithfulness and keep our individual relationship with God strong.
According to Wu, he felt that the retreat had achieved its aim and had exceeded expectations. He said, “I felt that we managed to provide a well-rounded event which meets both the spiritual and personal needs of the adults. The adults were enthusiastic, the sessions and testimonies were great. We will definitely look into holding another such retreat again soon.”
Most of the adults agreed wholeheartedly and were looking forward to the next retreat. Among them was Jourdan Kamal, 27, an investment consultant. “The encounter with God is amazing and very real. It was a life-changing and recharging time,” he said.
Mervyn Goh, 35, an interior designer, who attended the retreat with his wife and two kids said, “The retreat is a good break from our busy lifestyles. It’s a great opportunity to get back into the presence of God and prayer. We also got to make new friends and connect with old friends.”
Banker Devina Lugiana, 25, echoed, “It was a very worthwhile and valuable experience. It helped me to renew my first love with God again. It is a definite must-attend for every adult!”
