Four Days, Five Fruit

At GBC, we love to pray for fruit. We pray for spiritual fruit borne in sanctification and leading to eternal life (Rom 6:22) that is in keeping with repentance, not from the unteachable pride of spiritual entitlement (Lk 3:8). The Lord Jesus told us to recognise teaching by the good or bad fruit it bears (Matt 12:33-34). As we walk in a manner worthy of Him, we pray for fruits of good works and increasing in the knowledge of God (Col 1:10) so that we are not found to be ineffective and unfruitful in that knowledge (2 Pet 1:8). Jesus Himself chose us in Him to bear fruit that should abide (Jn 15:16), even the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ (Phi 1:11). And in this way, we are like the man who delights in God’s law, planted by streams of water and with leaf that does not wither, prospering in all things (Ps 1:1-3).

So what fruit do we see coming out of GBC’s church camp in 2025? Here is fivefold fruit:

First, mission-mindedness. Again and again we hear it in the post-camp reflections and conversations, from the missionary testimonies, workshops on evangelism and church-centered missions and from the powerful messages from Philippians: we want to get more involved in sharing the gospel in our homes, workplaces, communities, and to the nations. The Sunday after camp, the congregation sang with notable vigour and strength: “let the whole earth be filled with the praises of the Lord for salvation belongs to our God! Let the nations be glad!”

Ian encouraged us to hold fast to the gospel and to share it with those around us.

While many of us have said to each other that we want to get better at sharing the gospel – more confident, more courageous – we have entrusted specific people in our prayers to the Lord, asking Him for open doors and opportunities to have spiritual conversations. Young adult Ethan Lum shared with campers his desire to do that more and more, and get better at evangelism at school, and so should we all. In doing so, we embrace our mission of advancing the gospel so that all may hear of Jesus and His Good News of salvation. We want GBC to be more mission-minded – and through deeper relationships of care and support for our missionaries, especially the ones who came to camp, we have the opportunity to do that better. How else is God calling you to be more mission-minded? 

Second, deeper compassion. As Pastor Ian reminded us on Sunday from Luke 10, the Good Samaritan was motivated by inner compassion (viscera) not just from sentiment, but to action. We saw many members moved to action by compassion – for each other, and for the sake of the gospel. In the evening of prayer for the unreached peoples, the gathered group was able to intercede to God on behalf of the nations. How inspiring to hear from folks like Hannah and Samuel – young people aspiring to the mission field and exploring God’s further calling on their lives. What a blessing to get to know the Phillips, and to spend time with Shanyl so we can understand better his future plans for pastoral ministry and missions in a new context. At numerous conversations we hear of members being moved to action – thinking about how they can visit Pua, or go to East Asia on short-term missions – out of a heart of compassion for the lost. What other fruits of gospel compassion do you see?

Third, rest and refreshment. Some might find it strange to think of rest and refreshment as a spiritual fruit. And yet, true joy and peace are products of what the Spirit produces us in us as we remember anew who we are in Christ. The same Spirit produces patience, kindness and gentleness among us with one another. He also grants us self-control to say no to unhealthy, compulsive behaviours and addictions to work, fear and anxiety. In that regard, Seok Eng’s sharing to the other campers about enjoying the facilities, activities and games together are a good illustration of how we had fun together, enjoying pickle ball, bowling and other sports. Others gathered for intergenerational board games like Rumikub and Poetry for Neanderthals. For some, camp was an opportunity to catch up on sleep. Like Paul writing to Philemon, asking for “benefit from you in the Lord”, we helped each other by “refresh[ing] my heart in Christ” (Phi 1:20) through encouragement and friendship. 

There was a shortage of durians and church members were quick to head out to purchase more for everyone!

Fourth, mutual love. Evident all around was the expression of love – not the sentiment, but real love in action. It was stirring to see a younger brother room with an older brother in need of informal caregiving, attention and support. Still others came around caregivers to support them with their loved ones in need by supporting their mobility, helping them up stairs, even carrying whole wheelchairs up and down to access the bowling alley. One sister who has struggled with her health shared with campers that she was grateful to other members who just sat with her in sorrow, accompanying her in silence and ministering to her with presence. Some newer members remarked that they really enjoyed the ground up spirit of the camp and time and space to be together for fellowship and self-initiated activities, since it gave them the time to get to know others in an organic and natural way.

One thinks of the camp committee ably led by Mok Chuan-Hao, who have been planning the camp for a whole year, putting love into action as they blessed us with their labour and hard work. To supplement the durian party when there was a shortage in delivery, two brothers even sped out of camp in their own cars to buy more durians for everyone’s enjoyment – these acts of service are acts of love indeed. Why were all these actions taken? Because the people of GBC love one another.

We thank God for the team of students from The Master’s University who came to support our camp.

Fifth, Lord willing, another generation in Christ. We are so grateful for the energy and youthful zeal of 16 students from The Master’s University who came to support our camp with Vacation Bible School. Through the fun songs and dances, we pray and hope for gospel clarity and conversions among our children. Some sow, others water, and still others reap the harvest. But the fruit in view here is not just the children – but the TMU students themselves, as we were able to witness the good works God has wrought in them. And indeed, we praise God for the many youth and young adults among us who have made professions of faith and are bearing spiritual fruit in the ways that they serve others so tirelessly, listening to their seniors, leading discussions as group leaders and in many other ways. In fact someone remarked that it was a true joy to see another generation of GBC rising up to steward the gospel for another generation. 

Truly, these are fruit that God Himself has worked among us. Only He can make dead people live, and then cause them to grow in these five ways. All praise and glory be to the God of new life, the God of fruitful harvest. May He produce more and more fruit in the field of GBC!

Check out this recap of our Church Camp!