Empowered Weekend Away 2018

BAU – The EMPOWERED Ministry organised the annual Empowered Weekend Away 2018 (EWA18) from 25 – 28 of January at Christian Worship Centre (CWC), Sungai Pinang, Bau. It is themed “UNDIVIDED” taken from 1 Corinthians 7:35 “that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord”.

EWA18 is a preparatory programme for young adults – mainly youths especially Form 5 and 6 leavers, college and university students and young working adults; to stock their lives as they progress from their teenage years into their new chapter of life.

This year’s four-day-three-night programme draws 80 people to develop an everlasting relationship with God, and to grow in undivided devotion to Him. EWA18 started with an Opening Opening Mass at St Joseph Cathedral’s Day Chapel followed by an introduction to the programme and group activities.

EWA18 is blessed to have guest speakers, Jude and Veronica Antoine from Kuala Lumpur. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the speakers have brought the campers to discover themselves, to be real and face their brokenness, surrendering and receiving healing. The campers also learned more about God’s love, relationships and marriage. It is hoped that the campers can put into practice what they’ve learned and experienced to overcome the challenges in their daily lives.

The EMPOWERED Ministry would like to extent heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, donors, parents and friends who have supported us financially and with prayers throughout EWA18.

TESTIMONIES

“I used to believe that we must be strong and show to others that we are not weak. But that makes me even broken and not being real. Throughout the session since the introduction session with Jude and Veronica I felt like being struck by an arrow because every single word they say and every story that they told us about answers lot of questions that had been playing in my mind all this while. EWA has indeed not just touched my life but I believe each and everyone of us who joined either as participant or servant. I pray that more people will open up their heart to join EWA and discover the wonderful and amazing God we have.” ~ Faustina Adelaide, Student

“Attending EWA18 was a great moment in my life. Not only did I made new friends and learned a lot from the sessions, I also realised that it is important to open up our problems to others whom we can trust. In doing so, they are able to understand our struggles and be there to accompany & comfort us. I’ve also started to give God another chance and tried to pray normally, both of which I had difficulties in doing so for the past couple of years. In short, EWA18 was an unforgettable experience and I am thankful for having the opportunity to go for it.” ~ Blaise Tan, Uni Student

“Before going into this camp, I had doubts with myself and God. God wasn’t really the focus or centre of my life although I’ve been to many Christian related events. I doubt my existence and His plans that He has for me. During the camp, the topics that Jude Antoine talked about was exactly like what I am going through, it is as if God is doing stuff indirectly through others… During the healing session, I felt as if He brought me to the depths of my sufferings to know how it feels like without His love and without His presence; to truly appreciate what it feels like to be loved by Him. Knowing that, it brought me to yearn to know him more. A bible verse strike to me after realising this: it was from Isaiah 53:5 which says, “By His wounds, we are healed.” and by His wounds, I am saved. Amen.” ~ Alexander Tai, Uni Student

“Being part of the coordination team is such a great experience for me. There were a lot of challenges and stress. But I realized that we do this not for our own self but for God. He lead us and give us a way out of every challenge and He does provide a lot despite problems that arised and He walks with us throughout the coordination process. At one point I do feel like giving up but I stood up because of God and because I know He will give me strength and guide us along the way. EWA18 is such a great camp and I’ve learned a lot. God really spoke through the guest speakers and it was very informative for us, young adults especially in this world nowadays and the healing that took place throughout EWA18 for all participants and servants was really an unexplainable and amazing experience. May God shower His blessings upon all of you. Praise God for EWA18!” ~ Elizabeth Togot, Form 6 leaver

“In this camp, listening to Jude and Veron’s sessions was amazing and interesting as they shared their experiences in their journey with God throughout their missionary works and how they put God first in everything they do in life. It gives me an insight of how God has provided for them with their daily lifestyle from the start when they said YES to God. God has indeed touched my life when I said YES to Him to coordinate this programme because I have called out to Him for His guidance along the way and YES God provides to those who are longing for His presence and healing as well as people who seek His answer and calling. When I turn the word EWA the other way round I feel in AWE looking at how God has touched lives in all areas of doubts and struggles in their lives throughout the camp.” ~ Brian Chin, Uni Student