The Pause that Brought Us Together

An atmosphere of joy, expectancy, and spiritual hunger filled Thistle Hotel, Port Dickson as 287 excited Calvarites, including 17 children, gathered for a three-day, two-night church camp from Monday to Wednesday, 25 to 27 May 2026. In a fresh approach, the opening session was held the evening prior – on Sunday, 24 May – at Calvary Damansara Heights.

Ministry Pastor Steven Kum opened by casting the camp’s vision: for every participant and family to be refreshed, rejuvenated, and revived in their walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Drawing from Mark 6:31 and James 4:8, he encouraged the church to intentionally pause from the busyness of life, reconnect deeply with God and seek Him wholeheartedly.

Camp speaker, Pastor Benny Ho

Camp speaker, Pastor Benny Ho (former senior pastor and current leadership mentor of Faith Community Church in Perth, Australia) powerfully guided campers through the book of Haggai in six concise teachings. Haggai called the Israelites to renew their passion, release their memories of the former glory of the temple and obey God wholeheartedly for what lay ahead – for God had promised He would be with them. The Israelites responded and the second temple was rebuilt. Just as God stirred the Israelites then, Calvarites heard the same call through Pastor Benny today: to arise, make God our first priority and break free from spiritual deception and complacency.

Pastor Benny also emphasised the vital importance of building a strong multigenerational church – combining the strength of the young and the wisdom of the elderly (Proverbs 20:29). He highlighted that God is shaking nations and cultures to fulfil His eternal purposes, while calling His people to be filled with the Holy Spirit as living stones in the marketplace.

Each morning, campers gathered for vibrant praise and worship before breakfast. The Fresh Coffee House buzzed with lively conversation and laughter – and, by popular consensus, the freshly made roti canai was a highlight of its own.

Tuesday afternoon offered campers some welcome free time to enjoy Port Dickson’s surroundings. Some explored the town; others hit the beach for volleyball and a game of giant outdoor chess (Camp  Assistant  Chairman, Jeffrey Saw was enthusiastic in his praise of the clean seawater). A group bonded over a hike at the Tanjung Tuan Recreational Forest, while the youth gathered at the pool for a tele-match organised by their leaders.

Pastor Lydia guiding the children

The 17 children were cared for in their own dedicated sessions, led by Pastor Lydia Chan (National Children’s Ministry Director of the Assemblies of God of Malaysia) through the Word of God, team games and creative activities. They delighted the congregation with a special dance number at the closing session – performed with equal parts of joy and nerves.