Sunway Resort, Kuala Lumpur | 13–16 June 2025
Church camp often offers a unique environment designed to foster personal spiritual growth, cultivate strong bonds and create lasting memories.
At its core, church camps provide fertile ground for spiritual enrichment. Through focused Bible studies, uplifting worship sessions and discussions on Christian values, campers can deepen their understanding of their faith and nurture their connection with God in a supportive and inclusive setting.
This year’s Wesley Church Camp saw some 700 campers, including 80 children, 43 tweens and 156 youths, come together at Sunway Resort in Kuala Lumpur (KL), united under the theme Shining Like Stars.
The theme was grounded in Philippians 2:14–16:
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour in vain.
Held over four days from 13 to 16 June, the campers enjoyed spiritual nourishment through sermons, breakout sessions and worship, and experienced discipleship in action as they went out into the local community for outreach.
Outreach Inspired by the Late Joseph Chean
Few outside the organising committee knew that this year’s outreach efforts in KL were inspired by the late Joseph Chean, one of Singapore’s most beloved and missed missionaries.
When asked about the guiding verses for this year’s camp, Rev Ian Lee, who oversees the Family Life Ministry, shared that Philippians 1:3–6 and John 12:24–25 “reverberated” in his mind during preparations.
Joseph Chean first proposed sending all campers on outreach during the initial meeting with the camp committee led by Camp Chairman Kelvin Wong on 17 October 2023. “At that point, I was very concerned about the logistics required to send all our campers on outreach,” he recalled.
Just a month later, on 16 November, Joseph Chean was called home to the Lord in a car accident while on a mission trip.
“I wrestled with how we would accomplish this vision,” Pastor Ian said. “But during Joseph’s memorial service, his wife Kim shared that she would scatter his ashes around the world as she continued his mission. Her challenge was clear: ‘If you want to honour Joe, then go out.’ That message stayed with me.”
Encouraged by his committee’s resolve, Pastor Ian pressed on. “Joe had always been such a reliable figure that I forgot the one who is truly faithful is God himself,” he said. “It was a beautiful picture of John 12:24–25 — that we have a promise in God of eternal life. God carries His purposes to their intended end.”
A Day of Outreach and Impact
This year’s biennial camp became a vibrant embodiment of the church’s theme Discipleship in Society.
“We want to serve God in an active way,” said Steven Lim, one of the vice-chairpersons. “Our campers had the opportunity to live out their faith by serving the community in KL through various volunteer projects.”
On Saturday, 14 June, campers of all ages fanned out across the city to serve marginalised communities. Some helped pack food and essentials with the Food Bank, while others delivered packages directly to families.
Yam Ah Mee, who joined Wesley Methodist Church in 2021, described his first camp as enjoyable and a great opportunity to meet others. “I also have good takeaways from the sermons by Pastor Daniel,” he said.
Assigned to the Food Bank 448 Home Visit outreach, Ah Mee found the experience deeply moving. “Even with limited communication, the recipients showed immense gratitude through smiles and gestures,” he said.
He was especially struck by the dedication of the local volunteers — all pre-believers who serve monthly during their retirement. “They said it was the most meaningful way to spend their weekends,” he shared.
Ah Mee and his wife, assisted by four local volunteers, visited four Malaysian homes to distribute food and essentials prepared by the Food Bank at the House of Love — a home for orphans, abused, abandoned and neglected children.
The volunteers were amazed that such a large group from a Singapore church had travelled to KL and dedicated a full day to outreach.
After a fulfilling day, campers returned to share stories during group reflections. Many teams received similar feedback from local volunteers, who noted the dedication of Wesley Methodist Church’s outreach.
“Our challenge to campers was to sacrifice their own comforts for the outreach to happen,” said Pastor Ian. “This is the Christian story — life springs forth on the other side of death.”
Teaching Sessions by Pastor Daniel Ho: Anchored in Truth
Camp speaker Pastor Dato’ Dr Daniel Ho led four impactful teaching sessions that explored the camp’s theme and purpose. He reminded campers of their identity as God’s chosen people and called them to live holy, purposeful lives. He challenged them to be salt, light, yeast and stars — agents of change in their communities.
Drawing from the book of Daniel, his sessions encouraged believers to live with eternal perspective and courage. The final session explored the significance of Holy Communion as a proclamation of Christ’s death and a call to live examined, holy lives.
Each session was followed by group discussions for deeper reflection and application.
“My greatest takeaway is that we can share God’s love anywhere, any time and with anyone,” said camper Ng Siew Lee. “I was inspired by Pastor Daniel Ho’s way of sharing the gospel — ever-ready and always friendly, whether with taxi drivers or cleaners.”
She added, “I remember this quote from him: ‘God sends us not to start the race but to end the race well. You may think you are a hero, but you may end up a zero.’ I’m reminded to stay humble and approachable so that people may be drawn to Christ.”
Agape Night: A Feast of Fellowship
A highlight of the camp was Agape Night on Sunday evening. Known as the ‘Love Feast’, it is a Christian fellowship meal recalling the meals Jesus shared with His disciples and expressing koinonia — the Greek word for community, sharing and fellowship.
Campers enjoyed a hawker-style buffet, corporate prayers and worship through music and testimony. Instagram reels capturing camp memories were showcased, and appreciation was extended to outreach hosts.
“Beyond spiritual development, church camp is also a great time for community building”, said Samuel Tan, Pastoral Team Member of the Family Life Ministry. “It brings Wesleyans from different services together, fostering deeper connections and new friendships.”
A Corporate Movement of Discipleship in Action
In an age of busyness and digital distractions, church camp offers a welcome disconnect. It allows campers to fully engage with their faith, surroundings and peers.
Wesley Church Camp 2025 was more than a retreat — it was a movement of discipleship in action. Campers were encouraged to live out the 10 Great Camp Commandments, fostering kindness, punctuality and a teachable spirit. Each returned home with renewed purpose, reminded to hold firmly to the Word of life and shine like stars for God’s kingdom.
“It’s a real privilege and joy to do outreach together as a Wesley family as we served the least, last and lost,” said Rev Raymond Fong, Pastor-in-Charge of Wesley Methodist Church.
“My prayer is that this transforming experience will help us remain missional, intentional in caring for others and willing to serve together for His glory.”
Read Campers’ reflections from Wesley Church Camp 2025 here and hear how they experienced faith in action.
View and download more photos of Wesley Church Camp 2025 here.
Photos by Christopher Leong and Johnny Koh
