JIL Scarborough`s Family Camp and Summer Inter-Cellympics 2008

August 9-10 & 31, 2008 

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It has become a yearly practice in JIL Scarborough to hold an outdoor sporting events during summer. This endeavor started in the summer of 2006 as one of the major activities of the JIL12 open cell system. It’s called “Summer Inter-Cellympics” participated by all the JIL12 open cell groups in Scarborough.  

This year it was held in the newly purchased JIL Canada Praise Valley Campsite in

on August 9-10, 2008 as the JIL Scarborough celebrated its 1st Family Camp and 3^rd Summer Inter-Cellympics together. This year’s theme was taken from

1 Timothy 4:8: "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."  

JIL Canada Praise Valley campsite is dedicated for church gathering to lift up the name of Jesus Christ and to glorify God!  Totally amazing isn’t it? It is a phenomenal site!  It lies on a 3.8 acres of land area and it is as spacious from end to end as it borders right at the banks of Oak lake. It is beautiful!  What a view it is really!  It’s truly a peaceful place! 

The drive over there is about an hour and a half from Scarborough Church to the camp site as the distance is almost 145 km!  Farm lands, farm animals, apple orchards and warning signs of deer crossing are mostly seen along side of the road.  Let’s not forget, it did not bother the church a bit the thought of the forecast that said it will rain, because it’s still a go sign to go!   

Some brethren were ahead in the Campsite on Friday evening and they have already set up tents when the majority of campers arrive Saturday morning around 8 A.M. Everybody immediately was geared up with excitement to set up individual, family and cell group tents under the coordination and direction of our Pastor to ensure that the tents were installed row by row for neatness and clear pathways for safe movements in case of emergencies. It was a sunny and breezy day.    

After the tents were set up, everybody was gathered in the service tent to hear the warm welcome of Rev. Bong Gonzales, Area 3 & 6 Supervising Pastor, who laid down the Campsite ground rules and regulations for everyone’s orderly guidance. The rules helped a lot in the safe use of all the campsite facilities, cleanliness and proper conduct of personal affairs that could also leave a favorable impression in the eyes of the local Community folks living nearby.   

After the welcome, Ptr. Roy proceeded to give a short exhortation of the event’s theme then followed by Bro. Emman Velesrubio, the sports events Coordinator who announced all the games to be played and explained the sequence of every game time that will start right after the lunch break.      

The games that were played: hand ball, basketball shootout, volleyball, game boards, darts and badminton.  Everyone and every cell group took part in each game mentioned.  Sadly, some games are postponed and finished later this month in Scarborough church because of time constraints at the Campsite.     

Quickly seen were our brethrens setting out to prepare food.  All Cell groups had their share of food.  Some shared to others, others just ate… some cooked and barbequed and some just looked and took.  For it, the closeness of every individual says it all.  It was as loud as ever under the eatery or canteen. Guess what, even in eating, people were still excited.     

Right after lunch break, water baptism was conducted. A total of 21 brethren were baptized. Seventeen were baptized on Saturday and four were baptized on Sunday.   

 And those who were playing, the athletic side of everyone came out.  Literally that is.  A lot of our sisters that we thought can’t even move, have proven us wrong.  Our sisters and even our brothers that aged up double my group were great! They moved and played like there was no tomorrow, i.e., they were like playing in the Olympics… ironically, August 09, 2008 was also the start date of the Beijing summer Olympics.  Everyone played well and scored well.  The competition was in a degree of each one receiving an MVP award! What a game! Hence, all groups came into a close battle; it was a very exciting competition.     

There were winners and there were losers. Some got hit behind the head, some got hit in the face, some tripped, and some error, some lost big time but the meaning of the theme was projected and acted in reality.  No hard feelings but still excited… although tired in the max, the team work, the sportsmanship attitudes, the athleticisms and the warrior’s humility in the hearts of everyone was appreciated and top by everyone.      

Around mid afternoon the lake water park was opened and avid water lovers and swimming aficionados just paraded with haste to the end of the wooden pier to be first to reach the water trampoline, water slide and to the equally enjoyable pedal boat and kayak rides. For the safety of the water facilities users, water rules were strictly imposed and proper gadgets issued.   

 Unperturbed by the fun both in water and on land were a pair of brothers who were busy with their favorite camping past time - fishing along the banks of Oak Lake.   

 Saturday evening was closed with a “Bonfire Night.” An impromptu display of talents was presented and those called to perform just let it out with laughter. The closing night ended after our very own Pastor Roy & Sis. Zeny rendered a very enjoyable song and shaky dance for everyone to see, and then came the closing prayer of our Pastor. As we slept in our tents, the strong wet storm came to cool us more with heavy down pour that few tents experienced water leaks going through the sewing seams. 

   Sunday morning came full of hope and bright sunlight with varied news by people with their loud voices saying “I got wet, the rain came into my tent!”  Another new day arrived and another normal morning routine started and preparing to be at their best to attend the Sunday Worship Camp Service.  At the service, our preacher was none other than Pastor Bong Gonzales who shared “Taking the Dominion of the Kingdom of God into our lives.” It was a challenge to each one of us to be obedient, be faithful and to look for every opportunity to work to be prospered.     

Just like the place itself, the experience of spending a night and coming to the campsite is as unforgettable as ever. Surely, nobody will forget about it. If only not because of other pressing commitments the following day, staying a few more days in the camp would be fun still. It’s a normal life experience with the fresh scent of wild flowers, grass, trees and soothing breeze.    

Part 2 of the Inter-Cellympics was concluded at the JIL Scarborough Church on August 31, 2008 and the Awarding Ceremony was also held in the Church on September 14, 2008.  

 Lastly, the value of being Godly in everything we do that always makes us at peace beside Him is important.  Furthermore, the natural lifestyle should be as pure and as transparent just like the field we saw in the camp site, although we are in the water, on land, up hill or down hill, in the city or in our own room… we should never forget His presence and His goodness in our lives. 

What a great camp experience that everyone is eagerly looking forward to do it again next year. To God be all the glory, honor and praise. 

By: Bro. JR Teodoro
JIL Scarborough
September 16, 2008