ARISE 2009 (March 28- 30) - ICPF UAE REGION CAMP- REPORT

By the Grace of God, ARISE 2009 was one of the blessed ICPF camps in UAE. The Holy Spirit moved in a special way all the days especially in last day.

Pastor Wilson Joseph, Patron of ICPF Sharjah, inaugurated the camp. Br Dan Joseph from Pune led the worship and singing sessions. Dr Paulson Pullicattil, Evg Sunil Zacharia, Evg Simjan Cheeran, Pastor Ashley were the resource persons at this camp. God used them in a very different way throughout the camp.

Salvation, baptism, mission challenge, teenage issues, quiet time, how to success in life were some of the main sessions in the camp. The campers were divided in 12 groups. Each of the group was known in one of the missionary’s name. This gave an opportunity to the students to learn about one missionary’s life. Br Mathew Samuel conducted a very interesting Bible Quiz Competition. The camp experienced a powerful movement of Holy Spirit on the last day. The Holy Spirit encouraged students to confess their sins, and many did it in public.

The camp was divided as two -- for age 5- 12 as VBS and age 13-18 as a teen’s camp. Pastor Joy Philip, Director CEF, Kerala led the VBS sessions. VBS was also a blessed experience to the children and the parents. 30 teachers from different churches actively participated in VBS.

The camp started on 28th Saturday at 8.30 am. Unexpected rain affected camp’s transportation and other arrangements. But the bad weather did not affect the children's enthusiasm to attend the camp. More than 600 students registered on the first day. Students from all the emirates (Abudhabi, Fujairah, Alain, Umm al Quiwan, Ajman,Rasal Khaima, Dubai, Sharjah) participated. Respective CGPF chapters arranged transportation for the camp. CGPF members and seniors worked hard for the success of this camp. Churches, pastors and seniors gave full supports to this camp.

Camp Feedback and Decisions

• 31 students accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior
• 5 students and one senior dedicated their life to do one year missionary work in North India
• 5 students decided to study in any one of the North Indian Universities and work as a student leader of ICPF.
• 19 students dedicated their lives for full time ministry
• 15 students decided to take water baptism
• 18 students got filled with Holy Spirit
• 5 students decided to work for the Lord with Job.

“It was really a great experience attending ICPF camp. I have never experience like this in any other camp”- Saranya Vijayan, Grade XII

“First when I came to this camp I really did not want to come. But then I realized, I was crying and getting myself filled with Holy Spirit” - Brian John Samsy, Grade VIII

“Seen the powerful fiery light and filled with Holy Spirit. I have decided to do my God’s will and I will never die, but lives and to what is pleasing Him” - Shereen Philips, 18 years

“the experience at this camp was simply amazing. Thank you ICPF” Jincy, Grade X

Follow-up Meeting

After the camp, on 1st April, ICPF arranged a follow-up meeting in Union Church Sharjah. Students who had taken various decisions were called to this meeting. 100 students participated this meeting. Dr. Paulson interacted with parents and seniors. Evg Sunil Zacharia and Evg Simjan spent time with the students. Pastor AV Sam, Patron of ICPF Sharjah led this meeting.