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Recently, we went on a fun and meaningful camping trip to Bekok with friends who truly matter in my life. I had been looking forward to this trip, and it ended up being a unique experience, starting early yesterday morning. We left at 6:00 a.m., and after stopping for a quick breakfast at Yong Ping, we arrived at Bekok around 10:00 a.m. Since we were early, the pace was relaxed as we set up our tent and unloaded our gear.
However, soon after, a heavy downpour hit, leaving one of our tents filled with mud. It was crazy, but I’m thankful it happened this time rather than during our first trip. Back then, we were unfamiliar with the campsite and still inexperienced, but now we could handle it easily and even embrace the rain. The timing was perfect because we had already set up the tents, so the kids were able to stay dry inside while we waited for the rain to stop.
What Makes This Campsite Special?
There are a few reasons why I love this campsite. First of all, it’s a great place for a mobile phone detox. There is absolutely no network coverage, which forces everyone to disconnect from the outside world. For 24 hours, no one is glued to their phone—it’s freeing. However, there is a challenge when you can’t locate your phone, as our modern lifestyle is so dependent on it. But at Bekok, we needed a different plan because there’s no connection whatsoever.
Another reason I love this campsite is the nearby waterfall. At night, the cooling breeze created by the waterfall adds to the serene atmosphere. For regular campers, you know how important it is to find a comfortable spot, and this one delivers. It’s also not located by the sea, so you don’t have that sticky feeling from the beach air. The natural surroundings are ideal, especially for the kids—they can play in the water and enjoy the waterfall in a safe environment with minimal supervision.
This time, we went with a different group of people, and for me, aside from the fellowship and time with family, I always look for ways to strengthen relationships. Whether it’s spending quality time with my wife, prioritizing each other, or bonding with our children, this trip allowed us to connect without the distractions of work or phones. We also took time to worship and reflect on God’s purpose for us, making it a holistic experience of health, fitness, relaxation, and spiritual growth.
A Fully Utilized Experience
Since we arrived early, we made the most of the camping experience, spending a full 24 hours at the site. As usual, we enjoyed eating together, which is always a key part of camping. Unfortunately, Joshua fell and hurt his knee, but he’s a tough kid and managed just fine. On the second morning, we noticed the waterfall had cleared up after the rain washed away the mud. So, we took the kids to enjoy it.
On the first day, I tried playing in the waterfall, but the current was so strong I almost got swept away. It was scary, but by the second day, the water was much calmer. So we decided to embrace the waterfall on the second day before we left. Although I still felt apprehensive at first, I gradually moved closer to the waterfall. When I finally stood beneath it, the sensation was like a natural massage. I was in awe of nature’s power and beauty. As I stretched out my hand, marveling at the waterfall, I heard a voice within, and I knew it was God speaking to me.
Hearing God in Nature
God said to me, “I am the God who created heaven and earth. I created this waterfall, and I created gravity. The rest will flow naturally.” I was struck with awe and comforted by the realization that God is with me, not just in that moment but in all the challenges and fears I face in life. It was the best part of the trip—this profound conversation with God. It reminded me that even in the chaos of daily life, God is always present and understanding of my struggles.
I also appreciated the company of friends, especially Charng and David, who sat quietly in the early morning, gazing at the waterfall. They weren’t glued to screens or movies, but simply enjoying nature. Their dedication to work, ministry, and life is truly inspiring, and I felt grateful for their presence. This camping trip brought together a diverse group of people—young professionals, children, even our home helper from Indonesia. She shared stories about her hometown and requested a group photo before we left. It was a wonderful experience connecting with nature and with one another.
Deeper reflection
On the way home, my son asked me a simple yet profound question: “Dad, how do we hear from God?” The question stemmed from a discussion of John 15:7. So I took the opportunity to explain how God speaks to us and in what forms. I also shared my own experience from that morning, listening to God even through the sound of the waterfall. He was amazed.
I told him that sometimes God speaks through incidents in our lives, and we need to recognize that it’s Him. I explained, “If I speak to you today and you don’t recognize my voice, would you know that I’m talking to you? Likewise, if I speak in a foreign language, you wouldn’t understand what I’m expressing. But that doesn’t mean I’m not there or that I’m not talking to you.”
I further explained that to hear God, first, we need to acknowledge Him as our Heavenly Father. Second, we must learn the language He uses, which comes from studying the Bible, engaging in scripture memory, and participating in Bible studies. Without this understanding, we may not recognize when He speaks to us, and even if we do, we might not understand His message. As John 1:1 tells us, “The Word was God.” Knowing and understanding the Bible is key to hearing God.
My son grasped some of what I was explaining, though not all of it—and that’s okay. Parenting, like discipleship, is a lifelong journey of learning and growing together.
Relationships and Their Meaning
The relationships that matter most in life are also those that require the most care. I cherish the time spent with my wife, children, and friends who have become more like family. There are two types of families: the one you’re born into, connected by blood, and the one formed by shared mission and values. These shared goals bind us together, pulling us through the ups and downs of life. Camping can be one of those bonding experiences, but it’s the larger mission that holds you together over the long term.
In marriage, children can be one of the key reasons that couples remain united, though they are not the only reason. In today’s world, not every couple has children, but for those who do, children help couples work through the various seasons of marriage. Statistics show that in Singapore, despite the relatively few people who choose to marry, the divorce rate is alarmingly high. 3 out of 10 marriages end in divorce, with the average length of marriages that end in divorce in Singapore is approximately 10.4 years. This is a staggering and sobering reality.
In the past, marriages endured longer, but today’s culture, with its emphasis on self-love and individualism, often treats relationships as disposable. The notion of “just take care of yourself” and “you come first” can be harmful to long-term commitments. In a consumerist society, the mentality of throwing things away when they break—including marriages—has become prevalent.
The Mission that Holds Us Together
So, what holds a marriage—or any relationship—together in such challenging times? For many, it’s serving God and serving others. Studies have shown that contributing to a greater cause, such as helping others or making the world a better place, is one of the highest needs in Maslow’s hierarchy. It is wired into us. When we embrace this mission, it can bind a community or family together for a long time.
In our group, most of us are from Stellar, and we share a mission to raise the next generation. We believe in the importance of both generational and missional living, and this has been a strong force that holds us together. It’s not money or material things, but the shared belief in a greater purpose that strengthens our bond.
We all need a mission that will keep us united. Whether it’s within a family, a community, or a church, having that purpose is what keeps us strong and committed.
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