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Posted in News.

Not an Anxious Helicopter, but a Steady "Lighthouse"

In this ever-changing era, parenting often feels like a high-stakes discipline. We frequently find ourselves torn, oscillating wildly between two extremes: the "Helicopter," hovering noisily overhead and ready to rappel down for a rescue at any moment, and the anxious observer, desperate to let go but terrified that our children might lose their way.

Yet, pediatric expert Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg offers a wiser alternative. Instead of exhausting ourselves in frantic motion, he suggests we try becoming a Lighthouse.

Picture the stance of a lighthouse. It is rooted on the shore, steady as a rock. It does not dive into the ocean to seize the helm from the captain, nor does it nervously chase after every swelling wave. Its existence serves two sole purposes: to beam a steady light so ships know where the shore is, and to illuminate the jagged rocks beneath the surface, warning of deadly peril.

This offers us a profound reminder. The mistake we often make is trying to shield our children even from the “waves. But a lighthouse knows the difference—rocks can sink a ship and must be avoided at all costs, but waves, though turbulent and rough, are the necessary curriculum for learning how to sail.

God never promised us a life of smooth seas. If we deprive our children of the chance to wrestle with the waves, they will never master the art of surfing. Let them resolve their own small conflicts and navigate their own pressures; we need only stand watch on the shore, confident in their ability to weather the storm.

What we need, perhaps, is not more perfect rescue skills, but a "stability" that mirrors our Heavenly Father. This light is unconditional love—no matter what failures or setbacks our children encounter in the outside world, the light at home remains burning. This sense of security is the greatest foundation for their courage to explore the world.

When we stand firm ourselves, with our lives tethered tightly to the Truth, our children—in their moments of confusion—will look up, follow that light, and find their way home, ultimately finding their way back to the Father's embrace.

May we all become that warm and unwavering lighthouse.

 
Author: Dr. Caleb Cheng

Posted in News.

The Greatest Power is the Willingness to Become "Powerless"

At Christmas, what we celebrate is the birth of the Holy Infant. Biologists tell us of an interesting phenomenon: among all animals in the world, the human infant is the most fragile. A newborn deer or foal can stand and run within hours; yet, a human baby takes over two years to barely stand steady and learn to feed themselves. During these long years, they are completely unable to protect themselves, and their right to survive lies entirely in the hands of their caregivers.
 
But the most shocking mystery lies here: the Lord Jesus, the Almighty who created the universe, was willing to forsake all glory and take on this weakest flesh to become human.
throughout the process of His birth, He made an extremely risky decision—He entrusted the sovereignty of His life entirely to a poor young couple, Mary and Joseph, to protect and raise Him. This meant that the Almighty God allowed Himself to need feeding when hungry, wrapping when cold, and even to be carried in flight when facing King Herod’s pursuit.
 
Reflecting on this, it is vastly different from our human nature. In this highly competitive society, we are taught from a young age to "win at the starting line." We love to control situations and display our strength; we constantly pursue self-improvement, craving affirmation and visibility. We arm ourselves with thick armor, fearing that a single glimpse of weakness will lead to being despised or hurt by others. We believe that "independence" and "strength" are the only rules for survival.
 
However, the Lord Jesus chose to descend into the world as the "powerless" and the "helpless." This choice is a subversion of human values. He seems to be silently telling us: true strength is not about conquest and control, but daring to reveal vulnerability in love. Because only when a life is willing to become soft and admit "I cannot," can it truly connect with others. Likewise, His "powerlessness" was exchanged for the most intimate "possibility" between us and God.
This Christmas may be a gentle reminder for our lives. Facing the journey of life, we must learn not only how to pursue strength and control everything; a more important lesson is learning to "let go" and understand the spiritual value of "powerlessness.”
 
Admitting our own inability is not failure; rather, it gives space for others to enter our lives and creates the opportunity for God to work. Just like that infant Jesus, only when we are willing to let go of the obsession with being "all-powerful," admit our limitations, and surrender the sovereignty of our lives, can we find true rest in relationships and find new life in love.
May we, this Christmas, not only see the glory in the manger but also understand the wisdom of willingly becoming small.
 
Author: Rev. Caleb 

Posted in News.

The first annual Blomidon Bible Camp Christmas Party

Hi everyone, 
 
We’re excited to invite you to a Blomidon Bible Camp Christmas Party reunion at Melvern Square Fellowship Baptist Church! If you’ve attended Blomidon Bible Camp and would like to reconnect with friends and fellow campers, this night is just for you. 
 
Date: December 20
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM 
Location: Melvern Square Fellowship Baptist Church, 174 Bridge St, Melvern Square, NS, B0P1R0 
 
There will be pizza, games, and lots of fun, along with a great chance to catch up with familiar faces and enjoy some camp-style community again. Feel free to bring a friend who also attended camp—and bring your camp memories too! Hope to see you there! If you have any questions, just reach out. 
 
 
Coordination: Carly Skaling

Click here to download this newsletter as a PDF.

Posted in News.

August News

Hello everyone,

I hope you are very well and walk with Jesus everyday! 

After a month of hard work, we're nearing the completion of our Family Camp! Up next are our QUEST Camp in September and the Teen Retreat Camp in October. So far, I'm incredibly grateful to have personally led four young people to commit their lives to Christ and to witness many campers experience life-changing spiritual growth and a deeper love for the Bible. These are truly wonderful things.

Thank you all for your prayers and continued support. I have a few important updates I'd like to share with you.

1. Matching Fund for Summer Camp Fees

First, this year we applied for a matching fund to help subsidize the summer camp fees for children. I believe you know that despite our tight budget, we not only keep our camp fees affordable but also strive to provide the best for our campers in terms of meals, equipment, and camp shirts. Therefore, if you feel led, please consider donating to support our continued efforts in this wonderful youth ministry. (https://www.blomidon.camp/donate)

2. Quest Camp (Ages 8-12)
Second, our September Quest Camp is hosted by One Hope Canada! This camp is designed for children ages 8-12 and is completely free, thanks to generous funding. It's a fantastic opportunity for kids to enjoy a fun-filled weekend while growing closer to God. Please help us share this with anyone who might be interested!

Camp Details:

  • Dates: September 26–28, 2025

  • Drop-off: September 26, 6:30–7:30 PM

  • Pick-up: September 28, 2:00 PM

  • Fee: Free (includes tuck)

  • Location: Blomidon Camp

     

3. Teen Retreat (Ages 13-18)

Third, our October Teen Retreat is our most popular camp each year, and spots are limited, so please pay close attention!

Camp Details:

  • Dates: October 3–5, 2025

  • Ages: 13-18 years old

  • Drop-off: October 3, 6:30–7:30 PM

  • Pick-up: October 5, 2:00 PM

  • Fee: $90 (includes tuck)

Finally, this year I've been leading daily devotions for our staff meetings. My theme for the year is "The Youth of Those God Used Greatly in the Bible." My hope is not only to bless every camper but also to encourage every Camp leader and helpers to delve deeper into the Scriptures. Through a narrative literary approach to Bible study, we're examining the challenges and struggles faced by those God used during their youth. I hope to have the opportunity to share more about this with you all in the future, as a source of mutual encouragement.

 
Blessings,

Rev. Dr. Caleb Cheng

Posted in News.

Why Attend Bible Camp? – The Biblical Importance of Spiritual Retreat

By Rev. Dr. Caleb Cheng

 
In the busyness of life, Bible Camp provides a precious opportunity for spiritual retreat, allowing us to follow Jesus’ example by drawing near to God with undivided attention. Scripture repeatedly records how Jesus often withdrew with His disciples "to lonely places" (Luke 5:16), teaching them truth, praying, and renewing their lives in stillness. Similarly, Bible Camp invites us to temporarily set aside worldly distractions and enter into God’s presence for spiritual renewal. At our camp, we encourage attendees to disconnect from smartphones and social media for the 4-5 day duration, fully immersing themselves in the camp experience. Many testimonies share how these moments often spark profound reflections and forge a deeper relationship with God.

Moreover, Scripture emphasizes the vital importance of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16). A concerning study reveals that over 70% of believers no longer engage in regular Bible reading. It’s hard to imagine how Christians can live out a life of truth-bearing witness without even foundational biblical knowledge. Bible Camp addresses this through structured Scripture study, group discussions, and practical application, helping participants understand God’s will more deeply. As Deuteronomy 6:7 teaches, faith requires continual teaching and learning in daily life—and the camp’s immersive environment powerfully reinforces this commitment to God’s Word.

Bible Camp also embodies the biblical principle of "fellowship" (Acts 2:42). Living, worshipping, and serving together, brothers and sisters build profound spiritual bonds. Ecclesiastes 4:10 reminds us: "If either of them falls, one can help the other up." Such supportive community is a unique blessing rarely replicated in everyday life. At camp, small groups collaborate in shared responsibilities, tangibly experiencing the value of mutual encouragement.

Finally, many pivotal life transformations in Scripture—like Jacob encountering God at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-19) or young Samuel hearing God’s voice in the temple (1 Samuel 3:1-10)—occurred in "set-apart spiritual environments." For modern believers, Bible Camp often becomes a "Bethel moment," moving faith beyond superficiality into genuine breakthrough and growth. Our camp messages focus on the core of the Gospel, the urgency of holiness, and the transformative power of prayer, guiding participants back to the heart of God’s wondrous plans for them.

Thus, attending Bible Camp is far more than an event—it’s answering God’s call to "be transformed" (Romans 12:2). By temporarily stepping aside to seek Him, we return strengthened, carrying renewed lives that radiate Christ’s witness in our daily walk.

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