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By Trish Copeland
Tui Ridge Christian Camp in Rotorua hosted the second of the 2009 "Dove Catholic Fellowship for Women" camps on the weekend of 1-3 May.
The weekend's theme of "Celebration of Praise to the Lord for the blessings of 25 years of Dove Fellowship" was evident in the nearly 100 attendees. When Helen Funnell - Dove National President - asked for a show of hands for "First Time Campers" we were all encouraged to see around a dozen women raise their hands.
Friday evening commenced with the music trio of Val Morrison, Wilma Conroy and Teresa Goulding leading us in lively praise.
Psalm 66: 1-4 (NRSV) was proclaimed.
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of His name. Give to Him glorious praise. Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! Because of Your great power, Your enemies cringe before you. All the earth worships You; they sing praises to You, sing praises to Your Name.
The women certainly fulfilled the words of the Psalm without doubt. The music team is truly blessed in their ministry and they in turn blessed us abundantly all weekend.
Saturday saw two women share the miracles the Lord had done in their lives. Then the women were encouraged, in small groups, to share the Lord's blessings in their own lives. As you can imagine, a timer was needed to ensure everyone had time to share.
The afternoon saw a DVD presentation of John's Gospel 16:33 (NIV) "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! i have overcome the world."
Jesus tells us this trouble is not the small stuff but the big stuff - the faith testing stuff. Our presenter likened our example, of how we handle this trouble, to a megaphone for Jesus. Our example of faith, hope and trust in Jesus is His loudest voice to our family, friends, neighbours, workmates and indeed other Christians. John's Gospel also promises that if we cling to the Cross, Jesus through His Holy Spirit will give us His peace. What encouraging words! And what Truth!
A time of prayer and reconcilliation followed this very thought provoking presentation. It made me think of the people in my life, who have faced real faith-testing trouble. The presenter was so right; these people were and still are a MEGAPHONE for Jesus and His Love, Peace and Hope.
Saturday evening, as is the tradition of Dove Camps, was a fun time with Poppy (Wilma) and Petal(Teresa) delivering their hilariously funny skit. Then came the Camp Angels-Pink Angel (Mary-Rose Webb), Mother Angel (Rita Peterson), Milo Angel (Fred Webb), Teapot Angel (Roger Peterson) and Postie Angel (Ross Andrews). These five had the women in fits of laughter, hardly the type of behaviour befitting these founding Doves - and somewhat embarrassing for yours truly as one couple's daughter. I believe the celebrations went on till quite late, but I had to take the old Angels home to bed.
Sunday morning bought the most a-ma-zing time of praise and worship. The Spirit of the Lord was truly present among us. The anointing fell on us all - new and not so new. The deepening of our individual relationshop with Jesus was the blessing. The room echoed with praise and worship for our God and Saviour. As a past Dove Camp participant, I have never witnessed the anointing continuing for so long and so powerfully. This incredible time culminated in Monignor Frank Eggleton bringing in the Blessed Sacrament. He then blessed each woman individually which in itself was indescribable and brought this most Holy time to a crescendo. I don't believe there could have been any women left untouched, and indeed unchanged by the outpouring of God's love and blessings.
A Prophetic word came forward that "The Lord was placing a new armour on the women of Dove to protect and empower them to go out in God's will." What a blessing!
I close with a comment made to me, on the Sunday afternoon, as we were all readying to leave, by a 'first time camper' which I think sums up the weekend.
"IF THIS WAS WHAT GOING TO CHURCH WAS LIKE, NO ONE WOULD EVER WANT TO LEAVE.'