After three years online, AWE went back to an on-site experience!
Since the very first AWE in 2015, these events have become a regular platform for Archippuses to assemble. Starting out, AWE stood for AWakening Event, reflecting the awakening focus of Archippus Awakening.
We quickly realised that God cannot and will not be limited. Depending on where the individual was in his or her own spiritual journey, AWE could be an Awakening WeekEnd, an Aligning WeekEnd, or even an Assigning WeekEnd. Simply put, God will do and say whatever He needs to do and say. He knows precisely what each Archippus requires and He will move as He pleases.
And that was what happened again at AWE2023.
Over the weekend of 12-14 May, 130+ Archippuses assembled at AWE2023, representing 70 churches and 9 nations. There was such a buzz as we gathered at Harbourfront on Friday morning. A quick briefing by AWE2023 Team Leader, Elaine, and we were off to Harmoni One Convention Hotel Batam.
The theme for AWE2023 was PIVOT: Pivoting in Alignment. Advancing on Assignment. Post-pandemic, it is clear that a shift has already taken place. The question is, Are believers shifting, pivoting and moving with the Lord? Or have we conveniently shifted back to what we were used to?
Instead of teachings or messages, I shared four key points:
- PIVOT POINT: Moving & Discerning with God’s Kairos
- REFERENCE POINT: Focussing & Aligning with the Christ
- ASSEMBLY POINT: Rallying & Gathering to the King
- ON POINT: Knowing & Fulfilling the Assignments of the Kingdom
Another first for AWE were the two forums that served to connect the key points to become practical points:
FORUM 1: ALIGNMENT MATTERS This first forum was a MAP (Mentoring Aligning Process) Alumni initiative, moderated by Ruby Woo (Hong Kong); the panel comprised of Maria Zandra (UAE), Soon Hin (Singapore) and Daryl (Singapore). They discussed the importance of alignment and why it mattered greatly in discovering and moving on kingdom assignments. More than just concepts, the panellists shared practical, down-to-earth stories, examples, tips and challenges as they checked their own alignment.
FORUM 2: NEW NORMAL? OR SAME OLD? I took on the challenge of moderating this second forum, considering the post-pandemic state of the church (believers). We learnt much from the esteemed panel of Jacob Sim, Timothy Wong and Darren Tan. These three brothers are seasoned ministers with exposure and experience both in church settings and in the marketplace. Their insights and opinions provoked as well as inspired many to think out of the ‘church’ box, to see with kingdom perspectives.
Beyond the planned programme and set discussion times, God continued to work through the informal and casual. Whether over meals, chats or short timeouts to the nearby mall, the Lord used every moment to draw each one closer to Himself and the purposes of the kingdom.
I must make special mention of TEAM ARCHIPPUS. This is our 10th AWE and I am so encouraged to see the team step up to the plate once again to serve the body of Christ. The AWE2023 Team (Elaine, Susheel, Katherine, Rakesh, Yeen Peng, Chee Wee) worked especially hard over the months leading up to the weekend. Nearer the event, many others rallied around them, taking on different roles.
More than just another camp, retreat, seminar or event, our one desire is to see many more awakened, aligned and assigned for Jesus and His kingdom. When I check in with participants, I make it a point never to ask, “Are you having or did you have a good time?” Instead, intentionally I ask, “Are you having or did you have a meaningful time at AWE2023?”
So did they? Let’s hear from some of them …
It’s my best 60th birthday present! A Re-awakening which I believe will lead me to Re-alignment unto a life lived for God. Thank you so much AA!
Jesmin Lim, Barker Road Methodist Church
I am awaiting my next God-given assignment – thank God that it was so timely that I learnt about A-R-E-A in the process of Alignment Check during AWE2023.
Sharon Tan, Cornerstone Community Church
It’s a very good refreshing course and truly an awakening moment for an assignment which I have that needed an alignment… after going through all the programmes, I managed to pick up steps to take on my path of alignment. Thank you all making this AWE #10 so fruitful… may God continue to bless everyone of you abundantly.
Christine Tan, New Creation Church
I am blessed by the message and reminder from Pastor Henson at AWE2023. I am awakened that I am still at the Assembly Area and yet to prepare my move to the Ops Area! I am also being reminded that I need to pivot as God calls, and to do that I need to discern and hear what God will say to me by reading the Word more. Last but not least, serving God is to obey His calling and not to serve Him by our terms and likes; otherwise we will suffer a burnout or lose the commitment in no time.
Zack Ang, Covenant Evangelical Free Church
An inspiring weekend where Jesus’ disciples gathered together to pivot to becoming better labourers in the Kingdom of God.
Lee Wan Lai, Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church
AWE2023 experience was awesome! Learned to awaken, align, assign and pivot teachings! Thank you Pastor Henson and AWE2023 team for the hard work and making this event a wonderful and fantastic experience. Was such a blessing to be there! Looking forward to the next event.👍👍😍
Elena Yap, Cornerstone Community Church
It was refreshing to witness God’s movements in the lives of various individuals in His body 😊
Widija Juliawati, Full Gospel Assembly
I received a deeper and greater hunger for God which led me to awake at 6 in the morning to linger in His presence. A wave of freshness swept over me. God had awakened and deposited a desire in me to awaken others to fulfil their kingdom assignments.
Jocelyn Tay, Covenant Evangelical Free Church
I was very blessed by the sessions and the forums were very inspiring. The timing was also perfect as my husband is taking a break from work and we know that God wants to align us for something. It was also a refreshing time for us as we connected and formed new friendships there. Thank you very much to Pastor Henson and the team.
Lorraine Yong, Sidang Injil Borneo Kuala Lumpur
My experience at AWE2023 was full of divine appointments and God moments. From re-experiencing how the love and adoration for our Heavenly Abba Father should be, through the manifestation of such love and adoration of a child for her earthly father during worship; To receiving a prophetic prayer from a godly couple through divine appointment. And last but not least, a timely reminder by Ps Henson of “Where is my reference point? What am I centred on?” Now, taking my next step of aligning through STAP! 🙏🏻
David Phoo, Covenant Evangelical Free Church
To God be all praise and glory for His presence and empowerment at AWE2023!