Monday, June 21, 2010

1) Baray, Cambodia

Nature of this trip is that it was a mission trip. Officially, this is my first mission trip, and I went with Bedok Methodist Church, Children Ministry Team. It was an eye-opener, and I do feel very much for the children there.

Prior to the trip, I really felt that I couldn’t do it. I wanted to give up; I just felt that I was not prepared at all. Moreover, I had swollen eyes just on that night before departure. Was glad to have Tung to pray for me, it meant a lot to me.
In Cambodia, children are not necessarily in school. And even if they are in schools, they do not have good education because they lack many resources. But, what their enthusiasm and willingness to learn is so rich that people in this part of the world should be ashamed of.




I saw God working through the team, breaking the language barriers to allow us to minister to them. At one point of time, the Gospel was preached, and every children sitting under the tree responded. At the other incident, I was waiting for the team to complete their teaching in the classroom. While guarding our belongings, God allowed me and another tripper to just sing a few songs and dance with them.
People need the Lord, no matter where we are.
The Cambodians need the Lord.

2) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I went to KL with Chien Wen and Tung. We stayed at Chien Wen’s place. The purpose of this trip was to buy Cellos for Chien Wen and I.

And we bought.

Why? I want to use Cello as a prayer instrument. I will not force myself to excel in it, but I just want the learning process to be a prayerful ones.



It was a short trip, but nonetheless fun. Through this trip, I learn to appreciate my friends even more. I thank God for my friends who have always been with me in good times and tough times.

We also met Christabel. Good to see her again. Felt like it was just yesterday and she was still staying on 4th floor.

3) Melaka, Malaysia

Church Camp, Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church.

My team, which consists of Ao Xiang, Tung and myself, were teaching the young children, 5612.

Frankly, it was not an easy task to teach them, and I felt so drained and overwhelmed by their level of energy.

I am very proud and happy with my team. Tung and Ao Xiang, both being young believers, took on the daunting task of teaching the kids. I wouldn’t be surprised with the existence of self-doubt in the process, but they did well. I was also encouraged by them, because I know, even as I am slightly more senior than them, I can’t do this alone. God was with us, throughout.
Thank you, Wang Wei, Joshua, and Eugenia who came in and helped.
Other than that, it was a good time walking around the city.





4) Kota Kinabalu Trip

This is the finale, and quite certainly the toughest one of the 4.

Alicia and I went to climb Mount Kinabalu. Due to the fact that I was travelling, I didn’t have enough time to train. On the way up, I suffered numerous cramps. Thanks Alicia, for being very encouraging and supportive. We took longer than expected to reach Laban Rata because I was struggling.



I didn’t conquer the summit, but it is ok.
I was about 5 minutes away from it, quite frankly, within my visibility in that foggy mountain top. My body gave in, feeling a bit dizzy. Not to mention the freezing cold temperature and the howling winds.
After coming down, we rested for the night and rushed to snorkel.
God’s grace was always with us throughout the trip. At 1 point of time, we didn’t have enough money, but we met some kind souls who helped us!



In the past one month, with so many travelling and learning to be done at the same time, I have concluded that God is still my first love, because I need Him and I want to need Him.

It was also a good breather for me to catch up with old friends, and to really know the people around me. I have known Tung, Ao Xiang, Matthew, Yee Wern, Ji En and Chien Wen better through this month. Thank God for ALL my friends. I love you all.