Janice Ha, Intern
So much has happened within the past 2 months, I am still reeling from all the action. Getting used to a different culture, climate and culinary tastes of South Asia certainly takes more effort than when I was in the Philippines. Thank God for J&C, who have been terrific hosts. In a country where I am deaf and dumb to the language, they have certainly helped me to adjust to the South Asian way of living and doing things.
HOME SWEET HOME – J&C’s house in the capital and the room they prepared for me
Life here is simple, if I am not out in the village ministering to the believers with J, then I am in the home helping out in the orphanage with C.
October and November were extremely busy months. Taking advantage of the 2 major festive seasons here, many churches have scheduled their retreats, revival meetings, leaders’ conferences, etc. during this time of the year. CNL-South Asia is no different. I was involved with 3 pastors/leaders retreat and 2 revival meetings both in and out of the capital. On top of this, J also took me with him to the outstation village churches outside of the capital, where either he or I shared the Word of God with the believers. J has sort of become my ‘manager’, scheduling speaking engagements for me as if I am some big-wig guru.
The first church I visited was CNL-Mangosteen, one of the new works in the east. We took 12 hours by bus to get there. The journey was one heck of a bone-rattling and ear-shattering experience. The road is rocky and hilly and the bus is fitted with loud-speakers blaring C-grade local songs non-stop.
CNL-Mangosteen is small but growing. There are about 12 believers meeting weekly and the service is held in a small rented room. We encouraged the church to think big and to believe God for greater things. The pastor is now looking out for a bigger place for the weekly service!
CNL-MANGOSTEEN
CNL-BERRY
CNL-JACKFRUIT
CNL-APPLE
We also visited CNL-Berry, one of the first works started here, CNL-Jackfruit and CNL-Apple, both are new works. In all our visits, we always sought to give the believers the Good Word, which will stay with them even after we are long gone and forgotten.
The most memorable and physically challenging outstation visit was to CNL-Kiwi, a mountain village church situated in the far western part of the country. To get there, we had to drive 16 hours and when we arrived at the small town, we had to park the jeep in the guest house and then walk for 2 hours and 15 minutes. Although it was an arduous trek – up and down on rocky trails, yet the fatigue quickly gave way when we saw the happy faces of the believers who came to greet us. They received us warmly and gave us food and drink. We stayed there for about 2 hours and after a short prayer for them, we started the long walk back. Although we took more time to get there than the time we spent with them, the journey was worth the effort. Meeting and being with the believers was my reward.
CNL-KIWI – A refreshing visit for all of us.
YOURS TRULY – Sharing the Word of God
What amazes me was the graciousness of the pastors here. Let’s face it, I am not a pastor, neither am I a graduate from any bible school, yet they received my messages with joy and encouragement. Who am I to speak to seasoned pastors? Often, I would feel most inadequate, yet they welcomed me and cherished my time spent with them. It is most humbling to be used and recognised in this way. Indeed, God honours what we have and not what we do not have (2 Cor 8:12).
J&C now has 8 boys in their home and they are so adorable! C home-schools them and they are having a good head-start in school. The youngest boy, Justin, at 3 years of age, can read and write the alphabet, count to 20 and memorise Psalms 23! Besides, helping to supervise the boys, I also help with their homework and assignments. I discovered that every time before J&C comes back to Singapore, C has to prepare 2 weeks’ worth of homework for all the boys.
SAY CHEEEEZZZ – C, the 8 boys and me
In less than 20 days, I will be home. These 6 months of internship with our missionaries have certainly taught me a lot of precious practical lessons. I thank God for the guts to step out in faith and to be involved in learning. During my absence from home, CNL has been most remarkable in caring for my family! As a direct result of their visitations, prayer and care, my mom has grown in her faith much more than when I was around. Even my dad is moved by the support of the church. CNL has given her what I alone could not, which is the care of the church body for one another. The task is not ours alone, but when it is shared, the blessing is multiplied and the benefits overflows! My mom is so transformed by this experience, that she herself is looking forward to be involved in visitation and prayer – to extend the comfort that God has given her to others who have need. At times when I worry for my family in Singapore, Jesus reminds me in Mark 3:35 that ‘whoever does the will of My Father is my brother, my sister and mother’. As much as Jesus is our Brother, CNL is my extended family. I am proud to be a member of this church body!
Thank you so much for your support and prayers. Blessed Christmas to you and have a great year ahead!
