We are grateful that the mission trip we planned for pastors and leaders of our 3 churches here has come to pass with much fruitfulness. It seemed like an impossible task a year ago but God made it happened as we trust Him step by step. From 4 to 10 October, we led a team of 11 to Malaysia to experience “Reverse” mission – instead of bringing Singaporean/Malaysian Christians up to East Asia for missions, we send East Asian Christians down to our countries for missions. Below is a testimony of one of the mission team members.
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This was a trip unlike any other trip I’ve ever been before. I was very touched and blessed throughout – through the places that I visited, the people that I met and the words that I heard. I began to understand the meaning of discipline. I learnt a lot from my teammates. Every morning, there was no need to wake each other up. The first to wake up would switch on the room lights and the rest would follow and tidy the room quietly and then sit together in a circle to prepare for devotion.
Our host, Ps Choo and his wife, Ps Linda, took us to an Orang Asli village church. We had to drive along a long, narrow and muddy path that led us to the village. 10 years ago, Ps Linda shared that she had to walk all the way in because there was only a narrow footpath. She also said that because of the people’s simple ways, they are usually taken advantaged of by Chinese shopkeepers who offer to sell them daily necessities on credit terms. In return, shopkeepers made them sell durians to them at rock bottom prices. So, when they started their ministry here, they taught them to sell their durians directly at the market and then to use the money to pay off their debts. Since then, they know how to earn a simple living by selling durians.
When we first stepped into their church, I was touched beyond words because it far exceeded my imagination and expectations. It was amazingly clean, neat and complete with basic furniture. When I look at the children, their eyes brim with innocence and humility. If you were there, you too would surely be touched. The love of God is real and it matters not where we are, much less what ethnic group we belong to.
The thing that left the deepest impression is the drug rehabilitation centre. The people there may have tattoos all over their bodies but their eyes are full of peace! This made me understand the everlasting power of God’s love! Once they lived in darkness, violence, drug and sin but now they are leading a life that is new and free. Not only are they changed, they are also helping others like them in the centre to walk in freedom. Ps Choo was himself a former gangster and drug-addict. His Christian cousin pawned her last gold necklace to send him to this rehabilitation centre and that was the turning point in his life – from a fighting gangster and drug-addict, he is now a pastor who testifies of the power of God.
Our schedule was simple but fruitful and everyday there would be touching events that made us laugh or shed tears of gratitude. It felt like God sends his presence to us like rain from above. Giving comes easily when there’s abundance. So, when your heart is filled to the brim with love, everything that comes out from you, be it a kind gesture or a simple smile, it would naturally be genuine and true.
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Thank you for standing with us and supporting us. Best wishes to you and your family this Christmas season and New Year.
