The YOUTH team (from left: Navin, Ian, Joshua, Loo Yee, Chloe, Ephraim & Samuel) was in Tacloban, Philippines for 12 days in December 03. Their primary mission was to saturate the villages with the gospel in word and good works.
NO PAIN NO GAIN
I am ministered by the brothers and sisters in CNL-Philippines. I really felt like part of the family, of the community of God, though we are from different cultures. We worship the same God, have the same Holy Spirit in all of us. Indeed, My prayer is not for them alone, I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in You. May they be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.� (John 17: 20-21). It is the same Holy Spirit that binds us together though we are of diverse cultures!
Leading a very young team has its highs and lows. I had to struggle between the need to discipline and also to 'sayang'(be loving). I have learnt through this trip that some things cannot be compromised. Primarily, they are: God's work, God's word, the unity of the Spirit and the discipline to see things through.
There were times when the team got lethargic and sloppy and there were times when selfish concerns overwhelmed us. Yet these moments helped us to focus on the important things and to throw our own comforts out of the window. A constant reminder to be dead to self and alive to the things of Christ! These were times when boys and girls get trashed to become men and women of God. These times were pretty painful, but inevitable for growth. 'No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.' (Hebrews 12:11).
It has been a humbling and exciting experience for me. I thank God for the many things that I had the chance to try — the balut (duckling formed egg), evangelism, preaching and leading a highly potent(ial) group of youth through thick and thin. Thank God for the youth for acceding to my leadership to make my work much easier, Pastor Dennis, Daisy, all the Filipino brothers and sisters. Thank God for the many memories that He allowed us to have. Also for the eagerness of the youth to return back to Tacloban again in 2004. May God bring all these things to pass as He wills.
SO MUCH TO SAY
I truly learnt a lot. Everyday was a life-changing experience that touched me deeply — right from the very first day. Everyday, before the bible school students went to bed, they would sing songs of worship unto the Lord. Then early in the morning, around 4 am, songs of worship would again fill the air. Their love for God made me respect them a lot.
They really put in their heart and soul in praising and worshipping God. They were not inhibited because of our presence, but were free and open to worship the Lord. The way they led the worship, was simple yet wonderful. Everyone was multi-talented and could play one or more musical instruments.
Everyday after morning devotion, they would proceed to clean the sanctuary, wash the car, and do all sorts of other duties. At the end of a long day, they would still have to draw water from the well to fill the water tank upstairs for their baths. Despite their heavy schedules, I have never heard them complain once. They did everything willingly. Even though they were being stretched to the extreme, they strove on and persevered in all that they did.
The children taught me a lot about worshipping God. Their hearts were so willing to learn, and they would remember everything that we taught them. They would then use their testimony, their background, and whatever kind of problems they were facing to encourage us.
The people whom we reached out to were very willing to listen to us. They invited us into their homes even though they barely knew us. After our first visit, when we returned the next day, they would still remember our names! Their warmth touched me and made me feel love and accepted. Also, their childlike faith in God brought about many healing miracles, which was a living and powerful testimony of God’s power.
I will never ever forget all that I have seen and experienced and shall return to see what the Lord has in store. There is so much more to say, but I doubt I can express it all in words. I have learnt so much!
I REALLY LOVE IT
Before I went to Tacloban, I seriously thought I will not be able to survive because I did not know what to expect. Surprisingly, not only was I able to survive, I also enjoyed the stay very much. I was able to adapt to the lifestyle easily and I really enjoyed it. I felt like I was at home and did not even miss Singapore. The local food was not as bad as the previous team, who were there before, described it. It was a great experience and I really got to see more of myself and who I really am in God's eyes.
I learnt how to write my own sermons and got to preach for the first time. I also learnt to sleep on the hard floor. Life in Tacloban was really so simple and I love it!
I also got more courage in evangelism – God could use my testimony to touch others. I learnt how to worship God freely. God used my drumming skills in Tacloban even though I was not prepared for it. I was involved in the worship team for almost all of the services, playing on the simple drumset that they had over there. God really used all of me. He can make full use of us even though we think we are quite useless.
I did not expect to make so many friends too, by just being friendly, with the young teens, the bible students and the kids. I was very comfortable with them and could fit in easily. This made me realise that God created me special, which helped me discover who I really am. I love the way God made me. The people were so open, warm and contented.
I really miss the people there because they are really cool and they are the only people who find it easy to prononce my name. (hahaha..) I also realised how God could use me to attract the kids.
God showed me who He really is through pastor Dennis’ life and his faith in God. It was really unbelievable to see so many incredible works of God going on in the Philippines and to see the young teens getting so involved in the ministry at such a young age. It was truly encouraging.
I really hate to leave that place and hope to go back again and let God use me greatly. Somehow or another, I feel that my heart is still in Tacloban.
CHANGED FOR LIFE
This mission trip helped me to learn a lot. Before leaving Singapore, my dream for this mission trip was to know more about God and to see Him working in different people. Yet on the other hand, I was very worried because Tacloban was not as developed as Singapore and I was afraid I could not get used to it. I prayed that I would learn to treasure everything, no matter how simple it was. I thank God for causing me to treasure everything that was there, especially the food that was served. I used to hate vegetables, but I managed to eat all the vegetables that was served and also to not waste any food.
I have grown more optimistic. When I returned from the Philippines, I found that I no longer look on the negative side of things. An example was my N-level results. I did not score as well as I expected but I did not allow that to disappoint me. I told myself to work that extra mile for my Secondary 5. I realized that being optimistic is better than to be pessimistic.
Spiritually, I witnessed the strong presence of God and His faithfullness. I used to feel that God was distant. But when I was with the church in Tacloban, the way they worshipped and praised God enabled me feel his faithful presence.
I thank God for everything. He brought so many wonderful people into my life who touched me and made a big difference. Their perseverance taught me to persevere till the end and to have the courage to carry on, never giving up along the way.
I am looking forward to another mission trip. I want to know and learn more about God and about the people He created. I will wait for God�s calling and will set forth to wherever He wants to send me. Praise God for all that He is and had done!
