Yeo Mei Fong
Touched by the children
Initially I thought I wouldn’t have any problems applying for leave. However, after I applied, my boss said that another colleague, who would normally back me up, was on 2 weeks reservist during the same time as I. She was not comfortable with both of us being away. In addition, there were also news of kidnapping in the Philippines and people around me discouraged me from going.
As the date of departure drew nearer, I sent an email to my boss explaining why I needed to take leave and even proposed a backup plan during our absence. Praise God, my boss agreed!
Just before we left for the trip, my colleague informed me that he managed to postpone his reservist, which means I could go without any worries. Thank God for orchestrating all that!
One of my deepest memories of the mission trip happened on our second day at CNL-Ormoc. We were having a time of praise and worship on Sunday morning when the neighbourhood children joined us. I was amazed at how God reached out to them. The older kids, 8 years old and above, were so touched by the Holy Spirit that they cried so hard, they couldn’t continue singing. The scene so touched me, I joined in with the crying as well! I have never seen children feeling so sensitive towards the Holy Spirit before!
We conducted feeding programmes and children’s church in Ormoc and Tacloban. Held in the village square, children would bring their own chairs to the venue. Some even used coconut husks as chairs. Full of enthusiasm, they really enjoyed themselves with the programmes we put up. The way they all closed their eyes to pray in sincerity touched me more than anything. When children’s church was over, the whole bunch of them would escort us to the jeepney — saying good-bye again and again and again.
During the mini-crusade, together with the church members, all of us did a special item while Jimmy preached a simple yet poignant message on the love of God. 150 people turned up which far exceeded the 50 which was orginally expected! We were ill-prepared. Not enough chairs, food, drinks, paper plates, utensils, cups, pens/pencils. But we witnessed the same miracle of “feeding the 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fishes”. Praise God, everyone that came left with a full stomach and spirit.
Apart from working hard, Ps Dennis let us “eat hard”, too. We had pizzas, mango freeze, Singapore food like laksa, mee goreng, satay, restuarant food like fried rice, omelette with cheese, chinese soup, vegetables and cocktail macaroni made by Ps Jasmine. I really enjoyed every meal. We told Ps Dennis that they had over-treated us. But thank God for hosts who believe in “work hard, eat hard”.
I also got to know the pastoral team from Ormoc and Tacloban better. They are all wonderful, fired up people of God who gave up their careers to serve Him full-time.
Indeed, this mission trip was a tremendous learning experience and an eye-opener for me.
