Jakarta trip

It was a planned Jakarta church visit trip with Chinese church.

Indeed, we were blessed by a lot in Jakarta by the local church, staffs, pastors, ministries.

It was also the first time that I witnessed deliverance, it told me that we cannot allow any gap/ opportunity for the evil one to live in us. We should always look upon the Lord.

On Saturday, after attended the working adults, we rushed to Chinese cell group. It was really awesome doing and serving God in this way. :)

We attended 3 back-to-back services on Sunday: Hokkian, Bi-langual (Indon & mandarin) and Mandarin. It was a fantastic feeling. I never feel tired whenever I am in the house of the Lord. I really love dwelling in the house of the Lord. :)

Pastor Ramli took us to Puncak for overnight. A sister has a weekend home and we really enjoyed our time there.

It was indeed a very blessed trip. And seeing the revival and the hunger of Indonesian going after God's heart, it really encouraged me a lot.

Thank you Lord and all for the opportunities. :)

OCZ012 mission outreach to Cambodia

I have been trying to go for a short mission trip or outreach yearly since 2009. But, I couldn't do it in 2011 as I just changed job and not many annual leaves.

A lot of times, I think how good is it if there's someone who can sponsor me financially where I could just go for mission, for 2 years or so, or even longer. So, I shall continue to pray about this.

So, after saving my leaves, I have decided to go for OCZ (again) which was a 4 days conference + 10 days outreach. This time, I really want to go to Japan. Again, it didn't turn out as by the time I get the confirmation, the air ticket went up (missed the promo). Then, I was looking at what other country that do not require visa application. So, Cambodia came into the picture.

Then, I was approached if I could take up the role being Team Coordinator. I gave it a thought, prayed. Then, I was reminded not to say no on God's ministry. So, there, I agreed on the role. Later I was told there were 12 in the team. 12 means a big group (the max participants) to outreach country.

I have started to fast and pray (though sometimes forgot to pray) right after my China business trip, which was about 2 weeks before the program. I wanted to do this as asking for God's protection, strength and wisdom in this outreach. Thank God there was nothing happened (unlike previous 2 experiences) prior to that.

On Sunday (15 July) morning, dad took me to the conference site in PD. This is where I get to meet my other team members, get ourselves equipped and have the team preparation for the outreach field. The 12 of us came from Malaysia (3), Australia (1), Hong Kong (3), Taiwan (3), Korea (2) with 8 girls and 4 boys.

Throughout the 4 days conference, we got to know each other, other team members, attended workshops, attended sessions to allow God's word to prepare, back us up, soaked in us, have fun and many more. This time, I stayed in a dorm with another 5 girls.

Also, in the conference in PD, we had a night of prayer night where we will go to different stations (14 altogether) and spend time praying. And on the final night, we all will sit as a team to partake communion. Then, we were anointed with oil and go out (to the filed) filled with Holy Spirit.

On Thursday (19 July), different ones fly out to different fields. My team was separated into 2 departure to Cambodia, a morning team and afternoon team. And our team being the only team needed to cook for ourselves. On the very night on Thursday, Anita (HIS child personal from Malaysia too) briefed us again on our next day program.

On Friday, we went to Day Care and then, Team B (our team also split into 2 sub-team for different ministry) proceed to bus ministry, while Team A would go back and prepared dinner. First time being in the bus, we played some games with the local staffs who serves in bus ministry to get to know their names. Then, we also played the local Cambodia 'squeezing game' which is humorous, fun and yet torturing. Haeil being the biggest size didn't have to do anything and could win easily in this game.

We travelled on La-mok (a motorbike with a boat like of vehicle) as this is the cheapest way of transport. It is like a cheaper version of bus.

As we arrived the destination, the children are all waiting there for the bus. There were not many children that day as it might be due to the heavy rain earlier. However, we started the routine, cut their finger nails, play some games (london bridge is falling down), sing some songs (Deep Down in my heart), teach some simple English (It is raining, I am running, hiding in the house). Then, some Bible story, origami. This routine has been there as the bus ministry. Some destination of the bus ministry would have shower for the kids where it has to be fast so that more kids get to be cleansed. At the same time, some small cuts and wounds would be treated. At the end of the bus ministry, each child will get a loaf of french breach (12") to bring home. Some of them would share 1 bread and keep the other for their parents or the next day. All these children were so poor that they live by collecting rubbish and selling all the recycle items.

We also had village outreaches where altogether 4 villages were being visited in 1 week. Also, sometimes, 12 of us would split into 2 sub-team. And each team of 6 would again being separated to minister to the children and adults cell group. We repeated the games, songs with the children. For adults, a pastor would be there to share a message, or teaching of Khemer language. Then, we would share our testimony. They were amazed that we are all serving 1 God in all different languages and reading the same Bible in all different languages.

All villagers are in poverty. And most of the children are without clothes, some have the top, but, not the bottom. And their knowledge in health is close to none. Also, violence often happens in villages. However, all children are very excited and always wait in expectations to listen and to participate. Everyone was so discipline to line up, take turns and enjoy whatever was given to them. In one of the village, a skit of Hands were shared to the adult cell. It's practical to them as to remind them that God gave us hands to care, love and help.

On other days, we would also go to Children Center, Youth Center, kindergarten. Children Center is where all girls and boys (mostly orphan) would stay. Then, the boys get to the age of 15, they would be transferred to Youth Center. This is a place where they would get their education, food and feeding on God's word.

At the Youth Center, we played games (volleyball, basketball, badminton) with the boys. Then, we had devotion with them. I did a sharing of Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus the tax collector. It was quite a last minute preparation as I couldn't get any team member to share. I just prayed that the sharing did benefit them and God ministered to each of them individually. I encouraged them to go after God's heart, think and dream big allowing God to works and also keep in mind that things seems impossible to us, but, with God, I M possible.

I was encouraged that all the boys at their young age already had in mind what they want to become and they were indeed top students in their school. Children coming from broken family. It really touches my heart. Also, their attitude towards devotion time. Each of them were on time and have Bible ready, hunger to know more about God's word.

Our team took over the Sunday service except the praise and worship session where we think it is better to worship in their language. Then, we have Ben S (Australian) sharing the words of God, Gladys sharing a testimony. Then, we have a team presentation on Lord, I lift Your name on high. Earlier, we also took over the Children Church. A skit/ drama of David and Goliath was shared.

The main highlight of the event on this outreach was the Evangelism International Night (His International Night). This event of about 1.5 hours was totally on our own. As the name, it was an international and also evangelism night. So, aside sharing our cultures, we also need to think of the contents of evangelism. So, we have Seungman sharing with the rope tricks (small, medium and big sin), Cassie sharing her testimony, HK team on Hands mime. We had a closing songs on Thank you Jesus in Khemer and I love you Jesus. Then, it is fellowship time where hamburgers and canned soft drinks were given out. As we were broken into small team, each of us also have someone (from Youth Center) to help us translate and talk to the local.

I was greatly encouraged that the simple things and sharing that we did were impacting their lifes. A girl shared that the testimony of how Cassie has come from a Buddhist background helps her relate to her life, and she sees it as possible. Another girl said, she is like the medium sin. She attends church every Sunday, yet, without letting God take over her life, she is not change yet. And, another girl shared that, the mime of hands showed that our hands are to love, to care, not to destroy.

As we only did 1 and not full rehearsal for the event, I or many of us felt discouraged especially when some of the team members were not cooperate. Instead of spending time to practiced more, we just prayed and surrender the whole event into God's hand. Amazingly, God turned the whole event into a great success. Furthermore, the event was only expected 70-80 people. When Hyun-Mi (local OM missonary) told me what if more people come, we won't have enough? I don't know why will I said, don't worry. Then, just break the burgers into half. Indeed, we had 170 people came for the event. If it's not Holy Spirit, it would not be possible.

Personally, I experienced 3 spiritual warfare.
1. In PD conference: where I felt dizzy and stiff neck. I prayed, I text friends to pray. I told God, I must be alright to be effective. Then, at the Prayer workshop, I had Ann laid hand and prayed for me, I felt heat (first time) release from my back, and I was alright 80%. Then, at night, I prayed again, and I was 100% alright. I was told by Mike that I was strong in God, that's why I will face all these.
2. The arrival day in Cambodia. Felt discomfort physically. I whatsapp home to get friends and family to pray, shared with the team and we prayed. Then, I was alright.
3. At the killing field, where I felt discomfort and decided not to continue to walk but turned back, rested and pray.

Also, there were conflicts, misunderstanding within the team as we were all from different background. There was one night where I had a direct debate with another team member. I knew it affected others. I went downstairs, looked for Anita, shared and cried as the pressured and tension being a TC was too great. Further, different team members were sick and I was worried. Then, we prayed. And God changed things around. I apologised to the team the next night during devotion on my behaviour. Be it right or wrong, as a leader, I just feel that I need to do it to keep the team to move on as a team.

There was one night where I spent time praying with my housemates (12 of us were put into 4 different apartments). Then, I saw a vision of cross, where many hands holding to the cross. As I asked God on the meaning, it was showing that all the team members have one purpose, that's to serve God, but, all of us are not as united. I shared to the team, and praying that the team could be united as we were in the war. Yet, another vision, where many purple flowers flourish. Sun was shining at it. Message was that all our works done, God will take care and make it bloom. It was really encouraging knowing that what we have done were not wasted.

There were (are) so many things that I have learnt through this outreach though my main focus was on admin and I felt I didn't really touch the lifes or be a blessing:
- Total means 100% surrender to God
- Total dependance on God
- Pray. In all circumstances, just pray
- Accept each other as they are though may be different culture, different background
- God will make all things possible and beautify as long as we obey and willingly allow Him to do so
- It's all about God's glory, not us

Now that as I returned to my comfort zone. I constantly reminded myself on how blessed am I. And yes, I do miss my team. :)

Please continue to pray for Cambodia.

p/s: I was shared by Seung-Man that I am going to be a long term missionary on the return of a village outreach. I am not sure about that. Just pray. :) Please pray along with me as there are many other things to consider. 

Costume Party

Children church hold a year end Costume party for all the children. All the children were so excited about this event.

Initially, I was not involve. Then, Cornelia asked if I could to help to prepare watermelon. Well, that's not very tough. I agreed. Then, on the day before the event, I was informed, we need to dress-up in costume too.

Not knowing what to do. I have decided to be tourist. Then, maybe have my face paint. But, I don't know where can I get the face paint. Thank God Cornelia said she has. So, I went to church, got Cornelius draw on my face for whatever that he likes except mouse and cat (as I don't like the 2). And Monica make herself a hat which I took over as she had a better hat.

I think all the kids and adults enjoyed the party very much. And so we end the session with food. :)

Planetshakers Concert

Came across this Christian band will be having concert in Malaysia on Facebook. Though I don't know many of their songs, I do like the few songs that I had. Then, I asked a few friends if they would go with me. Well, it's kinda weird, though acceptable, to go alone. I suppose it's better to go in a gang.

So, I asked Viveen, and she said yes. Then, I saw Lee Nyiuk online. Mentioned to her and she wanted to go as well. So, I went to get the ticket and they still have 3. Yeah!!

On the day, I went to meet up with Viveen, we went for some shopping before met up with Lee Nyiuk at PJ. So, there were many youths. We were 'seated' at the balcony, though we ended up standing most of the time.

Then, the pastor shared about Christ. John 3:16, at a total new perspective that I have not heard. I suppose that's the way to target for youth. :)

Well, I had fun at the concert. It's my first ever Christian concert. And, I like it. :)

Pastor Rainier Schmidt

Agape invited Pastor Rainier for an evangelistic meeting. Pastor Rainier is from Germany and have won many medals in paralympics as well as many games in Europe on ping-pong.

He said, without Jesus, it is impossible. He has such joy despite being handicapped. I was indeed touched and inspired by him.

Turning Point (Lights of London) 2010

I have wanted to go for another mission trip after the OCZ009. As I have tried to sort out the documents to go for OCZ010 to Japan, indeed God provided the visa at the end, I didn’t manage to go as I was involved in Rainbow (Network Sharing between DiGi & Celcom). The project was just kicked-off and I felt that it might not be a good idea to go for 2 – 3 weeks. And mom wasn’t very comfortable with it as well. Thus, I called it off. Thank God that I haven’t got my ticket.

As the time past, I still find that I still needed to go for a mission trip in 2010. And as I was looking up in the internet, I came across Turning Point 2010 started on 11 Dec 2010 and just before Christmas. Wow!!! That was wonderful! I was thanking God for the perfect timing. Why so? Well, it was scheduled that 10 Dec is a replacement holiday from the company (since 11 Dec was a public holiday – Birthday of Selangor’s Sultan). And at the same time, Board meeting was on 9^th Dec AND the project’s MOU ends on 9^th Dec as well. Isn’t that wonderful?

I signed myself up, get my ticket booked and a few other things sorted out. I wasn’t very sure if this is the trip that I should go as there were a few not so happy things happened in between (ya.. hasn’t pay the fee, so, it’s ok to back-off, but, not the air ticket though). And work gets really busy for Board preparation (so much to be done). At the same time, I was worried and praying fervently that God to get the Board to approve 2011 Capex. I was quite disappointed that the project got extended though. Why? Because I do not like to leave things un-finish before I go. Perhaps it is time for me to learn to rely/ trust others? Anyway, it was a crazy weeks or months (working throughout weekends, I will be in the office around 6am or 6.30am, went back at around 7pm or 8pm and continue to work until past midnight. At the same time, answering questions in the middle of nights, all these just to get the Board preparations. Sometimes, I just wished people could understand. It wasn’t that I love (well, I don’t hate so much) my work, it is the verse that I cling on, do the work on earth as it is unto the Lord. Also, I have prayed for the job, as God provided me, I just want to give my best to Him.)

My flight to London was on 10 Dec (right after the Board meeting). It was crazy. I got to know that Board endorsed the 2011 Capex and approved 2 other investments that we have prepared. Hallelujah!! It was such a release ( I do hope that the project could be approved too, but, well, since it’s collaboration, it also depends on the other party). So, I was trying to finish/ clear as much as possible prior my departure. My flight was at 10am. Gee…. So, I went home earlier (7pm?!) and had dinner, final packing, final checking/ clearing mails, and slept.

My flight from KL – Dubai got delayed from KL. Wow… it meant I might missed my connecting flight to London. Gee… this wasn’t so nice… I was kinda ‘running’ at the Dubai airport, and by the time, I got to the gate, I saw my flight taxing off the gate to runway. Wow… So, I went back to the Connecting Counter, got another boarding pass for another flight. By then, I was so hot and sweating (imagine, having a backpack, a cabin baggage, and a big winter jacket), hmm… it wasn’t very nice.

So, I arrived London 8pm instead of scheduled 6pm (local time) and John, that’s another story itself, met up with me. We took a bus and walked (no car) to his small apartment. It was cold. Really cold by the time I got into the room at about 11pm. Deciding should I get a shower, I did, a quick one and it was freezing, shivering. Jetlag didn’t really kick-in yet as I was really tired.

John sent me to the Trinity Center the next morning. It was a nice apartment that can see the old church, but, it was a pity that he has to move out the weekend itself for a even smaller apartment. We left at 8am as I need to be at the center by 9am.

The whole program started. All participants were break/ assigned into different churches. I was ‘sent’ to Woodberry church. We started with ice breaker (which didn’t really break the ice, I reckon, but, it wasn’t that bad..). In the evening, we were introduced to Speakers Corner as some of us would be down there to listen/ witness/ experience it altogether.

On Sunday, we attended the Woodberry Down St. John Baptist Church (exactly where I lived for the whole program). It was a cool nice ‘real’ church. We had to leave ¾ of the service as we need to get to HPCF (Hyde Park Christian Fellowship) where we get a workshop and right after that, we all head to Hyde Park for Speakers Corner. We walked on Oxford Street to get to Hyde Park. It was so crowded also due to Christmas. I was so tempted to shop, but, well, we were rushing.

It was stunning when we get to Hyde Park. I can see people on the ladder speaking about Christianity while there were crowds supporting or challenging. While on the other side, I could see Muslims praying. Thereafter, they came to join the crowd. Wow!!! The questions they asked were really shocking. I was asked what is Trinity? Does it mean God is 1+1+1=1? What is Mathematics that we have learnt? Shouldn’t 1+1+1=3? I told them, God is not about addition, it is multiplications, it is engineer. Well, they just couldn’t listen. I was also challenged that does it mean God is with me now in London, and when I am back in Malaysia, He is there with me? Does my God have visa to all these places? Was asked to show the visa too. I told that guy, yes, my God is so great that He could travel with me everywhere and yes, he has visas too that I don’t have. That guy just laughed and laughed. Gee…. They were aggressive and I didn’t like it. We had a debrief session right after that. It was good experience though. :)

We were introduced to tracting, sketch-board evangelism, how to share, etc. We set up a book table at Green Lane where we were doing tracting. I was so encouraged by the openness of the people to take the Christian tracts. I have this guy who came up to me asking what’s that about and I told him, it’s about Jesus and Christmas, he took it and promised that he will read it. I just prayed that God is doing something on those who took the tract all the time. Then, we had Mickey over to start on his sketch-board evangelism. It was really cool, just that it wasn’t so many crowds as it was a busy road and many passers-by. I was impressed, really by the way Mickey convey the message. In fact, they had long conversation with a guy and we got the contact. Amen!! The weather was freezing and I had to go in to the library to get some heat a few times. :S

Thursday was a off-day for us. Yeah!!! Also, because we had a long Wednesday. We had prayer meeting and it was almost midnight by the time we got back to church. Well, we didn’t really go out in the morning as it was cold and raining and snowing. We went to British Museum in the afternoon and followed with British Research Museum.

After that, few of us went to China town for food. Yes!!! We long for nice hot Chinese food. But, it wasn’t as nice as it thought. Still, it’s Chinese food. :)It got colder and snow a bit more. The snow didn’t really stay, but, it was cold.

As it was showing quite heavily on Friday morning, we stayed in for more stamping of tracts and counting tracts - Christmas tracts to be given away. It was a cold day. Some of us were singing carols outside the subway station; some of us were giving out tracts or newspaper nearby. A lady from Hillsong came bless us with 4 cups of hot chocolate encouraging us to keep singing those carols. It was really nice.

Jon make shepherd pie at night. :)

Bianca had coffee that night which she shouldn’t. While Juliana and myself had some teng yuan for Winter Solstice that we bought from China town. Alex tried some. Well, the girls have gone ‘crazy’ that night as they shouldn’t be drinking coffee. The coffees make them hyperactive and they start to have the weird game which I called it ‘Star Wars’…

We woke up on Saturday morning finding it snowing heavier than before. It was snowing so heavily that the leaders need to find Plan B or Plan C for us. As Juliana and I got so excited, we went out for the snow. I make my fist little snowman which it was gone after 2 hours as the snow continue to fall and wind continue to blow. Alexandra was then rolling a giant snowball to make big snowman. It was so cold, fun though. J As the snow was too thick and we are prohibited to drive, hence, we were to walk to the streets for tracting. As we walked, the snow was so thick that we can’t really differentiate the pedestrian walkway and the road, so, we literally were walking on the road. It was really nice walking in snow. It was wet though. As we got into the town, the traffic was terrible than some of them were stuck in the traffic for 2 hours. And cars/ buses were driving really slowly on the street. As I stood and giving out the tracts, I could see that some cars have got no grip on the road, they just slide slowly, this was so dangerous. Of course, it was hotter on the road, snow would turn into slush and it was dirty and muddy and black snow as I called them. It was wet.

By the time we came back, all had some rest, all hung around enjoying each other as some of us were preparing for the Turkish party on the next day (Yeni Yasam). Alexandra was so excited wanting to show us an introduction to Switzerland and hurried us on our preparation. At the same time, all gathered around Benjamin’s (Benny) macbook for movie(?).

As last Sunday, we had our Sunday celebration and head to the HPCF for Speakers’ Corner a short while. Jon gave an update on our activities while Rune gave a testimony. Now, Benny is leaving us to Germany for his work. He doesn’t have much leaves. It was sad. Rune was so nice to help him carry the bag, brotherly love.

As we only can stayed for a short while at Speakers’ Corner, I didn’t want to get myself involve much. We went back to church and saw the Karen’s (Burmist) just finished their service and having some fellowship. We were invited to join the fellowship. Thereafter, we set up tables and food for Turkish Christmas party.

As we went back to TC for more discussion, we were also helping up on cleaning.

We had a prayer tour, Lights of London Prayer Tour. It was awesome. We saw the biggest Hindu temple of the world outside India in London, the state mosque, church in the midst of turning into mosque.

Then, we were driven around London. Well, at least, I have the chance to visit around some famous London landmarks. Example: Big Ben, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Tower of London, Christmas lights on Oxford Street.

We had the prayer walk around the Turkish area (kinda final evangelism prior closing up). It was interesting to see the Turkish preparing their food, jewelry shops. On the way home, Bianca was too tired and fallen asleep in the van. (Actually, a lot of us or most of us fall in the van, except Jon cos he needs to drive, whenever we got into the van). And we saw someone selling roses in the middle of the road as well.

And it came the night where we last be together. It is always difficult to say good-bye especially when you are living, eating and doing everything almost 24 hours for almost 12 days.

I do pray that as all of us go back to our work place, we will go back to our Jerusalem, Judea and all the world. And for those who are going for mission work/ field, may the Lord leads and guide you to reach to many lives.

Short Term Mission Trip - Sangkhlaburi, Thailand

It's gonna be a loooonnnggggg blog as I have decided not to split by days will do the entire event though.

Have been wanted to go for a mission trip for so long. It's been in me for so long that I just know that I have to do it. But, how? So, I checked out web, contacted a few and some replied and some didn't. And most of it doesn't really suit. And as I was talking to a friend over MSN, she told me to check out OM. What's OM? OM = Operation Mobilization. Still don't know? Know Dulos or Logos ship? ya... the floating book store and those belong to OM. Check out the web and wow... I found short term mission trip for 2 weeks. Yes... suit me as I am not sure if I can take it too long. Well, 2 weeks off from work, not sure about my boss especially I just gone back from Perth (2 weeks off also)... Well, pray lar. If God's will, then, everything will work out.

So, I contacted OM and they were good in responding and directing and providing me with info. Then, I received a lot of info, wow... so many countries that I can choose from, wow, Japan, so tempting... OK. OK. I told myself to cool down and pray. Prayed and prayed and prayed and continue praying, no answer ler...

Finally, going to Sangkhlaburi, but, was told full. Inside me was happy as I could tell God, see, I wanna go, but, full. I was planning to cancel my leave, etc. Then, after 1 week plus, I received email from Annie that I am in. aiks....

On 11th July morning, it was kinda rush as I need to go to the conference in the afternoon and I have some work and things need to be settled. As I drove out to get some stuffs, I met an accident, a big one. So, the whole morning was to the workshop, police station, etc. Discouraged me to go for the mission even more. Still, I went, choose to obey. Dad fetched me to Golden Sand Baptist Church - conference site.

Checked-in and settled, got to know my roomates. We were sleeping in bunk. The schedule for the conference was quite tight. We have to wake up at 6am to do personal devotion, and the programs ends at 10pm every day. Lights out at about 10.30pm. But, we normally talked in the room awhile till 11++pm. haha.... Well, our break normally lasted for 1 - 2 hours which was pretty short considering we wanna take shower, washed clothes, etc. So, time past really fast.

Also, I was thinking to fast and pray a meal a day during the conference and thinking that I would lost weight. ha... In fact, I (most of the members) got so hungry even before the next meal and I ate so much more than normal.

I learnt a lot during the conference. The topics on Eph 6: 10- 18 basically assured us that God loves us and also preparing us to go to the field. Aside the lesson, we had workshops to equip us for the field. I learnt rope tricks, balloning, drama/ mime which were all very cool. :)

During the conference, mom text me saying that she was so sick and about to die, I really felt like coming home and not continue the work. I shared with the leader and we prayed. I was crying and so afraid. Also, knowing that the evil one is testing and trying to stop me. Next day, mom text me again that she was alright. PTL!!!! I knew that God has already won the battle.

Altogeher 117 people attended the conference from 23 countries. And 83 of us went to the fields - 10 places, 8 countries.

The conference lasted for 5 days and it went past so quickly. Then, we were commissioned and sent out to the field. Our team woke up at 3am as the bus would pick us up at 4am to LCCT. For me, the battle started.

There were 8 of us who went to Sangkhlaburi, Thailand. (Jeong Suk, Eun Hye, Nan Hee, Se Young, Se Jung, Elphia, Caitlin and myself consist of 5 Koreans, 1 S'porean, 1 Canadian and 1 Msian). As soon as we arrived at BKK, we took 2 cabs to Mao Chit Bus Terminal (also known as Northern Bus Terminal). We bought the bus ticket and went for lunch. Later, we were told we had to upgrade our bus ticket to 1st class as there will be no other bus. Well, it meant more money.

Our 1st class bus provided us a bread and a sachet of coffee with no hot water, wonder how to make coffee. Then, we were told (in the conference by Paul - who has been there) that the bus will stop for food. Here, the communication started to breakdown. I asked the bus conductor, food? He couldn't understand me. I used sign language, still cannot. He took me to a fridge, opened the fridge, showed me 1. A lady with very little understand English said, take 1 only. Wow.... the drink range from Vitagen to green tea (small bottle to big) and only take one regardless. So, we took our drinks. I saw other passengers eating and I asked again, still cannot understand. Gave up. oh... our 1st class bus was so hot as the air-cond wasn't functioning and we were so hot and humid in the bus. Then, it started to rain. The bus ride was 7 hours. We reached Sangkhlaburi at about 7.30pm. Nelson and Andy (MTI team) were waiting for us. We checked-into Pguesthouse and ordered our food and rest.

We went to Japanese Well (didn't know that actually need to cross border to Myanmar) the next day. There, we just visited the clinics, school, children home. This was where we will be spending most of our time serving the people and God. Really really poor, worst than the Orang Asli settlement that I have been to. Our transport? A modified 4x4 pick-up truck where we squeezed more ppl at the back.

There, we took pictures of the students and we were to make poster for them. We spent time and did that on Saturday before Andy took us to visit Mon Village. At Mon Village, we bought something like roti canai, pandan flavour with condensed milk and sugar, to try. It was yummy.... really nice. :)


On Saturday, we were all busy preparing for Sunday Service. We had drama, songs with actions presentation, testimony and of course we shared a message as well.


On Monday, we went to school, teaching English, playing games and have cultural exchange. Our Korean team had their 'han-pok' and shared about the greetings in Korean.

On Tuesday, we went to Safehouse at Huay-Malai, another place to look at the old folk house, orphanage and also the home for mentally not fit people. Here, my feet got so pain due to blisters as the weather was wet all the time and the smell at the places are both testing me. It's really not easy to take both at a time. Local does weaving to self help to generate income.

At night, we were all break-up to go to homestay. The 3 of us (Nan Hee, Caitlin and myself) went to stay at a village named Song-Klian with about 250 household. Here we had great challenge. People here don't speak Thai, so, the very basic Thai we learnt, cannot be use. They speak Burmist. alamak.... Thank God, an uncle who knows a bit of English spent some time with us and I jotted down all the important things, like toilet, eat, sleep, thank you, no, yes, etc.

Still.... The aunty who host us was Nor-la-ski while her sister, Sir-e-poh, cooked for us. There were all Karen tribe. We walked through muddy field to the house and the house... hmm... Really a village house. We brushed our teeth at the balcony. It was funny. We used a lot of body language and they were just looking at us. No sleep or only managed to had very little sleep that night. First, we had all the insects singing out there. Then, at 3am, the roaster (leader being the one at our house) started the morning call, and followed by all the entire village, one after another. Then, 4am, 5am, 6am. In the morning, Nan Hee felt something soft at her feet and the cat was sleeping on top of a blanket inside the mosquito net. Gee..... I woke up right away and screamed.... How could the cat came inside... Cat = tha-mi-o (Karen) is bad.... oh.. ya... we use mineral water (such luxury life) to brush teeth. We are on mission and cannot afford to fall sick...

Our breakfast, we had really strong coffee, some banana with sticky rice thingy and 'you-char-guai'. B/fast was good. In fact, dinner was too. We tried some Burmist food.

We told God to sanctify the food everytime we had food and that our tummies are able to take those food.

Then, Andy took us to school. Here Caitlin left us to go back as she has earlier booked her air ticket.

We did some painting at the Children's Home at Huay-Malai (SafeHouse). It looked much better after we have painted. Then, we attended a local cell group in the evening. It was in this cell group that I saw their pure hearts towards God. Their hearts to God really encouraged me. They do not have electricity and yet, use candle to read the Bible, they trusted the Lord, and their childlike hearts, the trust they have greatly encouraged me. Also, it was here where I saw God's miracle. There were some papers issues for border crossing and God's intervention that everything went on smoothly. All these things for us coming from developing/ developed countries looks small. But, all these became such great deal when one is at a place with political issues and poverty and God's hand is reaching down.

My tears couldn't stop but ran down my cheek the whole time. A small boy stood up during the sharing session and read out John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son to die on the cross that whoever believes will not perish but have eternal life.
We had a debriefing session at the end of the evening and that's the end of my mission trip. 11 July - 23 July 2009. We travelled back to BKK on 24th July, another 7 hours on the bus. It's hard for me as this is a real separation. Do I want to do mission again? I think I will, but, I am not sure if I am ready for longer term. People out there are hunger for God's word.

Mission trip: I learnt to accept, to tolerate, to listen, to give thanks, most important to obey. It rained from the beginning till the day we left.

I checked in to a hotel once reached BKK which was really a luxury for me. For some, it was just a very basic hotel. For me, it was much more that I have had.

I met up with the team for dinner - Japanese with kimchi. yummy.... And went to Suan Lum night bazaar after that.

Next day, we met again at Chatucak market. There, we bit our farewell. *sob*sob*

On Sunday, Karim's friend, Sukri, took us to Ancient City. It was nice of him to spent the whole morning showing us around. :)