Sabah
8-17 December 2008
Joining the mission trip this year, God had brought a whole new meaning to it. This time I was very blessed and encouraged by the youth (last year in Sarawak was the children). The time spent praying and sharing with them had opened my eyes to another perspective of ministry – that of reaching the young people.
Sabah is a land with so many young people. The church where we ministered, 70% of them is youths. They are passionate about making a difference in their land. They worshipped with such deep cry and longing for God – and that touches me greatly. When the altar call was given no one hesitated – all came to the front to receive from the Lord. The pastor of one of the churches is a young man of only 25 years old. What an amazing thing the Lord is doing at that place – using the young to impact their world.
I also had the chance to foster friendship with some of the young girls. I asked them if they have ever thought of leaving their village, finding a job and eventually starting a family. To my amazement they said “No”. They told me that there is still so much to be done. They have never thought of leaving their village. They want to serve where they have been placed by God. They want to reach out to their fellow villagers. I thank God for them. What an impact they would be!
Besides learning from the people there, I also learned from my team members especially about having a prayerful life. Pray no matter how small the matter is! Pray no matter how silly it seems!
Missions is an experience not to be missed. It changes your life and stretches your faith. If you have never been on any missions trip, join one the next change you get – and you will be asking for more.
Wong Tzi Li
Mission trip – the highlight of my year! Every year I learnt something new and different. Visiting Sabah was a first. Thus, we did not know what to expect.
I was in-charge of the children’s program – another first for me. All the girls (3 of them) were involved in the altar call ministry. That left us, the boys to take charge of the children’s program for a couple of times.
From the way they lifted up their hands in worship, I believe most of the children, have Christian background. Even the very young ones were seen lifting worshipping with their hands lifted up.
I was very blessed by the children’s sessions as I received as much as I have given out. The children were awesome. They listened intently to the Bible stories even though they knew them by heart. They also taught us new Malay songs along with the actions. It was really a two-way sessions where we learned from each other. We actually ended the sessions much later than the adult services.
After the trip, the children had been on my heart. They are the next generation for their people in the villages. I pray that by instilling in them God’s words and values they would continue to grow closer to Him
Shaun Lim
Going to Sabah for missions was a new challenge and we did not know what to expect. (Unlike Sarawak where we have been before, we could plan better based on past experiences.)
Prior to going I had commitment at studies and might not be able to make it for the trip. However I prayed that if God wanted me to go, He would prepare the way. Indeed He made a way for me and this has taught me to trust God in both small and big matters.
Not knowing what to expect and with only a rough plan and who was in-charge, we had to learn to be sensitive and allow God to work among His people. An example of this was when we were asked to present something during the combined Christmas celebration. As we had not prepared anything, we decided to do the skit “Everything”. The practice itself was done in the last minute – yet, people were blessed.
Pastor Peridol asked us to present it at his church in Kota Kinabalu. After the presentation, one of the church member requested if he could give his testimony. He shared how blessed he was by the skit and asked us to come back again next year. I was so encouraged by his testimony.
We had the chance to scale Mount Kinabalu – but it was raining. The cold numbed my hands. The hike was so difficult. It was something extreme – something I had not done before. Yet in such circumstances God taught me to trust Him in everything – I committed it to the Lord that He would keep me warm and I would reach the peak safely. I thank God that not only did I make it to the peak, I was able to descend the mountain safely too. Without God, I do not think I could have achieved such incredible feat.
Kevin Chin.
