Having travelled so much on my own, perhaps it would take much to ruffle me. Yet I find that my human nature is still prone to its fits of flurry and panic. I find also that I am often alone in my school of thought, although I admit that this is of little consequence to me. I am referring to the human inclindation of travelling in numbers. Of course, there are advantages of travelling in groups, but panic also tends to multiply in greater numbers. Not only that, it has a tendency to bring on a wave of 'what if's' and 'should have's'. I admit that in my solitary travel, there are moments of weakness where I have much desired a companion, especially to share the responsibilities of travel. However, there is also solace to be found. I find that I tend to rely more on God than on the flesh. It becomes easier to draw on the peace and strength that God has given me. Eventually when the sandstorm subsides, I always have ample time to screw my head back on.
Sometimes others think I have been on 'more than my fair share' of mission trips - at my age no less. Do I deny it? Indeed not! I have been strangely blessed. My age is no limitation to God, He will use me anyway. But I have come to find that God's ministry is like a drug, you can't get enough of it and you want more each time. So what do I mean by 'strangely blessed'? It is the most befitting term for the peculiar way all my trips have begun - things lost, flights delayed and all sorts. But this is just God's way of reminding me that his favour is upon me.
I've just completed the Condensed World Mission Course, and it's been nothing short of amazing. It is so refreshing to find that the dreams you have are nothing new, that there are so many others who have already gone before me. I've found difficulty putting this passion into words, but I found this beautiful article called 'apostolic passion' by Peter McClung, director of YWAM, which describes my exact sentiments, down to the very last letter.
"Apostolic passion, therefore, is a deliberate, intentional choice to live for the worship of Jesus in the nations. It has to do with being committed to the point of death to spreading his glory It's the quality of those who are on fire for Jesus, who dream of the whole earth being covered with the glory of the Lord... If you have apostolic passion, you are one of the most dangerous people on the planet. The world no longer rules your heart. You are no longer seduced by getting and gaining, but devoted to spreading and proclaiming the glory of God in the nations. You live as a pilgrim, unattached to the cares of this world. You are not afraid of loss. You even dare to believe you may be given the privilege of dying to spread his fame on the earth. The Father's passions have become your passions. You find your satisfaction and significance in him. You believe He is with you always, to the end of life itself. You are sold out to God, and live for the Lamb. Satan fears you, and the angels applaud you. Your greatest dream is that His name will be praised in languages never before heard in heaven. Your reward is the look of pure delight you anticipate seeing in His eyes when you lay at his feet the just reward of His suffering: the worship of the redeemed."
Oh I could go on and on about it, but when you have such excitement burning in your heart, could you possibly keep from imagining that someday God might consider you worthy to share in the crown of life? Impossible! I have no desire to be a renegade, a hero, a rebel or anything of the sort. I just want to answer this calling that I have been given. Now I know what it feels like to be a burning coal in the bonfire. And there is no other feeling in the world quite like it. Here there are so many who burn even more brightly than I do, and their fire only seeks to fuel mine. How wonderful it is indeed!
Palawan is well known as 'the last frontier' in the Philippines. Exactly so. Here we are learning about how we need to go to the unreached nations, to be tentmakers, to the very last frontier. There are still thousands of people groups still unreached all over the world today. I am not the first to go, nor will I be the last. But go we must, and go we will.
Saturday, 16 June 2007
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
too young to know...
It's been about 6 weeks since my last post just because I've been too busy to write anything since the exams... These 6 weeks have been such a whirlwind... I've had my exams, passed them by God's grace and also had a wonderful SSC in ophthalmology... My career path still seems somewhat undecided - a hard fight between geriatrics and ophthalmology... perhaps someday soon I won't find myself so torn between the two. I've missed writing entries in my blog, but my time has not been my own and I've been much too busy writing articles to do anything else... The last time I'd worked so hard was probably my A levels... :) Nonetheless, it's been an exciting journey and I have learnt so much. I've had my dream hospital attachment as I'd wanted, and made beautiful friends... Sadly, that journey has to be put on hold for now and I will continue in Philippines where I left off the last time. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, or even the next 6 weeks... nor do I know where I will be going... I just know that as always, the next day will be better than the next! :)
For the past few weeks, my mind has been wandering back to thoughts of the movie 'Amazing grace'... There are two quotes which continuously linger my mind... the first of which is 'we are too young to realise that certain things are impossible for us.' said by Pitt the younger (in the movie). I find that it is indeed a beautiful sentiment, somewhat contrary to what the world has always taught us. The other quote which has been haunting me was said by John Newton, 'my memory fails but two things I remember - I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior.' How I pray that when my dementia finally sets in, that these are the truths that will remain with me.
Tomorrow I will fly to Palawan and I am excited to see my friends again, to once again share the dreams and thoughts which caught our passion, to serve those who are in need, to discover more of who I am and who I can become, and of course, to ride a carabao and eat balut!
For the past few weeks, my mind has been wandering back to thoughts of the movie 'Amazing grace'... There are two quotes which continuously linger my mind... the first of which is 'we are too young to realise that certain things are impossible for us.' said by Pitt the younger (in the movie). I find that it is indeed a beautiful sentiment, somewhat contrary to what the world has always taught us. The other quote which has been haunting me was said by John Newton, 'my memory fails but two things I remember - I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior.' How I pray that when my dementia finally sets in, that these are the truths that will remain with me.
Tomorrow I will fly to Palawan and I am excited to see my friends again, to once again share the dreams and thoughts which caught our passion, to serve those who are in need, to discover more of who I am and who I can become, and of course, to ride a carabao and eat balut!
Sunday, 22 April 2007
effected by grace
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect.” 1 Corinthians 15:10
As I sat there in my bed and read this verse, such a flood of emotion came over me – an awesome wave of love and grace just came washing over me, so strong it could break your heart in two. This must have been the amazing grace that John Newton wrote about in the hymn and truly there is no other word to describe it except ‘amazing’.
My entire blog has been a testimony of God’s grace to me… Each day, each step, each path and looking back from as far as I can remember, I understand what Paul meant by saying ‘by the grace of God, I am what I am’. Without God’s amazing grace, I couldn’t possibly imagine where I would be now, if I would be at all.
Junior college was the start of my journey as a jesus freak, and yet despite my church and school ministry, most of my time was spent studying. So the only way it seemed that I could really glorify God was through my results. So I studied hard for my exams. I chose a path towards which I felt could help me serve better, but nonetheless, I didn’t want studying to be all that I could give to God.
I discovered the mission field and put all my energy into it because I loved it so much and loved it because I loved God. Things just seemed so perfect. But unfortunately, I could only spare little time to stay… Being a student still meant that studying and exams were to constitute a sufficient portion of my time. Yet with the numerous activities going on through the year and only one final exam at the end of the year, it seemed like I’d forgotten quite how to study as I did while in Singapore. I’d forgotten that the grace of God was also apportioned to my exams, not just my ministry. And again in 1 Corinthians 15:39 Paul writes, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because that you know that your labour is not in vain.” To give myself FULLY to the Lord, meant not just in my ministry, my personal life, but also my studies… I guess it just seemed that there wasn’t much studying to be done all year so I’d forgotten. This labour is for God, not for me. Exams are coming up in a few days and being motivated by God’s grace has really helped to push me on in studying, something I’ve not done in a while.
To God Be The Glory.
As I sat there in my bed and read this verse, such a flood of emotion came over me – an awesome wave of love and grace just came washing over me, so strong it could break your heart in two. This must have been the amazing grace that John Newton wrote about in the hymn and truly there is no other word to describe it except ‘amazing’.
My entire blog has been a testimony of God’s grace to me… Each day, each step, each path and looking back from as far as I can remember, I understand what Paul meant by saying ‘by the grace of God, I am what I am’. Without God’s amazing grace, I couldn’t possibly imagine where I would be now, if I would be at all.
Junior college was the start of my journey as a jesus freak, and yet despite my church and school ministry, most of my time was spent studying. So the only way it seemed that I could really glorify God was through my results. So I studied hard for my exams. I chose a path towards which I felt could help me serve better, but nonetheless, I didn’t want studying to be all that I could give to God.
I discovered the mission field and put all my energy into it because I loved it so much and loved it because I loved God. Things just seemed so perfect. But unfortunately, I could only spare little time to stay… Being a student still meant that studying and exams were to constitute a sufficient portion of my time. Yet with the numerous activities going on through the year and only one final exam at the end of the year, it seemed like I’d forgotten quite how to study as I did while in Singapore. I’d forgotten that the grace of God was also apportioned to my exams, not just my ministry. And again in 1 Corinthians 15:39 Paul writes, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because that you know that your labour is not in vain.” To give myself FULLY to the Lord, meant not just in my ministry, my personal life, but also my studies… I guess it just seemed that there wasn’t much studying to be done all year so I’d forgotten. This labour is for God, not for me. Exams are coming up in a few days and being motivated by God’s grace has really helped to push me on in studying, something I’ve not done in a while.
To God Be The Glory.
Friday, 30 March 2007
through heaven's eyes
“Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4
Children are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Maybe they are here too on earth. After all, in many countries, children are considered a precious commodity and even have a price on their head. Yet this sad truth is a far cry from what Jesus had in mind.
Human trafficking, an industry built solely on the exploitation of others through means of slavery. There are about 27 million people in slavery across the world; and of these, an estimated 1.2 million children are trafficked each year. These children are being forced into hard labour, military service, begging and worst of all, prostitution. Human trafficking is currently the fastest growing industry, generating over seven billion dollars a year.
25th March 2007 marked the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in 1807. However, this victory was only won after a long and hard fight by one of the most renowned abolitionists in the world – William Wilberforce.
In celebration of the 200 years past, the film Amazing Grace, was released. Amazing Grace documents the life of William Wilberforce, and how one man struggled to change the world. William Wilberforce was born in Hull in 1759, and at the mere age of 21, he was elected into the House of Commons. In 1784, Wilberforce embarked on a life-changing spiritual journey and was faced with a decision – to serve the Lord, or to continue his political career. Under the guidance of a clergyman, John Newton, Wilberforce resolved to dedicate his life wholly to God, whilst serving in politics. This newfound faith sparked his passion for the abolition of slavery and the reformation of society.
Wilberforce introduced many bills year after year, all of which were defeated. Yet through his tenacity and determination, together with the support of petitions signed by the British citizens, the bill was passed in 1807 with a large majority. Later in 1833, just before his death, a bill for the abolition of slavery across all British colonies was passed.
It’s been 200 years, and it’s hard to believe that modern-day slavery exists. It is even more difficult to grasp the idea that it is one of the most flourishing trades in the world. To so many people, the idea of slavery remains a thing of the past. If this is the case, then how has the world come to this state? We need to raise awareness among our family, our friends and our society, that slavery is still a very real problem in this world. We can join in the fight against human trafficking through signing petitions, joining campaigns and raising funds.
William Wilberforce was only 21 when he entered the House of Commons, and as Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 4:12, “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” We are never too young to start changing the world for God.
Jeremiah was called to the Lord’s service, and he said, ‘I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.’ But the Lord told him “Do not say ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.” (Jeremiah 1:4-8) Even before we were born, God had already set us apart to do great things for him. We may still be children in the eyes of man, but God has already equipped us to do the impossible from the day we were born.
And one question now remains – where are the William Wilberforces of today?
Children are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Maybe they are here too on earth. After all, in many countries, children are considered a precious commodity and even have a price on their head. Yet this sad truth is a far cry from what Jesus had in mind.
Human trafficking, an industry built solely on the exploitation of others through means of slavery. There are about 27 million people in slavery across the world; and of these, an estimated 1.2 million children are trafficked each year. These children are being forced into hard labour, military service, begging and worst of all, prostitution. Human trafficking is currently the fastest growing industry, generating over seven billion dollars a year.
25th March 2007 marked the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in 1807. However, this victory was only won after a long and hard fight by one of the most renowned abolitionists in the world – William Wilberforce.
In celebration of the 200 years past, the film Amazing Grace, was released. Amazing Grace documents the life of William Wilberforce, and how one man struggled to change the world. William Wilberforce was born in Hull in 1759, and at the mere age of 21, he was elected into the House of Commons. In 1784, Wilberforce embarked on a life-changing spiritual journey and was faced with a decision – to serve the Lord, or to continue his political career. Under the guidance of a clergyman, John Newton, Wilberforce resolved to dedicate his life wholly to God, whilst serving in politics. This newfound faith sparked his passion for the abolition of slavery and the reformation of society.
Wilberforce introduced many bills year after year, all of which were defeated. Yet through his tenacity and determination, together with the support of petitions signed by the British citizens, the bill was passed in 1807 with a large majority. Later in 1833, just before his death, a bill for the abolition of slavery across all British colonies was passed.
It’s been 200 years, and it’s hard to believe that modern-day slavery exists. It is even more difficult to grasp the idea that it is one of the most flourishing trades in the world. To so many people, the idea of slavery remains a thing of the past. If this is the case, then how has the world come to this state? We need to raise awareness among our family, our friends and our society, that slavery is still a very real problem in this world. We can join in the fight against human trafficking through signing petitions, joining campaigns and raising funds.
William Wilberforce was only 21 when he entered the House of Commons, and as Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 4:12, “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” We are never too young to start changing the world for God.
Jeremiah was called to the Lord’s service, and he said, ‘I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.’ But the Lord told him “Do not say ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.” (Jeremiah 1:4-8) Even before we were born, God had already set us apart to do great things for him. We may still be children in the eyes of man, but God has already equipped us to do the impossible from the day we were born.
And one question now remains – where are the William Wilberforces of today?
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
signs and wonders
“Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” 1 Samuel 10:7
One thing I’ve found difficult, was asking God for personal things. Maybe for ministry, for friends, for family, for the world, but for myself – it was difficult. That was another reason why I was afraid to go back to Singapore or to Dundee. I was afraid to get caught up again in the material world, so fixed on acquiring little luxuries, like clothes, shoes and accessories we just didn’t need. It definitely isn’t sinful to have property, money, a family or anything like that. Still, it didn’t change the fact that I just couldn’t ask for it.
In 1 Samuel 9 and 10, Saul was anointed king by Samuel. He certainly didn’t ask for it but God blessed him with it. You would think that someone would be happy being appointed king and just take it, but no, Saul didn’t. He questioned how someone as insignificant as him could be blessed with something so great. Instead of just receiving the blessing, he asked God for more signs to be sure. God didn’t call him ungrateful and then take it back; he gave him so many signs that there was no more space for doubt. And finally God told him that when these signs were fulfilled, he should pick up his task, for God was with him.
And I find I’m like that. Before I could even ask God for something, I had to be sure he wanted me to have it. I could never really bring myself to ask God for personal things. So I asked for signs that to be sure that God accepted my request. To my utter surprise, God fulfilled these signs. To be honest, it took me a while to grasp my head around it. Now I know that I can keep holding on to that request, because God has granted me his favour and given me his promise.
Indeed, now I know what Psalm 37:4 truly means ‘Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.’ God delights in the well-being of his servant (Psalm 35:27) and when we are willing to give our lives to serve him, he will not withhold any good thing from us.
One thing I’ve found difficult, was asking God for personal things. Maybe for ministry, for friends, for family, for the world, but for myself – it was difficult. That was another reason why I was afraid to go back to Singapore or to Dundee. I was afraid to get caught up again in the material world, so fixed on acquiring little luxuries, like clothes, shoes and accessories we just didn’t need. It definitely isn’t sinful to have property, money, a family or anything like that. Still, it didn’t change the fact that I just couldn’t ask for it.
In 1 Samuel 9 and 10, Saul was anointed king by Samuel. He certainly didn’t ask for it but God blessed him with it. You would think that someone would be happy being appointed king and just take it, but no, Saul didn’t. He questioned how someone as insignificant as him could be blessed with something so great. Instead of just receiving the blessing, he asked God for more signs to be sure. God didn’t call him ungrateful and then take it back; he gave him so many signs that there was no more space for doubt. And finally God told him that when these signs were fulfilled, he should pick up his task, for God was with him.
And I find I’m like that. Before I could even ask God for something, I had to be sure he wanted me to have it. I could never really bring myself to ask God for personal things. So I asked for signs that to be sure that God accepted my request. To my utter surprise, God fulfilled these signs. To be honest, it took me a while to grasp my head around it. Now I know that I can keep holding on to that request, because God has granted me his favour and given me his promise.
Indeed, now I know what Psalm 37:4 truly means ‘Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.’ God delights in the well-being of his servant (Psalm 35:27) and when we are willing to give our lives to serve him, he will not withhold any good thing from us.
Tuesday, 27 February 2007
Joy Overflowing
“The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.”
For so long I had been praying for God to show me how I could use my summer holidays to serve him. Of course we serve him in our daily lives, but this was time freely at my disposal and I wanted to dedicate every bit of it to God. Of course there were many things that I could do, but I wanted him to put me where he thought I could serve him the best. Because if we don’t use all we have to serve him to our full potential, then what is the point?
As I continued to pray, I saw so many amazing things happen over the days. God made my paths straight and opened so many doors. From the very day that he had given me the green light, he also provided everything that I needed. I had no worries at all. I told God that I was willing to go anywhere he would send me, all he had to do was to tell me where and I would do it all, no matter what it took. But that’s not the love of a father. He did everything for me. And through this, I work harder every day towards becoming a missionary. I know that even if he sent me to a difficult place, I would never need to worry because he would provide everything for me. And this is just his promise in 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, you will abound in every good work.” So now we can go forth – BY GRACE ALONE.
For so long I had been praying for God to show me how I could use my summer holidays to serve him. Of course we serve him in our daily lives, but this was time freely at my disposal and I wanted to dedicate every bit of it to God. Of course there were many things that I could do, but I wanted him to put me where he thought I could serve him the best. Because if we don’t use all we have to serve him to our full potential, then what is the point?
As I continued to pray, I saw so many amazing things happen over the days. God made my paths straight and opened so many doors. From the very day that he had given me the green light, he also provided everything that I needed. I had no worries at all. I told God that I was willing to go anywhere he would send me, all he had to do was to tell me where and I would do it all, no matter what it took. But that’s not the love of a father. He did everything for me. And through this, I work harder every day towards becoming a missionary. I know that even if he sent me to a difficult place, I would never need to worry because he would provide everything for me. And this is just his promise in 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, you will abound in every good work.” So now we can go forth – BY GRACE ALONE.
Tuesday, 6 February 2007
the promised land
I’ve been to the Promised Land…
“And I have promised to bring you… a land flowing with milk and honey.” Exodus 3:17
Or so that’s what they tell me – Palawan is the land flowing with milk and honey… Perhaps in some ways, it is like the Promised Land, where the people live in freedom to praise their Lord. Every other street has a huge sign directing people to church, and people are also proud to wear their faith on their T-shirts. Even tricycles display Scripture verses on the front. Local artists are proud to tell the world that they are Christians and the newspapers have daily Bible readings for the people to follow.
It may seem quite subtle, but to me, it feels like a bit of a release being able to share so freely. It’s really amazing.
After going through training, I feel that I’ve learnt so much, especially spiritually. I’ve picked up courage in sharing His Word and sometimes I see people next to me and think if I were to share with them how I’d start. God is truly amazing.
So at the end of my trip, I gave a testimony in church and I was really nervous but it was also great to share all that God had done for me. And at the end of it, I sung one of my favourite songs – how could I ask for more.
How could I ask for more
“And I have promised to bring you… a land flowing with milk and honey.” Exodus 3:17
Or so that’s what they tell me – Palawan is the land flowing with milk and honey… Perhaps in some ways, it is like the Promised Land, where the people live in freedom to praise their Lord. Every other street has a huge sign directing people to church, and people are also proud to wear their faith on their T-shirts. Even tricycles display Scripture verses on the front. Local artists are proud to tell the world that they are Christians and the newspapers have daily Bible readings for the people to follow.It may seem quite subtle, but to me, it feels like a bit of a release being able to share so freely. It’s really amazing.
After going through training, I feel that I’ve learnt so much, especially spiritually. I’ve picked up courage in sharing His Word and sometimes I see people next to me and think if I were to share with them how I’d start. God is truly amazing.
So at the end of my trip, I gave a testimony in church and I was really nervous but it was also great to share all that God had done for me. And at the end of it, I sung one of my favourite songs – how could I ask for more.
How could I ask for more
There’s nothing like the warmth
Of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight
Being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing momma’s face goodnight
Holding daddy’s hand
Thank you Lord
How could I ask for more
Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide-and-go-seek
Being so in love
That you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark
When there’s no one else around
Being bundled ‘neath the covers
Watching snow fall to the ground
Thank you Lord
How could I ask for more
So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I’ve made along the way
So if there’s anything I’ve learnt
From this journey I’m on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cos there are questions without answers
And flames that never die
And heartaches we go through
Are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord
Thank you Lord
How could I ask for more
The Cost of Following Jesus
“I have become an alien in a foreign land.” Exodus 2:22
Another matter on my mind was that of being away from home. I know my parents always wish that I would spend more time at home but today I realised that when we are called by God to go, there is no stopping us.
As it writes in Luke 9:61-62
Still another said, “I will follow you Lord, but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”
Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
I know that if I want to follow Jesus, there’s no turning back. I have to pay the cost; I have to give up my family. But God always gives back.
I’ve never been quite interested in short-term mission trips. I’d always wanted to stay in a place for a long time and do God’s work there. As of now, I don’t know where but amidst my flood of thoughts, God gave me this word “IN THIS LAND I WILL DWELL.”
Wherever I go, I’m covered in prayer by my family at home, and he’s given me a spiritual family in the land that I’m in.
Just as Moses left Egypt and resided in Midian, so I too will find a home in another land.
I don’t know where I will go or where this place is, but I know now that I’m meant to leave my home and go to wherever God calls me. Maybe that’s why the Ten Commandments and the story of Moses has been my favourite since I was 4 years old – someday I will have my Exodus and become an alien in a foreign land.
TO THE END, LORD, TO THE VERY END.
Stripped
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart.” Job 1:21a
In coming here, I find that I was pushed to my limits – physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Honestly it was the most challenging trip of my life, such that I even began to question and wanted to go home. This year I have Scriptures as my resolutions or commandments to live by for 2007. One of them is Phil 4:12 “I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” And leaving Singapore to live as a missionary seems as though I would be in want. Even I believed it for awhile compared to what I enjoyed, but later realised that I am not at all in want and never have been. I have never had lack of food, water and shelter. Even though I have less, I still live in abundance. When we were in Malia, we sat there enjoying canned food and rice, but the children barely had any food and we even shared our rice with them, which was all they had. Even staying out in Amas, I lived in a beautiful house covered with a blanket of stars at night. There was more than enough food on the table, we didn’t even need to fetch water because we were one of the rare few with a faucet, plus there was electricity. And as the Lord has promised good to me, in Psalm 23:1, “I shall never be in want.”
Moving mountains
“I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
I’ve never climbed a mountain, and at 890m above sea level, it sounded daunting. But having never done it, I didn’t know what to expect either. Even now, I can’t say if it was easier or more difficult than I expected. I can’t say that I climbed a mountain either. It wasn’t a mountain to me, because I just concentrated taking one step after another. That was all that mattered. And I thank God for giving me spiritual eyes to see. Even looking back at my journey over the past year, there’s never been leaps and bounds, they’re little steps. And when I slipped on the mountain, there was always a friend to pick me up, just as when I faced trials, God has always been there to pick me up. I’ve always been one to plan my life months ahead. Even now, as I pray for where God wants to send me, the things I pray for are still many years away. I think too much about the future. But He’s shown me that it’s just the next step there and then that really matters and if we just keep focussed on him, He will lead us there. So I’ve finally learnt to take things one step at a time and trust in Jesus now.
We joked about how the mountain didn’t move, but perhaps my mountain did move. I didn’t see it as a mountain – my mountain was indeed gone! I just didn’t quite realise it.
Of course, the other reason for my wonderful trip was also my wonderful friends, who always looked out for me, took care of me, and best of all, laughed with me. They were there to catch me when I slipped and to extend a hand when I needed it.
The one thing I have really been dwelling on is the word that God gave to me – “In this land I will dwell,” and the next day he gave me the verse Exodus 2:22. God always has perfect timing, so maybe he gave me this verse at this time for a particular reason. Honestly, I don’t know but one thing I do know, God will reveal his purpose in His time.
I love the song In Me by Casting Crowns and now I really know the meaning of it. If someone needed help, I’d go in a heartbeat and climb up again. And I’d do it again and again. Now I know in my heart for sure that if God called me to the hardest of places, I’d go. There’s nothing stopping me now.
So through my time there, God has opened my eyes to see the needs of the people, the power of prayer, the hearts of missionaries, the dedication of his servants, the steadfastness of his soldiers, the faith of his anointed, the love of friends, the joy of fellowship, the beauty of creation and the abundance of his blessings.
Indeed, how could I ask for more?
Of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight
Being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing momma’s face goodnight
Holding daddy’s hand
Thank you Lord
How could I ask for more
Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide-and-go-seek
Being so in love
That you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark
When there’s no one else around
Being bundled ‘neath the covers
Watching snow fall to the ground
Thank you Lord
How could I ask for more
So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I’ve made along the way
So if there’s anything I’ve learnt
From this journey I’m on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cos there are questions without answers
And flames that never die
And heartaches we go through
Are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord
Thank you Lord
How could I ask for more
The Cost of Following Jesus
“I have become an alien in a foreign land.” Exodus 2:22
Another matter on my mind was that of being away from home. I know my parents always wish that I would spend more time at home but today I realised that when we are called by God to go, there is no stopping us.
As it writes in Luke 9:61-62
Still another said, “I will follow you Lord, but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”
Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
I know that if I want to follow Jesus, there’s no turning back. I have to pay the cost; I have to give up my family. But God always gives back.
I’ve never been quite interested in short-term mission trips. I’d always wanted to stay in a place for a long time and do God’s work there. As of now, I don’t know where but amidst my flood of thoughts, God gave me this word “IN THIS LAND I WILL DWELL.”
Wherever I go, I’m covered in prayer by my family at home, and he’s given me a spiritual family in the land that I’m in.
Just as Moses left Egypt and resided in Midian, so I too will find a home in another land.
I don’t know where I will go or where this place is, but I know now that I’m meant to leave my home and go to wherever God calls me. Maybe that’s why the Ten Commandments and the story of Moses has been my favourite since I was 4 years old – someday I will have my Exodus and become an alien in a foreign land.
TO THE END, LORD, TO THE VERY END.
Stripped
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart.” Job 1:21a
In coming here, I find that I was pushed to my limits – physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Honestly it was the most challenging trip of my life, such that I even began to question and wanted to go home. This year I have Scriptures as my resolutions or commandments to live by for 2007. One of them is Phil 4:12 “I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” And leaving Singapore to live as a missionary seems as though I would be in want. Even I believed it for awhile compared to what I enjoyed, but later realised that I am not at all in want and never have been. I have never had lack of food, water and shelter. Even though I have less, I still live in abundance. When we were in Malia, we sat there enjoying canned food and rice, but the children barely had any food and we even shared our rice with them, which was all they had. Even staying out in Amas, I lived in a beautiful house covered with a blanket of stars at night. There was more than enough food on the table, we didn’t even need to fetch water because we were one of the rare few with a faucet, plus there was electricity. And as the Lord has promised good to me, in Psalm 23:1, “I shall never be in want.”Moving mountains
“I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
I’ve never climbed a mountain, and at 890m above sea level, it sounded daunting. But having never done it, I didn’t know what to expect either. Even now, I can’t say if it was easier or more difficult than I expected. I can’t say that I climbed a mountain either. It wasn’t a mountain to me, because I just concentrated taking one step after another. That was all that mattered. And I thank God for giving me spiritual eyes to see. Even looking back at my journey over the past year, there’s never been leaps and bounds, they’re little steps. And when I slipped on the mountain, there was always a friend to pick me up, just as when I faced trials, God has always been there to pick me up. I’ve always been one to plan my life months ahead. Even now, as I pray for where God wants to send me, the things I pray for are still many years away. I think too much about the future. But He’s shown me that it’s just the next step there and then that really matters and if we just keep focussed on him, He will lead us there. So I’ve finally learnt to take things one step at a time and trust in Jesus now.
We joked about how the mountain didn’t move, but perhaps my mountain did move. I didn’t see it as a mountain – my mountain was indeed gone! I just didn’t quite realise it.
Of course, the other reason for my wonderful trip was also my wonderful friends, who always looked out for me, took care of me, and best of all, laughed with me. They were there to catch me when I slipped and to extend a hand when I needed it.
The one thing I have really been dwelling on is the word that God gave to me – “In this land I will dwell,” and the next day he gave me the verse Exodus 2:22. God always has perfect timing, so maybe he gave me this verse at this time for a particular reason. Honestly, I don’t know but one thing I do know, God will reveal his purpose in His time.
I love the song In Me by Casting Crowns and now I really know the meaning of it. If someone needed help, I’d go in a heartbeat and climb up again. And I’d do it again and again. Now I know in my heart for sure that if God called me to the hardest of places, I’d go. There’s nothing stopping me now.
So through my time there, God has opened my eyes to see the needs of the people, the power of prayer, the hearts of missionaries, the dedication of his servants, the steadfastness of his soldiers, the faith of his anointed, the love of friends, the joy of fellowship, the beauty of creation and the abundance of his blessings.
Indeed, how could I ask for more?
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