I’ll never be the same
Here’s a snapshot of the life-changing experiences for the team members of the recent PHI10 trip, Rizal, Philippines, 21-26 Sep, 11.
Sueanne (Team Leader)
We had a taste of what ministering was like in the Philippines – ranging from the abandoned old folks, to the orphans, sick, inmates, and families. We even joined the pastor in attending a funeral service for a person whom we visited at the hospital. We thank God that he accepted the Lord just before he passed on.
During the whole trip, the parable of the sheep and goat in Matthew 25, together with this verse in Luke 4 kept coming back to me –“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord”. This trip, we had a taste of what it was to minister to the poor, to visit those in prison (literally), to comfort those who mourn and to pray for the sick. I was really challenged to look at my own life and see to what extend am I doing what Jesus would require of His church. I asked myself, “Am I doing all these during mission trips only? How about every other day when I am in Singapore?”
Elderly having their small tea gathering
Ministering at Boys' home
The rich poor divide is evident in Marikina. Many were living with very basic necessities. We met a child who was abandoned by her mother. She used to be a severely malnourished infant who was fed only with rice water. Thankfully, a family heard about her and took her in. Today, she is a healthy and cheerful little girl. What touched me most was the family that took her in. You may have thought that this family was a well-to-do family, having a good financial background to accommodate the needs of this little child. Instead, to our astonishment, they lived in a simple home, with simple furniture, and with every meal being a simple fare. I wouldn’t say that they are rich, and maybe if I were to compared with living standards in Singapore, they do not even fit into the ‘middle income group’ (as so we define it in Singapore). Yet, this did not hindered the family from looking beyond their own needs and reaching out to the less.
This family also shared with us an amazing testimony: Their own 7 year old daughter was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia and asthma. God restored her health, and she was discharged the following day. Even the medical bills were all provided for! That’s the goodness and faithfulness of God. Their story really shook me out of my comfort zone and made me think – in my lack, would I still be able to reach out to others and give?
The family
Through this trip, what inspired me most was my time with Pastor Kathy and her team. During our 6 days there, I saw how much they poured out to the ministry. Despite having her own career and family, Pastor Kathy still juggles these with church work and all the various outreaches. Such passion and commitment for Christ! These observations serve to reinforce that pioneering work is challenging. I certainly appreciate those that have laboured long before us to establish the ministry and lead us to where we are today.
Afterthoughts
I have been on mission trips before, but this is my first time leading one. It was a different experience and I really thank God for giving me wisdom in simple things – such as allocating who to share their testimony and what to share during the church service. I also learn how to appreciate the diversity of the body of Christ. The team is made up of people from various backgrounds, working styles, strengths and weaknesses. Yet, we are united in one faith and one vision. I’m humbled to be considered worthy to be an instrument of Christ.
Here are the testimonies of the other team members 
Susanna (Team member)
I thank God for opening my eyes to the “REAL” world. We have been truly blessed with God’s provision even though we were not quite prepared for our presentation. I learnt to adjust to the various personalities and traits of my team members and be flexible. Through the home visitations, I can see that in poverty, God is very real and sincere in the lives of poor people. Their sincerity and willingness to embrace God is heartwarming and free in spirit.
Finally, I also thank God for Pastor Kathy who has tirelessly laboured without complains and her team who are ever smiling and willing to accommodate and help.
Streets of Marikina
Deborah (Team member)
The things I learnt from the trip:
- Truly what Jesus says is true: “Harvest is plenty but the labourers are full”
- The conditions of poverty is alarming.
- I can see that the people are open to change in both physically and spiritually
- The people are hungry for God
I’m provoked to see change in this country, spiritually and physically
The physically and spiritually 'hungry'
Jessie (Team member)
Most of the people there live in poverty. Despite that, the people are warm, friendly and helpful. During our visit to the local hospital, I noticed that there are many sick people around who cannot afford proper medical care. The people at the Home for the Aged are living in very poor living conditions. However, we saw those healthier men and women still love singing and dancing. What touched me most are the women in the prison. They have the joy of the Lord in them when they worship the Lord. It really was inspiring.
Linda (Team member)
I’m quite shocked to see the living conditions of the people here. Although they are not rich, they seemed happy and contented. The people we visited are just so grateful and thankful. We are tremendously touched by their warmth. Truly mission work is tiring and taxing, but rewarding! Some of the elderly at the Home for the Aged asked us when we are going to be with them again. My thoughts were that probably, they are looking forward to the food we brought. I was told that they do not have enough to eat. Sometimes one doughnut has to be shared by 4 people. I believe we are blessed to be a blessing, and we have much more to do and give for missions.
Finally, the long-awaited treats
