PPHYM: The Trip

i'm sure you guys know josh, janahan, joash and myself have just came back from a short-term mission trip to the Philippines... we want to thank you guys for praying for us... we had a very encouraging trip there... i'll just share abt the first 3 days... and hopefully someone else *hinthintnudgenudge* will share on the other days....

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9^th May 2008 (Friday)

Arrival in Philippines / Care Channels Briefing

After arriving in Philippines, we got a bit worried. Pastor Randy was supposed to meet us, but he was running a bit late coming from another camp. We also did not have his HP number, only the Care Channels office number. So after calling the office, and being reassured that he was on the way, we waited for about half an hour before he managed to find us.

Proceeded to Care Channels office for lunch. Met a few of the staff, had short briefings, then went out for dinner. Spoke a bit to Pastor Randy on the way. I was quite impressed that Care Channels had grown so much since the last time we were there (6 years ago). Just the number of staff we saw this time, and hearing about the plans for a new building.

We also moved into our accomodation at Cambridge Road? Street? no idea.

10^th May 2008 (Saturday)

Morning

Medical / Dental Mission @ Philcoa (Old Capitol Hill Church)

Joash and Janahan assisted the dentists, Joshua helped in the Medical process, while I did registration. It was a bit frustrating for me because I felt a bit useless just copying names into a book. It felt like I was back doing admin in the army. I know the other 3 felt differently but I personally didn’t really get much from the time we spent here. The Medical team saw 150 patients, and the Dental saw about 70.

Janahan extracting teeth

Joash also

Afternoon

OMF Literature

We then went to OMF Literature where the books were really cheap. I personally bought 16 books and a Bible. We saw Pastor Randy looking at Bibles as well, but he didn’t buy any. As a team, we decided that it was important for a pastor to have a Bible, so we decided to share to buy him one. I know it’s clichéd to say, but we really take things for granted. After that trip to OMF, someone (can’t remember who) asked me what Pastor Randy thinks, bringing people to buy so many books when he can’t afford to do that.

We took the MRT back after that. It was quite an experience.

11^th May 2008 (Sunday)

Morning

Tetsimony / Sharing @ Batasan Hills Bible Church

We split up to go to 2 churches. Joash and I went to Batasan Hills Bible Church. I shared my first message there. No idea whether they actually understood me. But I think the novelty of the experience was enough for them.

What really impressed me was the worship there. We sang about 7 (didn’t really count) songs straight. All standing up. And I didn’t notice any complaints, or strained faces, or anything like that. I just heard strong, confident singing. My sharing was on 2 Samuel 6, part of which was about extravagant worship to God. About how in God’s Word He calls us to lift our arms, make a joyful noise, to bow down, to shout for joy, and even to dance. After that worship, I felt my sharing was a bit superfluous.

After that, we got to spend some time jamming and talking with the worship band. Talking to the worship team, I found out that one of the worship leaders (a Care Channels sponsored child) was only 14. I also found out that most of the worship team played more than one instrument. They took turns to play different instruments and worship-lead. They were “on-duty” every single week. In the Youth, we have 2 drummers and 2 bassists. Yet we really don’t know which week we might just end up with no bass or drums. It’s a bit harsh to say I know, but it’s something that I couldn’t help comparing. I think it’s easy to dismiss the problem as a cultural thing, that Singaporeans are just busier and time means more to us. But I think that we cannot dismiss the heart of the matter, which is the joy to serve. If God has blessed us with more, then surely He would ask us to sacrifice more in service? Maybe I’m wrong here; I’m not sure about the theology. But it really encouraged me to find joy in my service.

Also, as I was talking with the band, this verse came to my mind: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35. It was how they talked to one another, how they talked to us about one another.

Afternoon

Kid’s Programme @ Palanza

We then went to Palanza to lead a kid’s programme. We were surprised into doing an impromptu skit on the prodigal son. I thought it went ok in spite of our being unprepared. Did some craft work and also gave out colour pencils which we brought from Singapore.