Sunday, May 29, 2011
Reflection on My Observation Trip..
Hey there!
Being back in the city gets me lost after my peaceful journey to the village.
I shall reflect much on my rapidly changing days especially as it starts to lose its momentum.
I went to an small island in Riau Islands, Indonesia on 19-22 May. Oh yes, immediately after my exam ended. No one knew or believed how dreadful and fearful i could be withstanding the planning of this trip + demanding exams.
I dislike it to resort to people's counsels, which often added my self pity or gave empty praises of their belief in my capability. Little bringing me to stronger faith to God, little bringing me to firmer trust to God's promises. Maybe this what is lacking from people who regarded themselves as 'close' to me, even those spiritual ones. Then you know, that men are weak to cling on and you just gotta cling on God no matter what.
I thank God for those who joined in this little force for God's mission. I should say though small, yet God sent committed and solid people. They were answered prayer to the worry me. :) Again, God proves that works done in God's way never lack of His supply (Hudson Taylor's).
Day 1
We brought a wheel-chair to that island for a man who suffered from polio. It's troublesome, trust me, to bring a wheel-chair. But, when we brought it to his house, seeing him in joyful tears because that was his answered prayer. Then I know and was reminded that it was to love our neighbours as ourselves..
A lovely cheerful kid! I love such kids.. :)
At night of Day 1, strangely the generator didn't work. We had a night with no electricity (and no phone signal). What a life! :) Detached from connectivity and civilization! Haha.. (i might reflect strange happiness). It was kind of scary though holding a torchlight going to toilet outside the house at night with dogs growling in the strange tone. But we shall be afraid to Creator, rather than creations, isn't it?
As everyone was asleep, except Mr H (the evangelist that was in our team), Mrs A (the pastor of that island), and me. Under a dark silent night, lightened by oil lamp, we were still awake. We were indulging in an open and strengthening sharing. God's appointment, Mr H believed, as it was unusual they're three of us still awake in the middle of the night.
As we talked, i realize how my life is so much sustained by God's grace. No human force sets a legal boundary for me to follow God, yet it's as if there is a powerful force that keeps me in His line and gives me a sense of fear/inability to deviate. Mr H reminded me that the common fall lies when one gets to choose his/her partner of life. Yes, i know it gonna break or make one in a direct relation to accomplishing God's calling.
Perhaps it's the second most important decision in life, which will affect/ruin the rest of your life. I am highly aware of this possibility and put God's calling as the top life priority before relationship. Many i can accommodate, but also many i can't compromise when it comes to relationship.
A complex math, isn't it? Haha, more than math especially when i realize that my life shall be consecrated to my Lord. I shall keep my self as much as i can from falling to not-so-right-matches, wait for God's providence patiently, and by God's grace i will get one that can edify each other in Christ and His mighty calling. :) His grace is sufficient to me til now.
Another thing is both of them disciplined their children in God's Word, giving various positive measures in the children' interaction. Maybe most of things that they refrain their children, I did! Haha.. Silently listening to their prohibitions, I said to myself "Oops I did it!" and no one ever refrain me or teach me what the right thing to do for my sake.. Having parents that teach in fear and love of God is really a privilege, but I don't have that.
Yet, looking at what I am today. I realize that i am directly disciplined by the Lord, though my parents may fail to do so. It proves that God can use any means to supply one's spiritual growth. Christian parents don't guarantee an obedient child of God. And a non-Christian upbringing or past don't guarantee you are condemned by the Lord forever.
Btw, have i told you that i didn't bath that night? Hahaa.. Unbelievably stinky me! Trust me, i would not prefer that if i had a choice. I'm such a highly hygienic creature. :P This is called, blend in well with circumstances.. hahaha..
Day 2
I love having a quiet time before God in peaceful green village-setting! :) Perfect!
During house visitation, a very old grandma's simple testimony taught me how the childlike-faith prayer is. She lives alone. She prayed that when it rained so heavily, the strong wind wouldn't blow to her house. Because if the coconut fell toward her house (made of wood) and towards her, she could die. She used simple and rather-funny words to pray, but that what a childlike-faith is! God doesn't need your bombastic captivating words, or your fake holy hallelujah, but a true faith that rest upon Him.
She lost 5 of her close ones within a year! Including her husband and daughter. A mental pain in the past. But now she has found a greater Love.
I rarely hug people. Yet, i was so moved to give her a hug. Somehow i could feel that she must be missing her daughter badly. She hugged me tightly and kissed my cheek. I could feel and relate to her deep loss. Many called me heartless or no feeling. Toward the poor and the oppressed, i often find that my love and care are meant for them. Exactly the same feeling that I found out in Thailand in 2008.
Walking with Jesus.. :)
In the afternoon, as i prepared myself for my service alone. Mrs A's daughter, AY, approached me. This teenager asked me, "What is the most memorable in my journey with Christ?". Haha, what a sudden shocking test, huh? I never regret spending that hour to talk about God's fantastic goodness to my life and exciting journey I am in because of Christ. Knowing that teenage is such a vulnerable stage of life, I deeply prayed that God used my testimony and advices to enlighten her walk towards the Lord.
We had a fellowship at night. The guy that suffered from polio, came so early to church with his new wheelchair. His spirit is admirable! We have legs, yet we often choose to be late to church.
Anyway, that Mr H asked my age and guessed it's 17! More like an insult than a compliment.. :P I can't afford to look too young, cos my credibility will diminish.. Haha (theory of most developing countries).
Day 3
Perhaps the sweetest morning I ever had. As i had my Quiet Time at the terrace, two kids are watching me behind the windows. Well, care what, i proceed and just sang the worship songs. I ended my QT and prayed. As i opened my eyes, the children were just before my eyes sitting down! So comical happening, i'm like "What?".
So i just played the guitar and sang kids' worship songs with them. Guess what? The number of the kids grew, singing, dancing & sitting around me. I love the feeling of being loved by kids. :) Especially when all are channeled back to the Lord. And it continues til the Sunday School started. Maybe that's what Jesus felt when all the children came to Him.
Good, I had lesser time to prepare for my teaching in Sunday School, but dat's worth it!
Thank the Lord for the trip. For the lessons, laughter, support, and wonderful creations of the Lord.. :) This child of Yours is fully blessed!
Hey there!
Being back in the city gets me lost after my peaceful journey to the village.
I shall reflect much on my rapidly changing days especially as it starts to lose its momentum.
I went to an small island in Riau Islands, Indonesia on 19-22 May. Oh yes, immediately after my exam ended. No one knew or believed how dreadful and fearful i could be withstanding the planning of this trip + demanding exams.
I dislike it to resort to people's counsels, which often added my self pity or gave empty praises of their belief in my capability. Little bringing me to stronger faith to God, little bringing me to firmer trust to God's promises. Maybe this what is lacking from people who regarded themselves as 'close' to me, even those spiritual ones. Then you know, that men are weak to cling on and you just gotta cling on God no matter what.
I thank God for those who joined in this little force for God's mission. I should say though small, yet God sent committed and solid people. They were answered prayer to the worry me. :) Again, God proves that works done in God's way never lack of His supply (Hudson Taylor's).
Day 1
We brought a wheel-chair to that island for a man who suffered from polio. It's troublesome, trust me, to bring a wheel-chair. But, when we brought it to his house, seeing him in joyful tears because that was his answered prayer. Then I know and was reminded that it was to love our neighbours as ourselves..
A lovely cheerful kid! I love such kids.. :)At night of Day 1, strangely the generator didn't work. We had a night with no electricity (and no phone signal). What a life! :) Detached from connectivity and civilization! Haha.. (i might reflect strange happiness). It was kind of scary though holding a torchlight going to toilet outside the house at night with dogs growling in the strange tone. But we shall be afraid to Creator, rather than creations, isn't it?
As everyone was asleep, except Mr H (the evangelist that was in our team), Mrs A (the pastor of that island), and me. Under a dark silent night, lightened by oil lamp, we were still awake. We were indulging in an open and strengthening sharing. God's appointment, Mr H believed, as it was unusual they're three of us still awake in the middle of the night.
As we talked, i realize how my life is so much sustained by God's grace. No human force sets a legal boundary for me to follow God, yet it's as if there is a powerful force that keeps me in His line and gives me a sense of fear/inability to deviate. Mr H reminded me that the common fall lies when one gets to choose his/her partner of life. Yes, i know it gonna break or make one in a direct relation to accomplishing God's calling.
Perhaps it's the second most important decision in life, which will affect/ruin the rest of your life. I am highly aware of this possibility and put God's calling as the top life priority before relationship. Many i can accommodate, but also many i can't compromise when it comes to relationship.
A complex math, isn't it? Haha, more than math especially when i realize that my life shall be consecrated to my Lord. I shall keep my self as much as i can from falling to not-so-right-matches, wait for God's providence patiently, and by God's grace i will get one that can edify each other in Christ and His mighty calling. :) His grace is sufficient to me til now.
Another thing is both of them disciplined their children in God's Word, giving various positive measures in the children' interaction. Maybe most of things that they refrain their children, I did! Haha.. Silently listening to their prohibitions, I said to myself "Oops I did it!" and no one ever refrain me or teach me what the right thing to do for my sake.. Having parents that teach in fear and love of God is really a privilege, but I don't have that.
Yet, looking at what I am today. I realize that i am directly disciplined by the Lord, though my parents may fail to do so. It proves that God can use any means to supply one's spiritual growth. Christian parents don't guarantee an obedient child of God. And a non-Christian upbringing or past don't guarantee you are condemned by the Lord forever.
Btw, have i told you that i didn't bath that night? Hahaa.. Unbelievably stinky me! Trust me, i would not prefer that if i had a choice. I'm such a highly hygienic creature. :P This is called, blend in well with circumstances.. hahaha..
Day 2
I love having a quiet time before God in peaceful green village-setting! :) Perfect!
During house visitation, a very old grandma's simple testimony taught me how the childlike-faith prayer is. She lives alone. She prayed that when it rained so heavily, the strong wind wouldn't blow to her house. Because if the coconut fell toward her house (made of wood) and towards her, she could die. She used simple and rather-funny words to pray, but that what a childlike-faith is! God doesn't need your bombastic captivating words, or your fake holy hallelujah, but a true faith that rest upon Him.
She lost 5 of her close ones within a year! Including her husband and daughter. A mental pain in the past. But now she has found a greater Love.
I rarely hug people. Yet, i was so moved to give her a hug. Somehow i could feel that she must be missing her daughter badly. She hugged me tightly and kissed my cheek. I could feel and relate to her deep loss. Many called me heartless or no feeling. Toward the poor and the oppressed, i often find that my love and care are meant for them. Exactly the same feeling that I found out in Thailand in 2008.
Walking with Jesus.. :) In the afternoon, as i prepared myself for my service alone. Mrs A's daughter, AY, approached me. This teenager asked me, "What is the most memorable in my journey with Christ?". Haha, what a sudden shocking test, huh? I never regret spending that hour to talk about God's fantastic goodness to my life and exciting journey I am in because of Christ. Knowing that teenage is such a vulnerable stage of life, I deeply prayed that God used my testimony and advices to enlighten her walk towards the Lord.
We had a fellowship at night. The guy that suffered from polio, came so early to church with his new wheelchair. His spirit is admirable! We have legs, yet we often choose to be late to church.
Anyway, that Mr H asked my age and guessed it's 17! More like an insult than a compliment.. :P I can't afford to look too young, cos my credibility will diminish.. Haha (theory of most developing countries).
Day 3
Perhaps the sweetest morning I ever had. As i had my Quiet Time at the terrace, two kids are watching me behind the windows. Well, care what, i proceed and just sang the worship songs. I ended my QT and prayed. As i opened my eyes, the children were just before my eyes sitting down! So comical happening, i'm like "What?".
So i just played the guitar and sang kids' worship songs with them. Guess what? The number of the kids grew, singing, dancing & sitting around me. I love the feeling of being loved by kids. :) Especially when all are channeled back to the Lord. And it continues til the Sunday School started. Maybe that's what Jesus felt when all the children came to Him.
Good, I had lesser time to prepare for my teaching in Sunday School, but dat's worth it!
Thank the Lord for the trip. For the lessons, laughter, support, and wonderful creations of the Lord.. :) This child of Yours is fully blessed!
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. -James M. Barrie-
7:48 PM; unforgotten.Y