Emmanuel Methodist Church, Miri

Short Term Missions Trip - Cambodia, 28 July-06 Aug

After months of preparation, we finally got our allocated duties, be it singing, dancing, teaching or craft, like Paul advised, "Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that." We searched for materials, we learnt, we practiced and did a test run at the last minute!

During our three day Youth Camp, all of us tried our best. It paid to see 18 out of 27 non-Christians receiving Christ. What could be more rewarding than seeing souls being added to our godly kingdom? You'll never know what you're good at until you try.

The time to say good-bye is always heartbreaking and painful. Farewell was punctuated with tears, laughter and bear hugs. But I know our spiritual family is even more important than our physical family because it will last forever. And so, when a youth came to me and asked, "Can I call you mama for just one time?" I was caught by surprise. Tears filled my eyes and the answer froze on my lips but in my heart, I replied repeatedly, "Yes, you can. Yes, you can." This union and bond was built up by God for us and I believe it will grow stronger and more permanent.

Margaret Ting

I Cried That Day
After the Youth Camp, we visited the city dumpsite. It was an eye opener for me as we saw the extent of poverty in the country. We walked up a small hill to get a glimpse of the whole dumpsite. The moment I looked into the horizon, there were hills and hills of rubbish. Among the rubbish were young children, youths and adults scavenging through it as if they were digging for gold. Some even live there under their makeshift houses of cardboard and tents. However the sense and feeling of standing on the hill looking at the dumpsite reminded me of the love of God for us the unworthy ones. It tells me of the fact that because of our sins, we are filthy and smelly just like the rubbish ready to be thrown into the fire to be burned. But it was God with His unconditional love for us through His son Jesus Christ that saved us. I need the Lord. The Cambodians need the Lord. People need the Lord. As my tears stream down my cheeks, the song and melody of "People need the Lord" just churned in my head.

Tan Hsing Ning

They Taught Me More
Before I joined the mission trip, all that was in my mind was how much I could contribute to and help the people in Cambodia. However, after I joined I realized that I was wrong. I was there to learn! What touched me most was their genuine relationship with God in worship and prayer. Their heartfelt worship showed how much they needed and desired God's love in their hearts. All they want is the love of God for them and their nation. They are just asking for a living whereas I would ask God to give me a better life and worldly blessings. My prayers always end with terms and conditions, always if and when God answers my prayer then I will do this and that for Him. To think about it, it is still first my need, and then comes God. This trip really helped me to learn to appreciate everything I have and to be content with them.

Lo Thin Thin