Cambodia 07

On the 15 Sep (Sat), I had agreed to help the Khmer staff in the Children Ministry works in Kampong Speu. It was their bi-weekly ministry work in Kampong Speu. Since I was so free, I thought it was good for me to witness how they ran their CM and also in the hope that I was of any help. The start off was early. I had to be in church by 7.30am. When we set off, there were Nita, Lina and another lady (i think it was Raj's wife - Raj is one of the driver in CCOP) I was sitting in the front with Raj. I think we travelled for nearly an hour before coming to a stop at the church in Kampong Speu. It was a simple one room house with a shelthered shed as the hall. This is also where Pastor Joshua stays. And it was also my first time seeing his wife. I was actually very delighted for Pastor Joshua because I did remember that 6 yrs back, the concern was for him to get married quickly so that he could concentrate on his work in church. Hahaha! And now he is going to be a father very soon. I was told that his wife was Raj's daughter. Wahahaaha! Wah!
At the church, we picked up some people and children before setting off to the 1st venue. We travelled for about a good 1/2 hour. And it was my mistake not to go 'bong kun' (toilet in khmer) at the church compound. I was having high tide and the vehicle had to go through this stretch of dirt road, filled with potholes. My goodness! With every bump, it was antangonising for me. Haha! Finally, reached the place and I quickly found a good spot. (in the 'ulu ulu' area, the toilet is everywhere. just make sure you find a good spot) Under a good shelthered area, a piece of ground sheet and that's all it takes to have a CM. The children swamped over. There were easily 40 children. Nita and Esther (one of the youths in Kampong Speu) started off with worship. No instrument compliment, no fanciful things but just purely voices and actions and the children are worshipping the Lord. How amazing. Simple but yet so powerful. And after the worship, Nita taught on the story of Samson. Though I didn't know what she was saying but the children were very attentive. And at the end of the session, goodie bags and clothes were distributed. We break for lunch before moving to another 2 more areas. The girls were joined by another youth by the name of Sa Vey (my spelling) who is the elder sister of Esther.
I remember Esther during the Youth Camp. She and another girl were presenting their discussions answers. And both of them were very comical which made the session very interesting. A very bubbly and yet very comical young lady.
Sa Vey on the other hand seemed to be the quieter one. But she was very friendly. She just came up to talk to me. Can see that both she and her sister have a great passion for the children. She just finished her high school and I believe very much she does want to further her studies. But I am afraid it will be quite unlikely. The norm is to complete high sch and start working.
As for Nita, I think she has matured a lot (from my previous observation). I remembered I knew her about 4 years back. Back then, she was still a bit shy shy and wasn't very confident. Even as she taught on this day, I saw she taught with passion, with authority, with love, with confidence.
I really thank God for all these ladies who have put in so much effort and commitment to spread the love of God. May the Lord continue to bless them richly.

While talking to Sa Vey, she was saying that she learnt about Singapore in her school and she was saying that Singapore is a very good country. At that moment, I just agreed with her. When I was on my way back, I was thinking very hard what she said. A good country. What makes a country good? The prosperity, the safety, the infrastructure, the government, the living standard? I must say in terms of all these, we are definitely at a high standard. But if these are to be our considerations for a country to be a good country, then Cambodia has fallen way short of it. So is Cambodia a bad country? No! So, what then makes a country good? If it's not the physical or tangible things, then what is it? I was thinking hard until the Lord spoke. A country is good because of His goodness, regardless of how prosperous or poor the country is. So Singapore is good because the Lord is good to Singapore. So is Cambodia a good country? Yes, because the Lord is good to Cambodia.
My point at drawing this lesson is that our mind is still very much thinking like the world. Our thinking and consideration are very tilted to what we have and what we see. And we tend to hold on these things very dearly. And we do this, we find ourselves very unwillingly to let go and follow where the Lord leads us. Let us not look at the things we want, we have but let us look at the goodness of God for He will never shortchange us.

Where the Lord leads me, I will follow.
Not my will but Yours be done!

How true? I Wonder!!!

Haha! Well! For all those men out there (including myself), EAT THESE!


Q. HOW MANY MEN DOES IT TAKE TO PUT A TOILET SEAT DOWN?
A. don't know - it never happened

Q: What do you call an intelligent, good looking, sensitive man?
A: A rumor

Q: Why do little boys whine?
A: They are practicing to be men.


One day a housework-challenged husband decided to wash his Sweat-shirt.
Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted to the wife, "What setting do I use on the washing machine?"
"It depends," the wife replied. "What does it say on your shirt?"
He yelled back, "Hard Rock Cafe - Singapore."


MY FAVOURTIE:

Dear Lord,
I pray for Wisdom to understand my man;
Love to forgive him;
And Patience for his moods.
Because, Lord, if I pray for Strength,
I'll beat him to death.
AMEN

If All These Were True

(DISCLAIMER: The statements made below are purely for personal entertainment and have no truth in them nor do they represent my opinions. )

HEALTH Q&A Session:

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio? (This my favourite)
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me


Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape


I am not sure if I will heed the 'advises' but one thing for sure I know is that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). A healthy body will be able to serve the Lord in a greater capacity.

I want a healthy body. 1 body and 1 fat ratio. (healthier fat ratio, i meant : p )

Cambodia 06

This is my 4th trip to Cambodia. Every trip is getting more exciting and challenging for me.
In 2002, I went to Cambodia for the 1st time. I was simply a member. And I was the 1st to stay there for 2 weeks in one trip. Ok not really the 1st. Jenny stayed for 2 weeks as well on that trip. It was fantastic. The feeling was like indescribable. I immediately adapted to the food, environment, the slow-paced style. It was liked I was back home. Haha!
In 2004, I once again returned to Cambodia. This time round, I was leading the team of youths. It was an amazing trip. It wasn't an easy trip as I have to manage the team's, indivduals', mission's and personal needs and expectations. But the Lord was good to bless me with so many Youth Advisors who came along. Haha!
In 2006, I was back in Cambodia again. Now as a Youth Advisor. Haha! My responsibility was getting 'bigger' every subsequent trip. Haha! It was a total new experience, having to refrain myself from not doing too much 'things'. I am more of a 'ground-work' person. Having to 'sit' in a 'high-management' role is not my cup of tea. But then again, it was a good learning experience.
Within every span of 2 years, I have been returning to Cambodia. The love for Cambodia is getting stronger. Do I have to wait another 2 years before making a trip back?
Nah! 9 months later, I was back. This time as an invited speaker for the Youth Camp. I was very honoured. No joke siah! Ask me to share a message at such a grand event. Furthermore, it was an overseas camp. To me it was a very big event. And to expect me to share for 3 1/2 hours (with translation), it was a big task. Back in Singapore, the longest I shared was 1 hour (without translation). But by God's grace, He gave me the words to speak. Indeed, the Lord is good. And I guess I was very encouraged by the youths on how they repsonded to my sharing of my testimony. They commented that they would wait for me to return to finish up the 'story'. Haha! Yup! I'm sure the Lord will help me to finish the 'story'.
Well! Now I am back in Singapore for a week and I am missing Cambodia so much. When will I be able to make a trip back? I hope this year end. Target: 2 weeks. Muahahhahaha!

Cambodia 05

Beside getting to know people in Cambodia, I managed to remember the names of the 3 dogs that were guarding CCOP. Haha! Fantastic dogs. So lovely and each has its own characters. They are called Marko (light brown), Buddy (Blackish) and Milo (dark brown).

Marko is an old dog. Can see its aged body lines. But he is the loviest dog among the 3. It will stroll to me and sit beside me, yearning for me to stroke and pat it. And without fail, I will entertain its wishes and it will reciprocrate with a happy and comfortable look. However, it was the timidiest of all. When there's a commotion or raining, it will scramble to a hiding place.

Buddy is a pretty active dog. It is curious and will always follow Milo. Whenever something happen or Milo reacts to an incident, Buddy will follow suit. There was this incident when after Milo had killed a rat, Buddy came and tried to nibble at the dead rat. So funny. And let me warn you first, Buddy don't like pple to stroke or pat its head. It will retaliate with a gentle attempt to bite at your hand.

Milo is the obvious lead dog. It is alert, fast and gives no nonsense. When there's a commotion, it will be the first dog to investigate. It is also responsible. It was raining one afternoon and it spotted a rat. Without much consideration, it leaped an attack on the rat. And the rat had not much chance. So the rat was killed and even while floating on the water, Milo continued to inject its fatal bite at the rat. Wow! Vicious! Haha! However, it is still a very friendy dog.

I really miss them, especially Marko. So nice for Marko to come to me and let me stroke it. So sweet. Let's hope Marko will be strong and able to live longer. I do want to see it when I return to Cambodia on the next trip.

Cambodia 04

We reached PKH at about 3pm. Many of the youths had reached PKH. We settled our lodgings and were waiting at the shed. Some of the youths started playing soccer and I joined in. They played quite impressively. Haha! During my stay at PKH, I got to talk with some of the youths. Those names that I could remember were Tan, Bun Rong, Sou Vuth. Tan and Bun Rong are students at PKH. Sou Vuth is a staff at PKH.

On the 2nd day, Rev Edwin shared his message in the morning. He shared about Joshua and his background and how despite of his circumstances, he was still able to find favour in the Lord. And during the night service, an altar call was called and many of the youths responded.

On the 3rd day, it was my turn to share. I had done all my preparations. I wasn't feeling unprepared but I was still unsettled. I was worried if I could be able to share for such a long time. The whole session was about 3 1/2 hours (with translation). I have never shared for such a long session. At most 1 hour. And I was worried if I would make any sense to them. I shared these with Rev Edwin the night before and he told me just focus on what I have to share and the rest leave it to God. And amazingly, even when I broke my sharing into 4 sessions, I had to shorten my last 2 sessions so in order not to exceed the given time. Indeed praise the Lord. And during the afternoon sharing of their discussions, they were able to share from what I had shared with them. I was really very encouraged. And most importantly, many of them remembered my sharing of my testimony. After the sharing, they were all teasing me that I should come back again to finish up the story. Haha! Let's hope so!

But I am definitely grateful to God! When things seem so trialing and hard, the only thing we can do is to trust in God. He is faithful and He will provide ways, means and solutions to our problems. And this episode was really a boost in my trust in God. May I continue to draw strength from the Lord. And my prayer is that what the youths have learnt from the 2 days of lesson, it will not just be head-knowledge but it will be something that they treasure seriously and will apply in their lives. Only time will tell! And let's pray for them that they will all indeed become men and women of Christ.

Cambodia 03

On that Monday early morning when I was leaving Singapore, I was still having the mixed feelings. It was a school day and it was early in the morning. I knew nobody was coming to send me off. The mixed feeling was very real and I guess it didn't help when I seemed alone. (No offense intended; it's just my feelings at that point of time) Still a very big thanks to Andrew Milner, Rev Wong and Leng Leng for sending us off. But I guess if people were to come to send us off, it wouldn't have helped either. I wanted to deal with the feelings. I don't want to run away or find ways to detour it. So I guess it was between me and God. Well! I did feel better after having a good breakfast at MacDonald and focusing on the things I needed to do in Cambodia help greatly.

That day after reaching Cambodia and after lunch, we went back to CCOP. There were quite a few youths who had come from different provinces. They were waiting for the bus that will bring them to PKH. I managed to strike a conversation with another youth.

His name is Chann Thoeurn. He is from the Province Svey Rien. He is presently studying in PKH. He has 2 elder sister and he is the only Christian. He likes English, Maths, Physics and Chemistry. He plays soccer and volleyball. He has also managed to share with me his testimony which I thought was very significant.

Here's the testimony (with his approval to share):

He wanted to learn English badly. However, he had no money to advance in his studies. So he prayed about it. His pastor told him about the school in PKH. So he tried to apply but his application was not approved. He did not give up and he continued to pray about it. 1 month later, he was told that his application to study in PKH was approved.

You may think that it is such a small issue but in fact it is not. Studying in Cambodia is not a guaranteed. Many wants to study more but they cannot because usually due to financial issues. In Singapore, we have the luxury of so many choices of education options that we tend to take it for granted. However, over there, people just want to study so badly. And with this testimony, it amplifies how great our God is. It reflects about who our God is and how He is able to help us in such times. It is a simple but yet powerful testimony. May we be able to draw a valuable lesson, learn to appreciate the luxury we have and most importantly to pray.

Cambodia 02

I really learnt so much during this trip. It was a total new experience and even a break through in my own spiritual life. I have spoken to more people in this trip than the other 3 trips combined together. Amazing. And it's not just a mere "Hi" and "Bye". Mostly are initiated by Rev Edwin but by being able to listen to their sharing, it really means so much. It is like a stray of light seeping through the little crack in the rock. It is like I am starting to get to know them, their lives, their background, their walk with God. It is so amazing.

The first day that we reached CCOP, Rev Edwin went to speak with a staff and I was left alone. Not really alone. There was another staff around. He was doing the gate duty at the time when we were there. I had 2 choices. Either to happily and comfortabily update my diary or to keep my diary, stand up, move my heavy legs towards him, smile at him, say "JOUM REAP SU ER", sit down, start a conversation, continue with the conversation and who knows what next. Hmmmmmm. It seems like the 1st choice was the obvious easiest choice. Somehow, the Lord convicted in my heart. Why am I here? If my purpose is just to come here and share my message and 'full-stop'', I miss the whole point. I wasn't here just for a task, I was here for the people. There's no point clocking the most number of times coming to Cambodia but yet, I do not even know a single person's lives. I was so convicted that I told God, "ai yah, whatever lah, my skin quite thick and won't lose any meat if I go and talk. If nothing to talk, then You will give me the words to say." So I walk over and had a chat with him.

His name is Vi Bol. He has been working in the church for 4 years. At present, he is waiting for his entrance results into a Methodist Bible School. He says he is from a province which is quite far from Phnom Penh. He has 4 younger siblings and he is the only Christian. He shared with me how he came to know Christ.

Though there's a limitation to how much we can express ourselves in language, nothing is impossible for God. And by knowing them, even if it's just a little bit about them, it helps because we can always keep them in prayer in a very real way. And through this little bits of them, we strive to get to know them even better. And even as I update on the people that I meet, may I ask that we just take some time to pray for them. A short prayer will suffice. And as I update, I will slowly reveal the people I have talked with and may this help us to know more about them.

May the Lord our God continue to help us to pray for one another as a body of Christ, no matter where we are, who are or what we are doing.

Cambodia 01

I really do not know what and how I should update about the Cambodia Trip. It is only a week long but yet the Lord has shown and spoken so much to me. I guess I will need a couple of days or maybe even a week to sort out my thoughts and experience. Well! For an appertiser, I'll start with the daily schedules of my week-long trip.



10 Sep Monday

Morning (Singapore Time)

0640 Check in
0650 Breakfast
0800 Board Plane
0930 Breakfast again

Afternoon (Cambodia Time)

1018 Arrived in Cambodia
Rev Tit Hieng fetched us
Went CCOP
1200 Lunch
1340 Left CCOP for PKH
1500 Reach PKH
Rest
Briefing by Khmer staff to the Youths

Evening

1800 Dinner
1900 Night Service by Rev Tit Hieng
Sweet Dreams


11 Sep Tuesday

Morning

Rise and Shine
Devotion
Breakfast
Teaching by Rev Edwin Tan

Afternoon

Lunch
Small group discussion + Skit Preparation
Games

Evening

Dinner
Night Service by Rev Edwin Tan
Sweet Dreams


12 Sep Wednesday

Morning

Rise and Shine
Devotion
Breakfast
Teaching by Xian Jie

Afternoon

Lunch
Small group discussion + Skit Preparation
Games

Evening

Dinner
Skit Presentation
Sweet Dreams


13 Sep Thursday

Morning

Rise and Shine
Devotion
Breakfast
Youths return back to Province
Set off for CCOP

Afternoon

Check in @ Golden Gate Hotel
Rest
Russian Market

Evening

Dinner @ Anise Hotel
Sweet Dreams


14 Sep Friday

Morning

Rise and Shine
Breakfast
Devotion

Afternoon

Lunch
Went to CCOP to join Staff Meeting
Farewell party for Karen Wong

Evening

Coffee and dessert
Sweet Dreams


15 Sep Saturday

Rise and Shine
Went CCOP
Xianjie joined staff for outreach in Kampong Speu (whole day)

Evening

Dinner
Sweet Dreams

16 Sep Sunday

Morning

Rise and Shine
Prayer
Went CCOP; Rev Edwin preaching at Khmer and English Service
Xianjie visited Church of Good Shepherd

Afternoon

Lunch
1520 Rev Tit Hieng send us to the airport
1730 Board Plane

Evening (Singapore Time)

2040 Reach Singapore

Time really flies. How I wish I have stayed another week! How I wish it will never ends! It is not just about feeling happy or excited being in Cambodia and meeing long-distanced friends. It is like the whole place, the people there are part of me. I am still waiting. Lord, You tell me!

Open the Container!

I'm back from Cambodia! So much things and thoughts! I'm not sure if I can finish updating. I guess I'm feeling a bit mixed after this trip. And all I can and want to say is that I cannot contain my silence anymore. I want to say it out loud.

FEAR

I dun know why but every new trip back to Cambodia always bring me greater excitement but yet also increasing fear. I believe I talked about this before in a pre-trip postings. The feeling is like I am going there for a long period or even for good. It is like alone in a total different culture, language, environment. It seems so taunting. It seems so intimidating. It feels like I have shrunk into a small midget amongst giants. Furthermore, having the responsibility to share God's word, it doesn't help. Haha!

I am not too sure why I am feeling like this or why God is allowing me to feel this way. Maybe to prepare me for the future? I dun dare to look that far! I do have a passion for Mission works. But yet to think about having to make big sacrifices to go to the Fields, I dun think I have the ability or capacity to do it at the present moment. That's why I always give my THUMBS-UP to all the Missionaries. They are really men and women of Christ.

Or maybe the Lord wants me to experience such feelings and teach me to manage such emotions. So in the future, I may be able to empathise and even share and help others to manage such emotions.

Or maybe, I am not even coming back after this trip. Haha! Ok! Lousy joke! (But who knows)

I pray that may this fear arises not because fear of men but rather the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. May the Lord show me the way.

Pray for us. These are Rev Edwin and my schedules.

Monday - Touchdown
Tuesday - Morning: Rev Edwin Sharing
Afternoon: Small Group Discussion/Games
Night: Service conducted by Rev Tit Hieng
Wednesday - Morning: ME
Afternoon: Small Group Discussion/Games
Night: Service conducted by Rev Edwin
Thursday - Afternoon: Break camp/ Return to CCOP
Friday - Not confirmed; Most probably visitation of church members
Saturday - As above
Sunday - Morning: Rev Edwin Tan - Khmer and English Svc
- Evening: HOME SWEET HOME

The LORD is above everything

Who am I to judge who is right or wrong?
I am nothing but a servant of God.
And yet He loves me as His own child.
How great is His love for us.
I do not live my life as if I do not have a future.
I live a life for the One who gives me life.
He is above everything.
My feelings, my expectations, my ambitions, everything that is of me.

There are things that may seem hard to let go but in fact, it is not that hard.
If we can see that the Lord is above everything, there is nothing He cannot give us.
By letting go and letting God, we soar above everything with Him.
However, yet a wound is a wound. The wound may have stopped bleeding but it needs time to heal.
In His word, it is said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35
The Lord first loves me. I have no rights but yet I enjoy His unconditioned love for me. How can I then not recipocrate His love to others if I am called His disciples.
My only prayer is that the Lord teaches me to love more.

This tune and words were impressed upon me a year ago. It now serves a timely reminder to myself about God's unconditioned love for us.

FOR YOU

We may have hurt each other with our words and what we've done
We may have carried with us pain and shame
Life is all about moving on in God's grace and love
So let us look to Him,
The God of love
Who forgive and heal our pain

Jesus Christ, pour oil on our fire
Let the flame burn for You
Just for You
Standing hand in hand
We run the race
As we reach the line for You
Jesus Christ, pour oil on our fire
Fan the flame in us
Just for You
Our love for You is revealed in the love for one another
I live for You

27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'[c]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 10:27