God is Sovereign and Faithful
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
I remembered the desire to visit Kenya since the July’08 team came back last year. During that time I was still in the midst of seeking God’s Will, asking our Mighty King which area does He wants me to serve.
I remembered how strongly God spoke to me about being in the Children’s Ministry in the month of December’08, where I taught my first lesson in CF/JF, helped out in my first Sunday School Camp. I remembered the conversations, testimonies shared by Aunty Jenny, as well as her invitation to be a teacher in Chosen Primary School.
Before she left after Watch Night Service’08, we talked a bit more over dinner. I shared and understand her burden for the brethrens in Kenya, and the urge of visiting Kenya began growing so much stronger.
Soon after, I had a talk with Pastor to find out areas, which I should start preparing myself for, especially physically.
When Kevin asked me to be on this year’s team, I think even before he asked, I already said yes!
God is our Provider
2 Kings 3:17
For thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not see wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye, and your cattle, and your beast.
Thank God for always providing one way or another, even when we do not see it.
As much as I wanted to be like Jocelyn, to stay there from June till the August team comes, I could not, as there were obligations and responsibilities to attend to.
So I joined the August team. Initially, there were only Deaconess Chai Lang, Deaconess Charissa and Aunty Jeannie. I recalled one of our main prayer items was for God to provide the “men” power and thank God indeed for answering, in the nick of time!
When I was told to prepare lessons for the children, I started getting a bit lost. Being my first trip and all, I was not really sure of the characteristics of the children as well as the environment. I thank God for Deaconess Charissa, Lydia and Jocelyn who had helped to provide me more details and “prove read” my teaching plans. Still, I had a bit of uncertainty, and I prayed. God has indeed answered too!
About 3 months before, Deaconess Charissa announced that she would not be going with us. I felt then, I was even more lost. As honestly as I could be, I was not close with Deaconess Chai Lang and Aunty Jeannie, but thank God for them, their love and care were important throughout the whole trip.
The other fact that God is always providing for me was financially. Though I immediately agreed to be on the trip, one of my main concern was the travel expenses, especially the air ticket. Thank God for moving the heart of my sponsor to pay for my air ticket, and for the many love gifts which brought many blessings to the people in Kenya.
God is my Refuge
John 10:28,29
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which give them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
Just 3 months before the date of departure, right after church camp, I started having a lot of problems. Looking back, these problems helped me during the stay in Kenya! Isn’t God a wonderful Trainer?
First, I had to move out on my own. This taught me to live more independently, which includes killing cockroaches, careful planning to do household chores and buying grocery. I also could continue to provide my mother for her expenses. And each time when I am close to having zeroes in my pocket, God moves someone else to give, or my pay finally comes in!
Then, just about one and a half month before, mum was diagnosed with multiple gall bladder stones. She started giving instructions about what to do if she dies. It grieves me a lot, because I knew she is just lost without the hope of our Saviour. Still, she rejected the gospel. As much as I was emotionally strained, physically and mentally tired, God continued to point me to the simplest solution. Pray. And I was not alone! I thank God for the YAF, YF, the Galileans and friends who constantly prayed for my mother, strength for me, thank you all very much!
I recalled what a struggle it was, two weeks before the actual, to pull myself off bed for my quiet time in the morning. Suddenly I was so off focused, there seemed to be millions of things to handle, to do before leaving. All praises to God, Most High, for putting the people in my path during that week, to remind me about Peter’s walk on water, how I should be focusing on God entirely, and He WILL take care of things.
God is my Shepherd
John 10:4
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
So, 5th August finally came. From then till the time I reached Singapore on the 19 August, I cannot see what was ahead. And that scares me. Like a child in the midst of strangers, I could feel my Heavenly Father gently leading me by the hand as we walked together along these places.
I am in love, with Kenya. The nature, the people, the simplicity of life.
Great is Thy Faithfulness has always been my favourite hymn, and when I was there, the song is like a dream come true.
Being there with Rev Richard and Aunty Jenny, I learnt about being a servant for God, being hospitable, being responsible, to listen, to be still and prayerful when circumstances arises. I am also reminded to be “humble” by the number of times I bumped myself on the head in the house.
I thank God for the team. I’ve benefited from Rev Simon’s seminar on “Contending for your faith”, based on the book of Jude. I am thankful to God for the leadership of Deaconess Chai Lang, who is always concern about our whereabouts, and putting up with our mischief. Though I often feel embarrass about the “good” food we ate, I still thank God for the hardworking kitchen crew for making the effort to prepare the home cooked meals.
The children are a blessing to me, I felt so miserable when I had to leave Kavingoni, before moving on to Ngoleni. Even though the lessons prepared, was meant to be for them, I felt at the same time, God reminded me to check myself if I did it too.
The theme (based on Hebrews 10:24) of my lesson was “Do you know how to be a blessing to others?” It contains four main points, Pray, Encourage, Give and Share. Each day, the children are taught one aspect and the song they sang would be a reminder to them. The children are always so eager to learn and as excited when it comes to activity. Their hunger for God’s words was a great encouragement to me.
Thank God also for the boldness He has granted us, and the Holy Spirit leading. We had to tell them truthfully when their culture meets scripture. Thank God for giving the right words to say, and of course to encourage them to stand on their faith!
Thank you for your patience for this long testimony.
Leaving Kenya, was not like a “goodbye”, it is more like a “See you later”!
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