Disaster Relief Mission Trip 12 - 19 Dec 2013

Last year December 2013, Amy and I responded to the call of our church, CEFC, to be part of the disaster relief mission team to Philippines. If you can still remember, Philippines was badly hit Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) last year December. Many homes and lives were lost. Parts of the country were in dire state and needed time for rebuilding. Yet in the midst of this sadness, we saw hope, love and peace being poured forth by people around the world. The optimism of the people in Philippines touched my heart and taught me not to lose hope in whatever undesirable situations that I may be in.

There were three main objectives of our disaster relief mission team. One was to provide medical relief. Second was to minister to the children especially when their parents were receiving medical attention. Third was to give out food relief packs. Needless to say, our team comprised of medical personnel (doctors, nurses and dentists), educators and those simply with the heart to serve. The trip was also made possible with the collaboration of a church, CCF, in Philippines.

The beauty of nature

To be exact, the places we were based for the mission relief was Ormoc and Tacloban.

The reality of Typhoon Haiyan.

Doctor, dentist and nurse doing their stock-checking before starting their medical relief. Big thanks to those who had contributed to the medical supplies.

A simple cup of porridge was enough to bring joy to the children in the disaster-hit places.
Why are some children crying for not having an iPad here in Singapore?

Engaging the children through games and crafts.
No electronics involved. There is not a need to worry about "low batt".

Team leader sharing a message to the people with the help of a translator.

When we come across a good read or article, we likely will "share" with those in our network. Similarly, this teenage immediately shared the good news he heard moments ago with his network of friends. His willingness and initiative to share the good news with others humble me.

On one hand, it seemed like we were the ones who bring them hope, love, joy and peace. Yet at the end of the day, it was their strength and optimism that touched us and brought us hope, love, joy and peace.


Peace be with you. Shalom.

Are you a cheerful giver?

Are you a cheerful giver?

How do we define cheerful in the first place?

A man once told me through his book that when you give, give what your heart leads you to give.  Don't give reluctantly or under compulsion. If I may rephrase that, I would say that we should give unconditionally according to what your heart desires.

As Christmas is approaching, many of us will be scrambling around for gifts for our loved ones. Some of us will be doing some charity works (Christian and non-Christian related) to spread some warmth to others. Of course we ought to exercise wisdom when we give, but do we give with expectations, hoping for something in return to us personally? Do we "hold back" some of what we want to give and begin our internal analysis of whether the recipents deserve it? These thoughts can come across our minds quickly and unconsciously. I'm guilty of that too. Not to mention that this world tells us to "weigh our options" and "do our risk assessment" constantly.

However, that doesn't mean we can't learn to give cheerfully and unconditionally. Maybe it is a constantly learning and moulding process of our hearts whenever we approach a platform to give.

I shall leave you with these verses:

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 

It is more blessed to give than to receive. 

Man of Mirror

We have heard or used terms like "vessel for God", "princes and princesses of His kingdom" or "being God's love or light". In my opinion, we are also man of mirrors. Mirrors to reflect the brightest light, God, to the darkest corner of the world. 

There is also a double meaning to why I use mirror to describe. Besides the mirror's function to reflect light, the mirror shows no image if there is nothing in front of it. Aren't we nothing too without God? When we stand in front of the mirror, we see our image in the mirror. Interestingly, we are actually made in the image of God (Genesis 11:26a). See this link here? Hope it's not too abstract to understand...

Good News of Great Joy for you and for me!

Luke 2:10
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

With Christmas approaching, there will be lots of gathering and celebrations. Some can't wait to shop for the best deal out there in the malls while some can't wait to fill their calendar with heartwarming gathering or fun-filled crazy celebrations.

There are also people who will "dread" receiving invitations from christian friends to Christmas celebrations in churches or simple house-parties, even when their friends make it very clear that there is no strings attached in joining such celebrations (really, we just want to have fun with you as friends and intro you some of our lovely friends. Don't you encounter that in pubs and casual meals too?)

Fair enough, every one is entitled to his or her own preferences and feelings. But really, there is not a need to "dread" receiving such invitations. Your friends just want to share something they like with you. That's all. It is similar to to posting a message over Facebook or clicking the "share" button on an article.

The angels mentioned that the birth of Jesus Christ is not something to make people fear. It is actually a good news of great joy. And you know what? This good news is not just for selected people only. This good news is meant for ALL the people. You and me included. Not while stocks last but stocks always last for you!

Just like you would try out a new restaurant/eating place, why not accept a christian friend's invitation to a Christmas celebration this year? =)

Park and Wait

Went back to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for my follow-up of my cholera vaccination. No carpark lot available after one round of searching. Not to mention that my car was not the only car searching around. The following conversation happened:

Me: God, how? No lot leh. Bless me a lot leh.
God: Park and wait.
Me: Huh? Park and wait? There ARE some cars parking and waiting already please.
(fyi, I don't prefer to park and wait for a lot. I usually will roam ard. Prefer active searching than passive waiting.)

No reply from God

Me: Ok. Park and wait where?
God: L8 (label of the pillar)
Me: I turned in there just now. No lot.

No reply from God

Me: Fine.
[reaching at the "cross junction" which I can turn right into L8, turn left into another area go straight further]
[hesitated at the "cross junction"]
[turned right into L8, while all the other cars in front and behind turned elsewhere]

Me: Wah! Thank you God.

The moment I turned in, one driver drove his car away. Of course I proceeded to take his lot.
The presence of God's blessing or pure coincidence?

I chose the former!