Friday, May 27, 2005
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Cambodia Experience Wednesday 11-5-2005
By 7.30am everybody is up and ready to go. Went to the Chinese restaurant for our breakfast before we went back to the house. Then a van arrived and we traveled back to Phnom Penh. Along the way I asked the driver to stop so that I can go to the toilet. Can’t sleep along the way and was prompted to pray in the spirit. Don’t know why or for what purpose but I prayed. We reached Phnom Penh city at about 11.30am. We were sent to Pastor Chai’s student centre. From there Pastor Chai called Pastor Bala and a van was sent to pick us up to the hotel. After a quick shower, we went back to COP.
There, we were informed by Lilian about something that had happened while we were away. She didn’t want to tell in detail but ask us to be useful and the guys to take the lead. With that news and secrecy, we all felt anxious. Anyway, we continue to do what we are supposed to do. Lunch time, had a nice conversation with Pastor Bala about the next few days’ schedule.
After lunch, I watched the various team taught their syllabus to the students. Then there is games time. Enjoyed playing with the children. I would consider myself as a serious guy but somehow I discarded my seriousness and just want to have fun with the children. Make fun of myself dancing and imitating the children. They enjoyed it and I enjoyed it too. Then we went back to the hotel to wash up. The Agape team has yet to come back. We waited for them at FKC but because of some transport miscommunication, they came back late. So the group that was supposed to go to Pastor Chai’s centre went first. I went to Savaratna.
Niger led a Bible study on “Keeping the Commands of Christ”. The students responded enthusiastically to the Rewards of Keeping Christ’s Commands. Then photo session with the students before we went back to the hotel.
At the hotel we were debriefed of what had happened for the past few days. There are some spiritual attacks on some of the team members. Also some miscommunication problems with Pastor Bala. These events had affected seriously the team effectiveness to minister. However, after sharing out the matters, there was reconciliation and peace among the team members. We realized that God has made special plans for different team members to go through different trials during this trip. Indeed this is a special missions trip for me. New experiences, new trials, new lessons….friendships are strengthened. We rejoiced that God has found us worthy to go through the trials.
Tomorrow we will go and visit the Genocide Museum Toel Sleng.
There, we were informed by Lilian about something that had happened while we were away. She didn’t want to tell in detail but ask us to be useful and the guys to take the lead. With that news and secrecy, we all felt anxious. Anyway, we continue to do what we are supposed to do. Lunch time, had a nice conversation with Pastor Bala about the next few days’ schedule.
After lunch, I watched the various team taught their syllabus to the students. Then there is games time. Enjoyed playing with the children. I would consider myself as a serious guy but somehow I discarded my seriousness and just want to have fun with the children. Make fun of myself dancing and imitating the children. They enjoyed it and I enjoyed it too. Then we went back to the hotel to wash up. The Agape team has yet to come back. We waited for them at FKC but because of some transport miscommunication, they came back late. So the group that was supposed to go to Pastor Chai’s centre went first. I went to Savaratna.
Niger led a Bible study on “Keeping the Commands of Christ”. The students responded enthusiastically to the Rewards of Keeping Christ’s Commands. Then photo session with the students before we went back to the hotel.
At the hotel we were debriefed of what had happened for the past few days. There are some spiritual attacks on some of the team members. Also some miscommunication problems with Pastor Bala. These events had affected seriously the team effectiveness to minister. However, after sharing out the matters, there was reconciliation and peace among the team members. We realized that God has made special plans for different team members to go through different trials during this trip. Indeed this is a special missions trip for me. New experiences, new trials, new lessons….friendships are strengthened. We rejoiced that God has found us worthy to go through the trials.
Tomorrow we will go and visit the Genocide Museum Toel Sleng.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Cambodia Experience 10-5-2005
This is the day we will be going to the village. We took breakfast at one of the Chinese restaurant. Then we chartered three motorcycles to bring us to the village. It was a fun ride to the village. The road is dusty and once again I feel at home. Not because of the dusty road but because of the sceneries and the village atmosphere. Along the way, we say a group of Muslims walking along the road. They were easy to recognize as they were wearing the turban and the robes.
I was reminded of the difference between Islam and Christianity. Islam forced their believers to conform to the Arab cultures but Christianity redeems the people’s culture. A Cambodian can still look like a Cambodian and still believes in Christ. An Indian can still wear the traditional clothing and still be a Christian. There’s no need to change attire to signify that one is a believer of Christ. There is no legalism in Christianity whereas Muslims are still bound to the “law”. May Christ set them free from the law and into the grace of God.
We passed by a big field before reaching the village. There is already a group of children and adults waiting for us. The church is at the house of the elder. He is the first to believe in Christ in that area and by God’s grace, many more were brought to Christ through him. After a brief introduction by the elder, we went down to minister to the people. The people were very attentive and enjoyed the English action songs that we taught them. I shared on my conversion testimony. Almost shed my tears during sharing as I remembered my mother’s sadness over my faith. Prayed that the testimony would encourage the people to stand firm in their faith. Alvin preached the Word. Though I find that it is a bit too deep/strong teaching for the people, I pray that the Holy Spirit will still minister to the people. We then prayed for the people. Many came to be prayed for, mainly for chest pain. After prayer, the team played games with the children. Jason shared about the Lion’s story.
We then traveled back to the base. We got a chance to visit a “mini” Angkor. They called it Wat Angkor. It is said to be older than Angkor Wat itself. There is still a temple inside where people come and pray. I went inside the place with my cap on. Then one girl came beside me and pointed to my cap. I realized that I need to take off my cap as a sign of respect. I did so but after a while I forgot about it and put my cap on. Again the girl came and asked me to take it off. After that we went back to the town.
We were then brought to the Bamboo bridge. It connects the mainland to an island at the middle of the river. I was informed that the village that we went in the morning is located in the middle of that island. The bamboo bridge is strong enough that a car can go through. We saw a car on the bamboo bridge. It was hot weather at the island. We saw fisherman catching fish using their nets. It was there that Daniel Sim challenged me to eat the small fish caught by the fisherman. The prize is 1 USD. It’s quite a small prize but that’s not a problem. I know it can be done so I accepted it. Most of them think that I’m bluffing so I ate the fish. More like AXN Fear Factor. Doesn’t taste nice. It’s nice to see their facial expressions when I show to them the fish in my mouth. Hopefully, I can get the photos of the fish in my mouth. When we want to walk back to the mainland, we were stopped by a lady who ask for the fee to use the bridge … 500 riel which is about 50cent Malaysian.
We then were sent to the youth centre where we are to teach computer lesson. But today the class starts late at 4pm until 7 pm. Today the team are more prepared. Daniel Sim has prepared a sample project for the students to do. The team members guided the students as they tried to do the project. Again before the students learn computer class, we taught them Bible lessons. We also presented skits for the students … the water lily, durian tree and bamboo tree. Helped the team by being the strong wind.
After the computer lessons, we prayed for the teachers and then went back for our dinner. After dinner, we did our devotion and debriefing. Then at about 11.30pm, we went out for supper. After supper, we went back and sleep.
I was reminded of the difference between Islam and Christianity. Islam forced their believers to conform to the Arab cultures but Christianity redeems the people’s culture. A Cambodian can still look like a Cambodian and still believes in Christ. An Indian can still wear the traditional clothing and still be a Christian. There’s no need to change attire to signify that one is a believer of Christ. There is no legalism in Christianity whereas Muslims are still bound to the “law”. May Christ set them free from the law and into the grace of God.
We passed by a big field before reaching the village. There is already a group of children and adults waiting for us. The church is at the house of the elder. He is the first to believe in Christ in that area and by God’s grace, many more were brought to Christ through him. After a brief introduction by the elder, we went down to minister to the people. The people were very attentive and enjoyed the English action songs that we taught them. I shared on my conversion testimony. Almost shed my tears during sharing as I remembered my mother’s sadness over my faith. Prayed that the testimony would encourage the people to stand firm in their faith. Alvin preached the Word. Though I find that it is a bit too deep/strong teaching for the people, I pray that the Holy Spirit will still minister to the people. We then prayed for the people. Many came to be prayed for, mainly for chest pain. After prayer, the team played games with the children. Jason shared about the Lion’s story.
We then traveled back to the base. We got a chance to visit a “mini” Angkor. They called it Wat Angkor. It is said to be older than Angkor Wat itself. There is still a temple inside where people come and pray. I went inside the place with my cap on. Then one girl came beside me and pointed to my cap. I realized that I need to take off my cap as a sign of respect. I did so but after a while I forgot about it and put my cap on. Again the girl came and asked me to take it off. After that we went back to the town.
We were then brought to the Bamboo bridge. It connects the mainland to an island at the middle of the river. I was informed that the village that we went in the morning is located in the middle of that island. The bamboo bridge is strong enough that a car can go through. We saw a car on the bamboo bridge. It was hot weather at the island. We saw fisherman catching fish using their nets. It was there that Daniel Sim challenged me to eat the small fish caught by the fisherman. The prize is 1 USD. It’s quite a small prize but that’s not a problem. I know it can be done so I accepted it. Most of them think that I’m bluffing so I ate the fish. More like AXN Fear Factor. Doesn’t taste nice. It’s nice to see their facial expressions when I show to them the fish in my mouth. Hopefully, I can get the photos of the fish in my mouth. When we want to walk back to the mainland, we were stopped by a lady who ask for the fee to use the bridge … 500 riel which is about 50cent Malaysian.
We then were sent to the youth centre where we are to teach computer lesson. But today the class starts late at 4pm until 7 pm. Today the team are more prepared. Daniel Sim has prepared a sample project for the students to do. The team members guided the students as they tried to do the project. Again before the students learn computer class, we taught them Bible lessons. We also presented skits for the students … the water lily, durian tree and bamboo tree. Helped the team by being the strong wind.
After the computer lessons, we prayed for the teachers and then went back for our dinner. After dinner, we did our devotion and debriefing. Then at about 11.30pm, we went out for supper. After supper, we went back and sleep.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Cambodia Experience - Monday 9-5-2005
We went to FKC after breakfast. Pastor Joanne met with the Kampong Cham team. She shared about the "clouds of oppression". The Melaka Monday Night prayer group had prayed for the missions team and one of them saw "clouds of oppression" over a village. Pastor Joanne believes that that vision is for Kampong Cham. We prayed for God's protection upon the team. Thereafter the team was joined by Vana and Tay, who will be our translator to Kampung Cham. We was sent to the market and there Vana got for us a van that will take us to Kampung Cham. The journey took about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Upon arriving at Kampung Cham, we realized that we are at a town center. Kampung Cham is the richest province in Cambodia as the Mekong river flows through the province. This enable the farmers to plant throughout the year without the need to depend on the rain. We arrived at Pastor Chai sister's house where we took our lunch. Our accommodation is the house next door where they are still doing construction. We cleaned up the place. Then we went to one of the church elder's house for cell group meeting. The other team members took Pastor Vana's car while Vana, Tay and I took the motorbike. As this is Vana's first time going to the elder's house, we got lost and had to ask for Pastor Vana's contact number. The house is above a workshop. The elder is a school teacher. After ministering to the family, we went to the New Born Church where we are supposed to teach computer classes.
At first we thought that we will only have one group of students for 3 hours. However, upon reaching the place we were informed that there will be 3 different groups of students for 1 hour each. First there will be a Bible study and then only the computer class. We did the same thing with the other two groups of students. A few of us took turns to share the Bible study.
During this time, we were able to gage the level of computer knowledge of the students. Some of them has already learned the basic of Microsoft Word. Daniel Sim was assigned to come up with a syllabus for students. After the evening class we were free. Dinner is at the base. We took our bath at our base house and at Pastor Chai sister's house.
Vana and Tay took us to the longest bridge in Cambodia. It was built with the help of the Japanese government as a token of friendship. We walked to the middle of the bridge (or maybe three quarter). The Lord impressed upon my heart to pray at the bridge and to claim control of the bridge and the river. As the bridge is the "gate" to Kampong Cham and river also will lead to Phnom Penh and the sea, it is a very strategic location to claim for the Lord. We gathered together and after instructing the team as what to pray, the team started praying. As soon as we starts to pray, I felt a strong wind blowing towards us. The other team members felt the strong wind too. I knew then that our prayers has stirred the spiritual realm. The clouds of darkness has been pierced. Only later did we found out the consequences of our prayers. When we finished praying, the strong wind also disappeared. We only felt the normal breeze. We walked back to the house, stopping by at the shop to buy water and food.
Devotion time and debriefing before we went to sleep.
Cambodia Experience - Sunday 8-5-2005
It's Sunday and I'll be preaching at Savaratna Centre. My message is "The Marks of a Mature Person" which is an overview of the book of James. There are 3 services that run concurrently this morning. The other two is at FKC and Pastor Chai's place. We went there early at about 7.10am. We thought that the service will start at 7.30am. However, we were informed that the service will only start at 8.30am. They will have a Bible Study class from 7.30 – 8.30am. Brother Jonathan (our translator) teach about the need to plan.
The students led in worship. It is wonderful to be there in the presence of God, worshipping together with the Cambodian students. They really worship God. The special numbers that they presented are beautiful. One song talks about the problems faced by a student studying in the city. Thereafter Ee Chia chaired the meeting. The team presented a song led by Leona. Michelle then shared her testimony of how God has been good to her during her trials. Then I preached the Word while Pastor Pich translated the message. It's good to be able to preach strong message to the students. I pray that the message will really minister to the students to be mature in person and in Christ.
Lunch is at FKC. The food was good. Managed to speak to Michelle regarding leading the next team to Kampong Cham. Hearing about her leadership background puts me to peace that she is able to led the team. We are still not sure who will be going for the Kampong Cham trip. We heard information that Kampong Cham is worst that the first village. Not sure whether those who wants to go are ready for the village experience.
We then prepared to play games at COP while one team will be ministering at Agape Centre. After the games at about 4.30pm, we went to Agape, some still wearing shorts. Upon arriving, Audrey has just started preaching. Sat there listening to the message of salvation. During altar call a few of the people responded and were prayed for. Later we were informed that there are 2 new conversions. Praise God for His love.
In the evening, got free time to go to the internet café. Send an email to my wife and wishing her a blessed 4th marriage anniversary. Though it is on the 12 May but I want to wish her first just in case I am not able to email her on that day. Praise God for a supporting wife. I know she is praying for me throughout this trip. Miss her very much.
Night service at Savaratna also. Also showing the movie "The Passion of The Christ". I'm supposed to "summarize" the service but I felt that it is good to have Audrey do the summing up. She did a good job. We also prayed for the students. Pastor Joanne prayed for the students also. One of them prayed the sinner's prayer.
Debriefing time – the main issue is the number of people who wants to go to Kampong Cham. At the end, eight of us decided to go. Michelle, Ee Chia, Yin Fong, Jason Foo, Alvin, Daniel Sim, Chern Liang and myself. Pastor Joanne is supposed to go for this trip but somehow she felt that it is better for her to stay and I follow the team instead. No problem for me as I feel that I'll enjoy it better at the village. Packed my things before went to sleep.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Cambodia Experience 7-5-2005 Saturday
Woke up at 4.30am as we have to leave by 5.00am. By 5.15am the car arrived. After saying goodbye to the host, we journeyed back to Phnom Penh. There are 8 of us in the car. This time I sat at the back seat. Niger and Sach sat at the front passenger seat. Most of us enjoyed the village experience that we do not want to go back to Phnom Penh. I guess we really feel comfortable ministering to the village people.
By 7.30am, we reached the hotel. The other team members were just about to leave the hotel to their respective centres for that day. We were given until 10.30am to wash up and rest before we were sent to our respective teams. Lunch at FKC and thereafter we went to COP for games. Really enjoyed playing with the children. I purposed in my heart not to be too serious but to enjoy the trip and have fun. And fun I had with the children.
It was during this time that I was informed that God healed a student from a growth in his hand. On the first night at Savaratna, the team prayed for the students during altar call. One of the student had a growth on his hand. He is supposed to see the doctor the next day. Earlier the doctor had advised him to go for an operation to remove the growth. However, when he went to see the doctor the next day, the doctor couldn’t find anything wrong with him. The growth has disappeared. All glory and praise to God for His healing power.
After the games, we went back to the hotel. I managed to go to the internet café and sent email to Michelle and check my emails. It’s good to be able to communicate after so many days in Cambodia. Miss my wife and my two lovely daughters Annabelle and Clarissa.
Saturday night I went to Pastor Chai’s student center. We showed the movie “The Passion of The Christ”. I had brought my LCD projector from Melaka, not really sure whether we will be using it. Praise God that the LCD projector was brought for good use. This time I watched the full length of the movie which is about 2 hours. The first time I watched the movie at Bethel Church, it was only about 1 and a half hour. We then went back to the hotel and had our debriefing. By the time we went back to our rooms it was already past midnight.
By 7.30am, we reached the hotel. The other team members were just about to leave the hotel to their respective centres for that day. We were given until 10.30am to wash up and rest before we were sent to our respective teams. Lunch at FKC and thereafter we went to COP for games. Really enjoyed playing with the children. I purposed in my heart not to be too serious but to enjoy the trip and have fun. And fun I had with the children.
It was during this time that I was informed that God healed a student from a growth in his hand. On the first night at Savaratna, the team prayed for the students during altar call. One of the student had a growth on his hand. He is supposed to see the doctor the next day. Earlier the doctor had advised him to go for an operation to remove the growth. However, when he went to see the doctor the next day, the doctor couldn’t find anything wrong with him. The growth has disappeared. All glory and praise to God for His healing power.
After the games, we went back to the hotel. I managed to go to the internet café and sent email to Michelle and check my emails. It’s good to be able to communicate after so many days in Cambodia. Miss my wife and my two lovely daughters Annabelle and Clarissa.
Saturday night I went to Pastor Chai’s student center. We showed the movie “The Passion of The Christ”. I had brought my LCD projector from Melaka, not really sure whether we will be using it. Praise God that the LCD projector was brought for good use. This time I watched the full length of the movie which is about 2 hours. The first time I watched the movie at Bethel Church, it was only about 1 and a half hour. We then went back to the hotel and had our debriefing. By the time we went back to our rooms it was already past midnight.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Cambodia Experience - 3rd day 6-5-2005
Friday 6-5-2005
I forgot to mention that last night, our translator Sach shared with the village policeman and another man at the house. The team were with him when he shared with the two men. The policeman asked him about sin and the penalty of sin. From that question, he shared with them the Good News. While he was sharing with them, the team members prayed silently for God to minister to the two men. Praise God that the two men wanted to receive Jesus as their personal Saviour. We heard the two men says the sinner’s prayer.
We woke up at about 6.30am. By that time, it was already so bright. Washed up and then took our breakfast – porridge. It tasted nice. This morning the team went to another village. We went to a school where we are to teach the kindergarten. Upon arriving at the school, we saw that the school is run by Buddhist monks except for the kindergarten. Beside the school buildings is a Buddhist pagoda with the sculpture of 5 face snakes guarding the entrance.
As we started to sing songs to the kindergarten children, other school children gathered at the classroom to watch us. We took the opportunity to play games with the other children. As it was their recess time, they are allowed to play with us. Rachel, Niger and Narong ministered to the kindergarten children while Wee Liem, Audrey, Sach and I ministered to the other children. Altogether there are about 80 children playing games with us. They really enjoyed the games. Of course they want to get the free gifts especially the balloons. Audrey almost got stampeded by the children when she threw the few remaining balloons and the children rushed towards her. When the bell rang, all the children went back to their respectives classes. All of us then ministered to the kindergarten children. By 10.30am the kindergarten was over and we went to the teacher’s house which is near the school.
At the teacher’s house, Sach started a conversation with the teacher’s husband. He is still not a believer. Sach asked me to share to the husband. Finding difficulties in communicating with the husband, I asked a few questions first to lead the conversation towards the Good News. Then I asked Sach to share the Gospel to the husband. The husband is not ready due to community pressures. We then prayed for him and the whole family. Thereafter we went back to Narong’s place for lunch. After lunch we rested for a while. Some of the children arrived at 1.00pm to study English. They have to wait for the teacher to come. While waiting, I tried to do some revision with the students using the English book. Some of them are very good and can remember well. When the teacher came at 2.00pm, he took over for a while before handing it over to the team to teach. We sang songs and Wee Liem taught them about faces and actions. The children really enjoyed the songs. By then the adults also had gathered at the house to see us teach the students. They too enjoyed the songs very much.
After the English class, we took the motorbike and went to another village. This time, I sat at a motorbike that does not have cushion at the pillion seat. It was really a torturous experience for my butt. Furthermore, we got lost along the way and had to asked for directions. By the time we reached the kindergarten, the other team members are already waiting for us and wondering what happened to us.
The team then ministered to the children. There for the first time, I saw a green patch of the paddy field. For the past two days, all I saw of the villages is dry field, dusty road and dried up ponds. But here at this kindergarten I saw a small patch of young paddy growing. Went there to have a look. Then I went back to the kindergarten and the team have already begin to introduce themselves to the children. We then teach them English actions songs which they enjoyed singing. We also played games with them. Over all we really had fun ministering to them. They also showed to us their traditional “Noi Noi” dance. Before we went back to Narong’s place, we prayed for the teacher and another old lady.
Upon reaching Narong’s house, we had to do children ministry. Using balloons and the poky ball, we play with the children. While we were playing, there’s a commotion at the bathroom. Somebody saw a snake in the bathroom. After a while, Niger, Wee Liem and I went to have a look. We wanted to kill the snake but the villagers stopped us. They caught the snake and then released it at the drain. We took our dinner and thereafter took our “under the starlight bath”. At night we did our devotion and debriefing.
I forgot to mention that last night, our translator Sach shared with the village policeman and another man at the house. The team were with him when he shared with the two men. The policeman asked him about sin and the penalty of sin. From that question, he shared with them the Good News. While he was sharing with them, the team members prayed silently for God to minister to the two men. Praise God that the two men wanted to receive Jesus as their personal Saviour. We heard the two men says the sinner’s prayer.
We woke up at about 6.30am. By that time, it was already so bright. Washed up and then took our breakfast – porridge. It tasted nice. This morning the team went to another village. We went to a school where we are to teach the kindergarten. Upon arriving at the school, we saw that the school is run by Buddhist monks except for the kindergarten. Beside the school buildings is a Buddhist pagoda with the sculpture of 5 face snakes guarding the entrance.
As we started to sing songs to the kindergarten children, other school children gathered at the classroom to watch us. We took the opportunity to play games with the other children. As it was their recess time, they are allowed to play with us. Rachel, Niger and Narong ministered to the kindergarten children while Wee Liem, Audrey, Sach and I ministered to the other children. Altogether there are about 80 children playing games with us. They really enjoyed the games. Of course they want to get the free gifts especially the balloons. Audrey almost got stampeded by the children when she threw the few remaining balloons and the children rushed towards her. When the bell rang, all the children went back to their respectives classes. All of us then ministered to the kindergarten children. By 10.30am the kindergarten was over and we went to the teacher’s house which is near the school.
At the teacher’s house, Sach started a conversation with the teacher’s husband. He is still not a believer. Sach asked me to share to the husband. Finding difficulties in communicating with the husband, I asked a few questions first to lead the conversation towards the Good News. Then I asked Sach to share the Gospel to the husband. The husband is not ready due to community pressures. We then prayed for him and the whole family. Thereafter we went back to Narong’s place for lunch. After lunch we rested for a while. Some of the children arrived at 1.00pm to study English. They have to wait for the teacher to come. While waiting, I tried to do some revision with the students using the English book. Some of them are very good and can remember well. When the teacher came at 2.00pm, he took over for a while before handing it over to the team to teach. We sang songs and Wee Liem taught them about faces and actions. The children really enjoyed the songs. By then the adults also had gathered at the house to see us teach the students. They too enjoyed the songs very much.
After the English class, we took the motorbike and went to another village. This time, I sat at a motorbike that does not have cushion at the pillion seat. It was really a torturous experience for my butt. Furthermore, we got lost along the way and had to asked for directions. By the time we reached the kindergarten, the other team members are already waiting for us and wondering what happened to us.
The team then ministered to the children. There for the first time, I saw a green patch of the paddy field. For the past two days, all I saw of the villages is dry field, dusty road and dried up ponds. But here at this kindergarten I saw a small patch of young paddy growing. Went there to have a look. Then I went back to the kindergarten and the team have already begin to introduce themselves to the children. We then teach them English actions songs which they enjoyed singing. We also played games with them. Over all we really had fun ministering to them. They also showed to us their traditional “Noi Noi” dance. Before we went back to Narong’s place, we prayed for the teacher and another old lady.
Upon reaching Narong’s house, we had to do children ministry. Using balloons and the poky ball, we play with the children. While we were playing, there’s a commotion at the bathroom. Somebody saw a snake in the bathroom. After a while, Niger, Wee Liem and I went to have a look. We wanted to kill the snake but the villagers stopped us. They caught the snake and then released it at the drain. We took our dinner and thereafter took our “under the starlight bath”. At night we did our devotion and debriefing.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Cambodia Experience - Thursday 5-5-2005
Thursday 5-5-2005
Woke up at 6.30am. Breakfast at 7.00am at the hotel. Today I broke my daily routine of not eating breakfast. I took breakfast – beef noodles. After breakfast, I told Pastor Joanne of my dream. We went to FKC which we call our base. Upon arriving there, Pastor Joanne asked me to share my dream with the group. Shared with them my dream and thereafter the team prayed. Then the village team went to the market together with 2 students who will act as our interpreter – Salvot and Narong. We will be going to Narong’s village. Upon arriving at the market, a group of taximen swarm around us. Salvot made the arrangement for our taxi to the village. It will take us 1 and half hour to reach the village.
At last, Salvot managed to find one taxi who is willing to bring us there. The taxi is a Toyota Camry car. I thought that there will be two taxis but was told that all of us will be going into that one car. The total of 9 people in one car. 5 at the back seat, 2 at the front passenger seat and 2 at the driver seat. Sat at the front passenger seat with Wee Liem. It is not comfortable at all. Half way the journey, had to ask Wee Liem to sit on my lap… though heavy but it is more comfortable.
We reached the village and went for a short walk touring the village. Upon arriving at the kindergarten, we were asked to handle the children. The team was quite unprepared but praise God, everything went on smoothly. We played games and sang action songs. And we also shared Bible stories with the children – David & Goliath. I acted to be Goliath and really scares the boy who is supposed to be David. What to do,… he is really scared of my face and my voice.
Thereafter, we went to the chief’s house and waited until 12.00noon where we are supposed to teach English class to a group of children. The team taught them numbers and faces. The children are quite advanced so we can’t use the lessons that we prepared for them. We taught them songs – simple English action songs.
Thereafter we took motorbikes ride to Narong’s village. It’s about 15 minutes ride from the first village. Took our lunch there. There’s only 2 main dishes. Soup and vegetables. Though simple yet I really enjoy the food. After lunch, we rested for a while. There’s an English class at Narong’s house at 3.00pm. We watch the teacher taught the children first before the team starts teaching English songs. Thereafter, the team began teaching English lessons to the children. Some of the children are good in their understanding of the words use. The class ends at 5.00pm. We rested for a while before we went to a house for visitation. Talked to the family for about 1 hour and by then it is already dark. Went back to Narong’s house. Another student Sach arrived by motorbike and Salvot went back to Phnom Penh.
Ministered to the children there with balloon sculpturing and songs. At about 7.30pm we took our dinner… again a simple dinner and plain water. The drinking water is really muddy. Its pond water which the host took from a pond nearby. The water was used for cooking and bathing. They boiled the water and gave us to drink. At first we are quite unsure of whether we should drink the water. After drinking a bit, the rest of the team tried it. Then for the rest of our stay there, we drank the boiled pond water without any hesitation.
After dinner, the girls bathed at the bathroom while Niger, Wee Liem and I bathed at the water pump well just next door. It’s very cooling to bathe there… dark as there’s no electricity in the village. During the night we prayed together and debriefed before we went to sleep. Slept inside the room with Niger, while the rest slept outside.
Woke up at 6.30am. Breakfast at 7.00am at the hotel. Today I broke my daily routine of not eating breakfast. I took breakfast – beef noodles. After breakfast, I told Pastor Joanne of my dream. We went to FKC which we call our base. Upon arriving there, Pastor Joanne asked me to share my dream with the group. Shared with them my dream and thereafter the team prayed. Then the village team went to the market together with 2 students who will act as our interpreter – Salvot and Narong. We will be going to Narong’s village. Upon arriving at the market, a group of taximen swarm around us. Salvot made the arrangement for our taxi to the village. It will take us 1 and half hour to reach the village.
At last, Salvot managed to find one taxi who is willing to bring us there. The taxi is a Toyota Camry car. I thought that there will be two taxis but was told that all of us will be going into that one car. The total of 9 people in one car. 5 at the back seat, 2 at the front passenger seat and 2 at the driver seat. Sat at the front passenger seat with Wee Liem. It is not comfortable at all. Half way the journey, had to ask Wee Liem to sit on my lap… though heavy but it is more comfortable.
We reached the village and went for a short walk touring the village. Upon arriving at the kindergarten, we were asked to handle the children. The team was quite unprepared but praise God, everything went on smoothly. We played games and sang action songs. And we also shared Bible stories with the children – David & Goliath. I acted to be Goliath and really scares the boy who is supposed to be David. What to do,… he is really scared of my face and my voice.
Thereafter, we went to the chief’s house and waited until 12.00noon where we are supposed to teach English class to a group of children. The team taught them numbers and faces. The children are quite advanced so we can’t use the lessons that we prepared for them. We taught them songs – simple English action songs.
Thereafter we took motorbikes ride to Narong’s village. It’s about 15 minutes ride from the first village. Took our lunch there. There’s only 2 main dishes. Soup and vegetables. Though simple yet I really enjoy the food. After lunch, we rested for a while. There’s an English class at Narong’s house at 3.00pm. We watch the teacher taught the children first before the team starts teaching English songs. Thereafter, the team began teaching English lessons to the children. Some of the children are good in their understanding of the words use. The class ends at 5.00pm. We rested for a while before we went to a house for visitation. Talked to the family for about 1 hour and by then it is already dark. Went back to Narong’s house. Another student Sach arrived by motorbike and Salvot went back to Phnom Penh.
Ministered to the children there with balloon sculpturing and songs. At about 7.30pm we took our dinner… again a simple dinner and plain water. The drinking water is really muddy. Its pond water which the host took from a pond nearby. The water was used for cooking and bathing. They boiled the water and gave us to drink. At first we are quite unsure of whether we should drink the water. After drinking a bit, the rest of the team tried it. Then for the rest of our stay there, we drank the boiled pond water without any hesitation.
After dinner, the girls bathed at the bathroom while Niger, Wee Liem and I bathed at the water pump well just next door. It’s very cooling to bathe there… dark as there’s no electricity in the village. During the night we prayed together and debriefed before we went to sleep. Slept inside the room with Niger, while the rest slept outside.
Cambodia Trip - 1st day - 4-5-2005 Wednesday
This is my story of my Cambodia Trip.
Day One - Wednesday 4-5-2005
What can I say about this trip (4-14 May 2005) except that it has been a wonderful trip. I’ll write as much about the trip as I do not want to forget about it later in the future.
Wednesday 4 -5-2005. Arriving at Phnom Penh International Airport is quite a torture. The flight’s descent at the airport caused painful pressure to my ears. This is what I don’t like about taking flight. Some flights… there are no pressure at all but sometimes the pressure is very painful to the ears. The airport reminded me of Sibu Airport and Medan Airport, not as big as KLIA. There’s no problem getting through the customs and we were greeted by Pastor Bala from FirstKids Kindergarten Cambodia. He is from Grace Assembly Klang and has been a missionary in Cambodia for about 6 years already. Still single.
Pastor Bala has arranged for two vans, Mercedes Benz vans to ferry us to the budget hotel “Beng Mealea Guest Hotel”. Throughout the trip, we used these two vans as our transport from the hotel to the various centres and places that we have to go. Such a luxurious transport compared to the local transport in Phnom Penh.
Upon arriving at the hotel, we checked in and I was assigned a room with Daniel Ee and Jason Foo. Thereafter, we went to FirstKids Combodia (FKC) for a briefing. We were informed of our first few days schedule. It is a very pack schedule. We will be teaching and ministering to various places, among them are Center of Hope (COP), Agape Centre, Vocational Training School (VTC), and two more student centres pastured by Pastor Chai and Pastor Pich.
After dinner, the group was divided into two groups to minister at the student centres. I went to Pastor Pich’s student centers call Savaratna Centre. The students shared testimonies and Michelle Ding preached the Word. We prayed for the students who came up for prayer. Then we went back to the hotel and had our debriefing. I was told that I’ll be leading a team to the village for the next 2 nights 3 days. The team consists of Niger Lim (leader), Wee Liem, Rachel Tong and Audrey.
That night I had a spiritual attack in the form of a dream. And this is what I saw. I was walking with another person (whom I can’t remember who) towards a flat plain which is about 1.5 meters higher from the place I was standing. Then I saw a white snake sliding past me to the right. There in front of me were dried branches gathered together. Then I saw a long black snake measuring 10 to 15 meters long. It was lying among the branches. I then wanted to kill the snake, looking for a stick to hit the snake. As I was climbing the higher plain to get to the snake, suddenly the snake arose and stood up. There on the high plain were a few buffalos and cows, which is about 50 meters away from me. Then the snake moved past me as though it is flying. I thought that the snake wants to bit me but it went directly to one of the cows. As it was flying towards the cow, it opened its mouth wide; the size of the mouth is big enough to swallow the whole cow. It attacked the cow and swallowed it without much difficulty.
At this time, I became fearful. This is not the normal snakes that I had seen. I know instantly that this snake is beyond my ability to kill. I walked down to the lower land and as I was walking away from that place, I saw the black snake came towards me wanting to attack me. As it came near me, I rebuke it in the name of Jesus. I know that this is the only way that I can protect myself, the power of the Name of Jesus. After I rebuked the snake, it stopped and couldn’t attack me. However, the snake transformed into an image of a man. I could see the man’s face. He was smiling at me. It was a sinister smile. The smile that wants to put fear in me. Though he can’t attack me, he is trying to tell me that I can’t win over him either. With that I woke up.
*****
Day One - Wednesday 4-5-2005
What can I say about this trip (4-14 May 2005) except that it has been a wonderful trip. I’ll write as much about the trip as I do not want to forget about it later in the future.
Wednesday 4 -5-2005. Arriving at Phnom Penh International Airport is quite a torture. The flight’s descent at the airport caused painful pressure to my ears. This is what I don’t like about taking flight. Some flights… there are no pressure at all but sometimes the pressure is very painful to the ears. The airport reminded me of Sibu Airport and Medan Airport, not as big as KLIA. There’s no problem getting through the customs and we were greeted by Pastor Bala from FirstKids Kindergarten Cambodia. He is from Grace Assembly Klang and has been a missionary in Cambodia for about 6 years already. Still single.
Pastor Bala has arranged for two vans, Mercedes Benz vans to ferry us to the budget hotel “Beng Mealea Guest Hotel”. Throughout the trip, we used these two vans as our transport from the hotel to the various centres and places that we have to go. Such a luxurious transport compared to the local transport in Phnom Penh.
Upon arriving at the hotel, we checked in and I was assigned a room with Daniel Ee and Jason Foo. Thereafter, we went to FirstKids Combodia (FKC) for a briefing. We were informed of our first few days schedule. It is a very pack schedule. We will be teaching and ministering to various places, among them are Center of Hope (COP), Agape Centre, Vocational Training School (VTC), and two more student centres pastured by Pastor Chai and Pastor Pich.
After dinner, the group was divided into two groups to minister at the student centres. I went to Pastor Pich’s student centers call Savaratna Centre. The students shared testimonies and Michelle Ding preached the Word. We prayed for the students who came up for prayer. Then we went back to the hotel and had our debriefing. I was told that I’ll be leading a team to the village for the next 2 nights 3 days. The team consists of Niger Lim (leader), Wee Liem, Rachel Tong and Audrey.
That night I had a spiritual attack in the form of a dream. And this is what I saw. I was walking with another person (whom I can’t remember who) towards a flat plain which is about 1.5 meters higher from the place I was standing. Then I saw a white snake sliding past me to the right. There in front of me were dried branches gathered together. Then I saw a long black snake measuring 10 to 15 meters long. It was lying among the branches. I then wanted to kill the snake, looking for a stick to hit the snake. As I was climbing the higher plain to get to the snake, suddenly the snake arose and stood up. There on the high plain were a few buffalos and cows, which is about 50 meters away from me. Then the snake moved past me as though it is flying. I thought that the snake wants to bit me but it went directly to one of the cows. As it was flying towards the cow, it opened its mouth wide; the size of the mouth is big enough to swallow the whole cow. It attacked the cow and swallowed it without much difficulty.
At this time, I became fearful. This is not the normal snakes that I had seen. I know instantly that this snake is beyond my ability to kill. I walked down to the lower land and as I was walking away from that place, I saw the black snake came towards me wanting to attack me. As it came near me, I rebuke it in the name of Jesus. I know that this is the only way that I can protect myself, the power of the Name of Jesus. After I rebuked the snake, it stopped and couldn’t attack me. However, the snake transformed into an image of a man. I could see the man’s face. He was smiling at me. It was a sinister smile. The smile that wants to put fear in me. Though he can’t attack me, he is trying to tell me that I can’t win over him either. With that I woke up.
*****
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Professional thief
I think I can be a professional thief. Last night I "stole" other people's bag with no problem at all. In full view of other people. And the owner is also nearby, not more than 10 feet away. And the whole event took place in a public place - Seven Eleven at Melaka Sentral.
Went there to meet Pastor Philip's mentor, Les Brickman. He is scheduled to arrive at the bus station around 7pm from Ipoh. After parking my car, went to the Sentral to look for him. Haven't seen him before. Only being told that he is an American, a Jewish and most probably would have a moustache. Didn't see anybody that matches that description in the waiting area. Went to the bus counter and was informed that the bus should have arrived.. the clerk was also not sure. Well... took another walk to the waiting area but still no signs of this American guy. Walk to the shoplots area to search for him. Then walked past Seven Eleven and saw a white man buying something. At first thought... no... this could be him. Aiya... just asklah... who knows maybe its him. Went in and ask him... "Hello, are you Mr. Les Brickman?" "Yes! And you must be David." Shook hand with him.
He was in the midst of paying for the whatever stuffs he's buying. He took a RM100 note to pay for a RM5.90 item. The cashier asked him whether he has smaller change and he shook his head. Somehow, I just took out my wallet and give the cashier RM10 note to pay for the item. Wah... so generous lah... I say to myself.
"Shall we go?" I asked him. "Yeah" He turned and grab hold of two luggage bags. I, because of Asian culture and wanting to show hospitality, quickly grab a shopping bag beside the luggage bags. So off we went to the car. Upon reaching the car, he put his two luggage bags at the back seat. When I handed over the shopping bag to him, he didn't take it but walked to the passenger seat. So I had to put the shopping bag at the back seat. Then we went for dinner and after dinner went to City Bayview Hotel to check him in.
I parked my car at the hotel's parking lot. Mr Les Brickman brought out the two luggages. I then brought out the shopping bag for him. We went to the lobby and after that brought him to his room. Went to the room... he put his bags near the cupboard. And I put the shopping bag near the bed. "Well. I hope everything works fine", I said referring to the electrical switches. "Yeap.. think so", he replied. "Well, is there anything else that I can do for you?" I asked. "No... I'll see you tomorrow" ... and we shook hands. Then I turned to go out.
"Is this bag yours?" Mr Les Brickman asked. "What bag?" "This bag"... and he pointed to the shopping bag. "No... I thought it's yours". "No... its not mine". "Oh.. dear!... this is somebody's else bag". We just laughed, knowing that we've taken other people's bag unknowingly.
So I went back to the Seven Eleven shop and returned back the shopping bag. The cashier told me that the bag belonged to a Chinese lady and she asked that they keep the bag if it is found... she will take it from them. Told the cashier to apologize for my mistake.
There you have it... a "theft" by legal definition, carried out professionally. And a happy ending.
*****
Some of the most amazing things you'll see are from home videos that where caught on a surveillance camera. Having a surveillance camera system in your home allows being home at night by yourself more comforting knowing that there are security video cameras keeping watch over the home.
Went there to meet Pastor Philip's mentor, Les Brickman. He is scheduled to arrive at the bus station around 7pm from Ipoh. After parking my car, went to the Sentral to look for him. Haven't seen him before. Only being told that he is an American, a Jewish and most probably would have a moustache. Didn't see anybody that matches that description in the waiting area. Went to the bus counter and was informed that the bus should have arrived.. the clerk was also not sure. Well... took another walk to the waiting area but still no signs of this American guy. Walk to the shoplots area to search for him. Then walked past Seven Eleven and saw a white man buying something. At first thought... no... this could be him. Aiya... just asklah... who knows maybe its him. Went in and ask him... "Hello, are you Mr. Les Brickman?" "Yes! And you must be David." Shook hand with him.
He was in the midst of paying for the whatever stuffs he's buying. He took a RM100 note to pay for a RM5.90 item. The cashier asked him whether he has smaller change and he shook his head. Somehow, I just took out my wallet and give the cashier RM10 note to pay for the item. Wah... so generous lah... I say to myself.
"Shall we go?" I asked him. "Yeah" He turned and grab hold of two luggage bags. I, because of Asian culture and wanting to show hospitality, quickly grab a shopping bag beside the luggage bags. So off we went to the car. Upon reaching the car, he put his two luggage bags at the back seat. When I handed over the shopping bag to him, he didn't take it but walked to the passenger seat. So I had to put the shopping bag at the back seat. Then we went for dinner and after dinner went to City Bayview Hotel to check him in.
I parked my car at the hotel's parking lot. Mr Les Brickman brought out the two luggages. I then brought out the shopping bag for him. We went to the lobby and after that brought him to his room. Went to the room... he put his bags near the cupboard. And I put the shopping bag near the bed. "Well. I hope everything works fine", I said referring to the electrical switches. "Yeap.. think so", he replied. "Well, is there anything else that I can do for you?" I asked. "No... I'll see you tomorrow" ... and we shook hands. Then I turned to go out.
"Is this bag yours?" Mr Les Brickman asked. "What bag?" "This bag"... and he pointed to the shopping bag. "No... I thought it's yours". "No... its not mine". "Oh.. dear!... this is somebody's else bag". We just laughed, knowing that we've taken other people's bag unknowingly.
So I went back to the Seven Eleven shop and returned back the shopping bag. The cashier told me that the bag belonged to a Chinese lady and she asked that they keep the bag if it is found... she will take it from them. Told the cashier to apologize for my mistake.
There you have it... a "theft" by legal definition, carried out professionally. And a happy ending.
*****
Some of the most amazing things you'll see are from home videos that where caught on a surveillance camera. Having a surveillance camera system in your home allows being home at night by yourself more comforting knowing that there are security video cameras keeping watch over the home.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Heaven is so real.
Read this book. Must say that this book is one of the best book there
is on heaven. Would recommend it to everybody. My wife wrote about it
on her blog http://michemaylee.liquidblade.com/?p=139. There's a lot
of questions by people about the book. Many seems to doubt the truth
of Choo Nam's experience.
I don't doubt the book but I don't treat it as Scripture either. The
book has helped me to grow spiritually, helped me to strengthen my
relationship with Jesus. And the book makes me eager to go to heaven.
Zoo Trip
It has been ages since the last time I went to the zoo. Can't even
remember when was it... definitely more than a decade. Today...
history day... I went to the zoo.
Went there because of Annabelle. Wanted her to see the animals and
learn new things. All the while she has been reading books and seeing
the picture of the various animals. Hopefully the trip will help her
learn more.
She enjoyed the trip. But for a 2 year old child, she seems not so
enthusiastic about the animals.... as though it is no big deal to see
the animals. Maybe its because she has to walk most of the time and/or
she's hungry. She enjoyed watching fish more than the animal in the
cage.
As for me,... well, can't say that I enjoyed the trip... OK lah. The
next trip... well... maybe another decade.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Entering into the adult world.
When is a teenage boy be considered as a man? Or when is it that our perspective of a young person changed to that of an adult. What actions signifies that a person is no longer immature youths but has grown up?
Saw many of the small boys and girls who have grown up. They are no longer the small childish boys and girls that I've known before. They changed. They grow and mature. From their actions, from their physical growth, from the way they think. Yeah, people must change and grow towards maturity. As Paul said," when I was a child, I talk like a child, I think and act like a child: but when I grow up, I put childish ways behind me." I've seen many of these boys and girls grow and mature. But some are still having their childish ways in them. Sad but true.
Why am I writing about this? Oh ya... the event.
Last Sunday, I saw a girl wearing really short pants and tight fitting T-shirt. That changed my thoughts about her. She is no longer the "daddy's girl" that I've always perceived. At that moment when I saw her, with her sexy clothings, she is a different person, an adult. She is a lady, able to portray herself as one. She is no longer under the "control or supervision" of the parents. She is different person. The young girl showing herself as a lady. My view of her changed.
.... may we change to the better. .... "Man.... she is sexy!..."
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Missing wallet.
I went to City Charismatic Centre (church) for a meeting last. The
Southern Division (AOG churches) is planning to have a Games Carnival
in May 2005 (Wesak Day). Meeting started at 7.30pm and dragged on
until 10.40pm. Overall, most of the things are planned and the
mechanism is running well.
Ride back after the meeting. Upon reaching the house, realized that my
wallet is missing. Where could I have lost it? My first guess and hope
that the wallet is in the church. Prayed to God that the wallet would
be there. There's peace in my heart about the matter.
Michelle called Citibank Centre to cancell the credit card (just in
case it was lost somewhere else and somebody picked it up and use it
at the petrol station etc). Have to pay RM15.00 for the new card,
which will come in 2 weeks time.
This morning, just received a call from Pastor Joanne. The wallet is
in the church. Praise God. When we trust God to handle things, we can
rest in peace (though some might not want to and starts worrying).
All thanks and praise to God Almighty.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Formerly a prison. 300 inmates died during the tsunami... sentenced to death by the waves
Posted by Hello
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Tsunami Mercy Mission
I'm going to Acheh Province, Indonesia.
Be joining a medical team from Melaka. There'll be 11 of us, from
different churches. Be there from 24 Jan till 1 Feb. Specific place
that we are going to is called Melabo, the worst hit town in the
province.
Why am I in the medical team? Well, that's a good question. I'm going
there to teach the local contact in Medan/Acheh on how to use the
fogging machine. We'll be bringing a fogging machine to kill the
mosquitos and also whatever insects that is in the area. Am I an
expect on that? No. Just that I've used it before ... well about six
years ago in Honduras.
Latest news... I might not even got the chance to use the fogging
machine in Acheh due to transportation problem. Anyway, will pray that
everything will be transported to our base camp without much problem.
Also I've learned to do balloon sculpturing for this trip. Didn't got
time to learn a lot but only the dog, monkey, bear and bird designs.
Hopefully I can use my knowledge there in Acheh. Also I will take care
of the photography while we are there.
Well, looking forward for this trip.
Be joining a medical team from Melaka. There'll be 11 of us, from
different churches. Be there from 24 Jan till 1 Feb. Specific place
that we are going to is called Melabo, the worst hit town in the
province.
Why am I in the medical team? Well, that's a good question. I'm going
there to teach the local contact in Medan/Acheh on how to use the
fogging machine. We'll be bringing a fogging machine to kill the
mosquitos and also whatever insects that is in the area. Am I an
expect on that? No. Just that I've used it before ... well about six
years ago in Honduras.
Latest news... I might not even got the chance to use the fogging
machine in Acheh due to transportation problem. Anyway, will pray that
everything will be transported to our base camp without much problem.
Also I've learned to do balloon sculpturing for this trip. Didn't got
time to learn a lot but only the dog, monkey, bear and bird designs.
Hopefully I can use my knowledge there in Acheh. Also I will take care
of the photography while we are there.
Well, looking forward for this trip.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Clarissa Bong is back at home.
Praise God! Now Clarissa Bong is back at home. Spent 3 days at General
Hospital because of jaundice. Thank God that she got better.
During the visits to the nursery ward, I managed to talk to a few
fathers. Learn a lot from them, just by hearing them. They need a
listening ear and I'm glad I could provide that for them. From what
some of them had experienced, I'm thankful to God for His protection
and love for me and my family.
Now Michelle, Annabelle and Clarissa Bong are at my in-law's house. As
for me, I'll be going back to office tomorrow.
--
David Bong
Hospital because of jaundice. Thank God that she got better.
During the visits to the nursery ward, I managed to talk to a few
fathers. Learn a lot from them, just by hearing them. They need a
listening ear and I'm glad I could provide that for them. From what
some of them had experienced, I'm thankful to God for His protection
and love for me and my family.
Now Michelle, Annabelle and Clarissa Bong are at my in-law's house. As
for me, I'll be going back to office tomorrow.
--
David Bong
Thursday, December 09, 2004
The Birth of Clarissa Bong
I witnessed the birth of my second daughter Clarissa Bong early this
morning (Thursday 9-12-2004).
Michelle experienced contraction pain beginning at 8.30pm yesterday. I
was in the church attending the Wednesday prayer meeting. Had asked
the members to pray for fast and smooth delivery for Michelle.
When I arrived home from church, Michelle told me about the pain. The
pain came regularly at 5-7 minutes interval. Decided to go to the
hospital that night. Sent Annabelle to in-law's house and went to the
hospital. Went straight to the "Wad Bersalin" and checked Michelle in.
After the check-up, Michelle told me that the cervix is already 6cm
dilated. Looks like the delivery will be fast.
I waited outside, waiting for the nurse to call me in. As I've taken
the "Kursus Peneman", I'm allowed to accompany Michelle at the labour
room. At 1.15am, the nurse called me in. She was surprised to see me
coming to her when she called for Michelle's husband. She wondered why
a Malay looking guy came as she expected to see a Chinese man. The
nurse gave me the white robe to wear but before I could tie the string
to the robe, the other nurse at the labor room called out to me to
hurry. Michelle is already going to give birth. Rushed to the labour
room Room 4. Michelle was already in the position to give birth, both
legs spread out and three nurses was beside her to assist.
Went beside her and just then Michelle had her contraction pain and
the nurse asked her to push. Michelle pushed and her face turned red
as she forced herself to push the baby out. Still the baby did not
come out. She rested for a while and about 30 seconds later the pain
came again. This time Michelle pushed harder and with the nurse's
help, the baby head came out. Wow, it looked big (compared to
Annabelle's head when she came out from the womb last year). After the
head is out, Michelle had to push again and then the whole baby's body
came out. Time: 1.25am.
And to my surprise again, the baby is a baby girl. Again, we thought
that the baby will be a boy (though we didn't inquire about it from
the scan). I know Michelle would be surprised, I just hope she will
not be disappointed. The nurse held the baby and showed her to
Michelle. Michelle was indeed surprised to see a baby girl. (Well,
Michelle's father will definitely be disappointed).
I was then asked to leave the room and the nurse needs to clean up the
baby. Waited outside until about 3.40am before they pushed Michelle
and the baby out to the ward. At the ward, I hold my Clarissa and
dedicated her to God.
Praise God for another precious gift to Michelle, Annabelle and I. All
thanks and praise be unto HIM.
--
David Bong
morning (Thursday 9-12-2004).
Michelle experienced contraction pain beginning at 8.30pm yesterday. I
was in the church attending the Wednesday prayer meeting. Had asked
the members to pray for fast and smooth delivery for Michelle.
When I arrived home from church, Michelle told me about the pain. The
pain came regularly at 5-7 minutes interval. Decided to go to the
hospital that night. Sent Annabelle to in-law's house and went to the
hospital. Went straight to the "Wad Bersalin" and checked Michelle in.
After the check-up, Michelle told me that the cervix is already 6cm
dilated. Looks like the delivery will be fast.
I waited outside, waiting for the nurse to call me in. As I've taken
the "Kursus Peneman", I'm allowed to accompany Michelle at the labour
room. At 1.15am, the nurse called me in. She was surprised to see me
coming to her when she called for Michelle's husband. She wondered why
a Malay looking guy came as she expected to see a Chinese man. The
nurse gave me the white robe to wear but before I could tie the string
to the robe, the other nurse at the labor room called out to me to
hurry. Michelle is already going to give birth. Rushed to the labour
room Room 4. Michelle was already in the position to give birth, both
legs spread out and three nurses was beside her to assist.
Went beside her and just then Michelle had her contraction pain and
the nurse asked her to push. Michelle pushed and her face turned red
as she forced herself to push the baby out. Still the baby did not
come out. She rested for a while and about 30 seconds later the pain
came again. This time Michelle pushed harder and with the nurse's
help, the baby head came out. Wow, it looked big (compared to
Annabelle's head when she came out from the womb last year). After the
head is out, Michelle had to push again and then the whole baby's body
came out. Time: 1.25am.
And to my surprise again, the baby is a baby girl. Again, we thought
that the baby will be a boy (though we didn't inquire about it from
the scan). I know Michelle would be surprised, I just hope she will
not be disappointed. The nurse held the baby and showed her to
Michelle. Michelle was indeed surprised to see a baby girl. (Well,
Michelle's father will definitely be disappointed).
I was then asked to leave the room and the nurse needs to clean up the
baby. Waited outside until about 3.40am before they pushed Michelle
and the baby out to the ward. At the ward, I hold my Clarissa and
dedicated her to God.
Praise God for another precious gift to Michelle, Annabelle and I. All
thanks and praise be unto HIM.
--
David Bong
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Sports Ministry
Help to organize the Sport Ministry Seminar in church. Not so easyworking together with other churches especially when the representatives that the senior pastors sent came with no authority to decide. Its so frustrating to plan events with people who can't decide.
Why must the senior pastors be afraid to let go of their controls. Anyway, I don't want to complain. I want to thank God for helping me organize the seminar. Two days where we received lots of new insights as to the wonderful way to reach out to people in the community. Hope that I'll be able to apply what I've learned to the people I meet during my football games. Glad that the seminar is over. I feel very tired. Then this coming Saturday, there's the Food Fair at Salvation Army. Hope that I'll have the energy to bake and sell the Ikan Bakar.
Lord... what is your direction for me?
Why must the senior pastors be afraid to let go of their controls. Anyway, I don't want to complain. I want to thank God for helping me organize the seminar. Two days where we received lots of new insights as to the wonderful way to reach out to people in the community. Hope that I'll be able to apply what I've learned to the people I meet during my football games. Glad that the seminar is over. I feel very tired. Then this coming Saturday, there's the Food Fair at Salvation Army. Hope that I'll have the energy to bake and sell the Ikan Bakar.
Lord... what is your direction for me?
Monday, October 25, 2004
Friday, October 22, 2004
My color
|
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
feeling the pain
wahhhh... now I'm feeling the pain... the pulling pain (berdenyut-denyut).
Hopefully it wont take so many days to heal. Lord, heal me. Thank you Lord for your healing touch.
Hopefully it wont take so many days to heal. Lord, heal me. Thank you Lord for your healing touch.
Accident today
met with an accident today on the way to work. One big brown dog
suddenly cross the road. The dog was looking at the other side of the
road when it want to cross the road. Couldn't brake on time. Hit the
dog, my motorbike skidded.
Thank God there is no vehicle behind me. Then someone sent me to the
nearest clinic. Now, at home. Thank God for His protection and mercy.
In all things and circumstances, give thanks to God.
Below are the photos of the victim... i.e. me and not the dog.
suddenly cross the road. The dog was looking at the other side of the
road when it want to cross the road. Couldn't brake on time. Hit the
dog, my motorbike skidded.
Thank God there is no vehicle behind me. Then someone sent me to the
nearest clinic. Now, at home. Thank God for His protection and mercy.
In all things and circumstances, give thanks to God.
Below are the photos of the victim... i.e. me and not the dog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)