Testimony of Short Term Mission trip in Northern Thailand on August 2005

In this trip, I learn more about the reality of church planting.

I am inspired by the Thai brothers & sisters in their sincerity and passion for the believers and non-believers. They took the time to host us, bring us around and prepare meals for us. They gave their best in serving God and others. From their lives, I learnt their spirit of perseverance, servant hood and sacrificial giving.

Their public transport is not as convenient as ours. Thus they need private transport to do visitation. They also need to travel on long and winging road to visit the hill-tribes.

Long and winging road with "traps"

For Pastor Ben who brought us around, he drove 150km to pick us up from Chang Mai airport and drove us back to Hope Phayao Church. That is longer than from one end of Singapore to the other end. I am very encouraged by his servant hood spirit. Indeed, in Singapore where public transport is so convenient, there is no excuse that we cannot go extra mile to touch other's life for Christ.

We meet some poor hill-tribe people. With the little they have, they offer to us; such as the maze that they plant and the fruits that they sell. Even thought they have little, they put their dependency on God. I am encouraged by their hospitality and their faith in God.

Amazing maze. Very nice. =)

After visited a few churches, I learn that church planting is not easy. It is not for the faint hearted. It requires commitment and sacrifices. And it is not how fast the church grows, but perseverance in ministry and to continue to follow God.

Bangkok Bible study program students in Hope Phayao Church

My spirit is refreshed by this trip. Even though the Thai brothers and sisters have to make sacrifices to serve God, there is joy in their spirit as they are doing what we are called to do. That is to fulfill the great commission.

Hope Pakang Church - Hmong hill-tribes

I am encouraged to be more conscious in following God’s leading; allowing God to mould me first. Matthew 6:33a “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness”.

Whether you are interested in mission or not, I encourage you to go for Short Term Mission trip; it is a wonderful experience in meeting new people, know your team members, learn team work, and try new food. Above all, give yourself an opportunity for God to enlarge your heart and change your mind for the better.