Packed with a tint of uncertainty, I met up with my cell mates early Sat morning to head for Tanah Merah Station to board our scheduled 9am ferry. Not too long after, we were in Bintan. But instead of the usual route holiday makers head for, we were on our way to the villages where homes of the local residents are.
Prior to our trip, we met up several times to discuss, improve and confirm our plans. We divided ourselves into 2 main groups - YA and Children. But much of our plannings were disrupted as the original schedules were totally changed. We had to improvise and make changes on ground. But through it all, all 13 of us never really complained. That was something brought to my attention thru another friend's entry. We spent whatever time we have doing the necessary changes, making sure all aspects are covered and that the programs can still run smoothly. Sat & sun came and gone past. Our activities were smoothly executed. People attended the evening service. Some were believers while others are yet to be. I sensed all of them thoroughly enjoyed the programs we planned. This is evident from the wonderful time of singing and worshipping. Our volume that sat night in the cosy room of that one house in the midst of a village in Bintan must have been comparable to our singing back home every sunday morning. Testimonies were shared & message was delivered, despite the inadequacy of the people performing them. But through our weakness, that is where God works, turning our weakness into Strength and bringing glory to His name. The testimonies and message shine forth God's glory. Many hearts were touched as evident from the tears shed through prayers and sharing which took place over dinner.
After a night of rest, Sunday came. This morning was scheduled solely for the children. We were late as we made our way over from the motel. When our bus reached, the hordes of children were already beaming in delight. Many were actually here with their parents the night before. Once again, there were unexpected changes. The children team has to improvise on the spot. But with cooperation and initiatives by everyone, things fell in place nicely. The kids have so much fun and I think some of us had as much fun as them. It is really hard to match the kids' enjoyment over the programs planned forth. "Gold" coins treasure hunt, poison ball/monkey game, songs and dance segments... these are just some of the activities. The kids in Bintan love it!
It was a short trip but with huge experience for me. As we leave for the ferry terminal, it must have been a prayer in many of our hearts that seeds were sow over these 2 days and that God will continue to shine and touch hearts in this place of the earth.
The Troopers
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