Reasons for going on a short term mission trip are many and varied. It could be any one of the followings:

– to encourage fellow workers

– to share your skills to bless the community

– to feel God’s heartbeat for others who are different from us

– to explore new cultures

– to explore partnership opportunities

– to allow oneself be awed by God

I was finally feeling strong again after a year of harrowing cancer treatment journey. I was excited about going on my first medical mission to Bangladesh thinking that I would finally be able to put my rusty nursing skills to some use. But God had other thoughts.

The translator for our team was a lady from another city. In the course of getting to know her, I learned that she also had gone through a similar cancer journey. We formed an instant bond, and were convinced that God had brought us together for the timely mutual encouragement.

As my rusty nursing skill was not required at the medical camp, the Lord brought an idea to set up a prayer corner for the sick. Through my translator-friend, I was able to understand what I needed to pray for. At one point while praying for a woman suffering with a lot of pain, tears started rolling down my cheeks. It was only after we finished praying and opened our eyes, that I realized all three of us were crying. The moment was also captured in a photo unbeknownst to us. The woman in pain would have no idea what I was mumbling in English. But I believe, only the presence of the Holy Spirit could touch our hearts to tears concurrently.

Although we were on the road a lot, we were blessed with a very skilful and conscientious driver. At the end of each day, we were able to retire in accommodation equipped with air condition, working toilet and clean water for showering.

My take-away from this mission trip:

– model after Jesus, who is our Servant King

– focus on letting God be glorified

– be FAT (Flexible, Available and Teachable)

– be awed by God that I may stay thankful and grateful