We thank God for giving us an enriching mission trip to Cambodia, which lasted from 10-14 December 2018. A team of 15 of us with Pastor, ministered to the high school students. We went there with 2 main objectives in mind: 1) To help the high school students with their English; 2) To spread the gospel. Our daily routine often began with Quiet Time, breakfast together where we gathered to eat and pray for the day ahead. This was followed by English lessons, a chapel session which consisted of song and skit presentation, and a message. Then we would break for lunch, followed by more English lessons.

2. English Lessons

The English lessons were used to raise the students’ English standard and served as a medium to connect with the students. We thank God for Reverend Joseph Ng, who provided the youths with valuable advice on how to carry out engaging English lessons and the students’ English standard, which we used as a gauge when preparing our English lesson plans. Our planned English lessons consisted of 15 multiple choice questions (MCQ) and 3 different close passages, which was used as dictation too. In order to link our lessons to the Bible, we made use of different Bible stories as the close passages.

We had planned to print the worksheets when we reached Cambodia. However, Life University was experiencing a school-wide blackout when we wanted to print the worksheets.

Hence we could not print the worksheets in time for the first lesson. Thankfully, we were able to think on our feet and decided to write out our lessons on the whiteboard and give the students plain paper to copy down the questions.

 We originally thought that we would be teaching the same classes for all 3 days of teaching, and had planned English lessons that were interlinked. However, when we reached Life University, Mr Ponnreay informed us that we would be teaching different classes every day. Hence, we adapted our English lessons to focus mainly on dictation, as that was directly linked to the Bible and could be used as a medium to share the gospel.

 Even though we faced many unexpected situations while carrying out the English lessons, we thank God for giving us quick thinking to adapt to the different situations thrown at us. Also, we thank God for providing us with English lessons, which were a very effective platform for the students to familiarise themselves with us and we were able to understand them better. This was valuable especially when sharing the 4 Spiritual Laws with them.

3. Four Spiritual Laws

We spent the third day of our mission trip evangelising to the students, making use of the 4 Spiritual Laws (4SLs). Prior to the trip, a few of us who were more well versed with the booklet, conducted a workshop on how to use the 4SLs to evangelise to the Cambodian students. Taking into consideration the language barrier, we then practiced rephrasing the 4SLs in such a way that the students could understand. On third day in the afternoon, we evangelised to over 300 students. It was really exhausting as we took 3-4 groups of 15 students each. By that time, some of us had already lost our voices from teaching English to the many classes the previous day. However, we thank God that the students were surprisingly attentive and receptive. Some even helped us to translate the 4SLs to those who had difficulty understanding us. There were a quite a few who opened up their hearts and prayed the sinner’s’ prayer intently with us. The entire session took about 3 hours. Towards the end some of us could not even hear our own voices!

4. Presentation

Every day during chapel, we were tasked with presenting both a skit and song to the children in Cambodia. Despite many years of experience in this area, we faced many unforeseen challenges that could have deterred delivering our message to them. It was especially challenging considering that we could have been teaching 10 minutes before Chapel and we all had to run desperately to the next venue in which we climbed 4 floors up.

Perhaps due to fatigue, we were all visibly weaker and many were falling sick. This prevented some of us from playing the roles we were previously assigned. However, by the grace of God, He gave us the strength to be adaptable so that we presented the best to the Cambodia children as nothing will come between Him and His children. Before our most anticipated Christmas skit, we were told one of three microphones was down when we had been practicing with three microphones previously. This would have messed up the coordination on stage. Even with such late notice, literally seconds before we go on stage, God guided us through it seamlessly.

Going into the song presentation, we assumed it was going to be an unresponsive crowd especially since we were singing in their second language. Surprisingly with the aid of a crowd-favourite, Gabriel, they were more willing to participate in the singing and even clapped along during the songs.

We really thank God for all his guidance and wisdom in leading us through a rather challenging task.

5. Rest and Relaxation

On Day 4 of our trip, we wrapped up our work around 4 in the afternoon with 4SL lessons. After dinner, we headed to the nearby Sihanoukville beach, where we had fun playing in the cooling sea and enjoying each other’s company, at the same time admiring the beauty of the sunset over the sea in the horizon, one of God’s perfect creations. We took many photos and made many wonderful memories there.

On the last morning before going to the airport, we stopped by the famous Choeung Ek Genocidal Museum. As we explored the rooms that once served as torture cells for hundreds of victims, we were given a solemn reminder about the horrors of what the Khmer Rouge had done under Pol Pot’s regime between 1975 to 1979. The photos taken of each prisoner were chilling as many of their eyes were filled with terror and hopelessness at what was about to befall them.

We always thank God for giving us sensible leaders who have led Singapore for many years, allowing there to be peace and stability in our nation.

6. Reflections

Through this mission trip, I am extremely grateful that we have so many resources available in Singapore to learn more about Christianity, as compared to children in Cambodia. I also learnt that we must spread the gospel to those in need so they can be saved.
~ Gabriel

During this mission trip, we were faced with a lot of unforeseen circumstances, such as frequent power outages and being unable to print enough English worksheets for our lessons. However, I thank God for providing us a way out in every unexpected situation we faced. I was especially thankful for the opportunity to share the gospel with the students from Life University. Seeing all the students listen so intently when we were sharing the 4SLs and when so many of them agreed to pray the sinner’s prayer definitely made all the late nights put into the mission trip worthwhile.  
~ Abigail

This mission trip was the first time I had used the 4SLs to spread the gospel to other non-believers. Thus, it was an eye opener and gave me more confidence to spread the gospel through the 4SLs. It was also very encouraging as the students in Cambodia were generally much more receptive to the gospel as compared to the people back here in Singapore. I would like to thank God for both this chance to use the 4SL and also journey mercy throughout the trip. In addition, I am also thankful that I was able to bond more with the YFers because of this trip. All the successfully conducted skits and lessons were also due to God’s blessings as these were a first for many of the YFers. All in all, I felt that I have grown as a Christian and I would like to thank God for this opportunity!  
~ Shuen Yi

The mission trip has been really fruitful in spite of all the obstacles that came along. From the issue of logistics to deteriorating health of fellow members, it proved to be of no issue as we all managed to pull through it. For example, when there was a printing issue which resulted in a lack of worksheet to be distributed to the students, we were able to make use of whatever resources we had. Hence, we delivered though not the smoothest but a decent English lesson. Also, in spite of the extremely long journey on the bus towards the school, no one complained and everyone took great care of one another. We were also very fortunate to be able to share the 4 spiritual laws to many students despite our tiredness and also a lack of booklets. All in all, the mission trip has allowed YF to bond more as a team and also honed our evangelistic skills. God bless!  
~ Melissa

The whole trip was a very fulfilling and enriching experience for the YF and me. I felt that they have taught us more than we taught them. While they lived in poverty, they still looked very contented. I am also thankful for Pastor and Rev Joseph Ng who have helped us in a huge way and have supported us heavily throughout the mission trip, not forgetting Mr Ponnreay for all the help with which he provided us.  
~ Joel

During this mission trip, I learnt how to communicate with the Cambodian students and I am also glad that we got to teach them English.  
~ Hur Yun

Our mission trip to Cambodia was an eye-opening and fulfilling experience. For the first time, each of us was given a group of students to teach. Teaching the Cambodian students was especially tough given the language barrier between us and them. But I thank God for giving us sufficient wisdom to converse with them in a way that helped them to understand the lessons. Next, we also evangelised to them and it was my first time sharing the 4SLs to students overseas. It was surely tiring as some of us had already lost our voice at that point of time. We managed, however, to reach out to over 300 students. I thank God that quite a number faithfully prayed with us the sinner’s prayer during the session and we continue to pray for their salvation. The hostels were far better than expected as it was even air-conditioned! We thanked Life University for their hospitality. I really thank God for this precious opportunity He has given to us. As we reflect on this mission trip, there’s no doubt that the YF has matured and grown spiritually closer to God.  
~ Timothy

The mission trip taught me that nothing is certain and we must be prepared to make changes at any point of time. It also taught me to never take what I have for granted.  
~ Yan Yi

Throughout this mission trip the YF has been able to bond even better together. We have also learnt some effective ways of getting the spiritual message across to different types of people. I think we have also learnt that mastery of a topic is essential to counter all the unpredictable circumstances that we might face.  
~ Jonathan

Overall the mission trip was fun. I have learnt some new things about the 4SL. Also, I am able to communicate better with people around me too.  
~ Gideon

This mission trip was an eye-opening experience and I am very glad to have experienced the multiple blackouts and lack of safe drinking water instead of staying in a comfortable hotel. By experiencing the normalities of the Cambodian society, we can connect with the students on a deeper level. I’m also grateful for the Lord’s provision throughout the trip and we saw His grace in everything that we did.  
~ Davina

This mission trip, despite it being the first one that the YF team has embarked on, is rather fulfilling and meaningful. Even though it does not reflect the full impact of what a mission trip really entails, it does give us a glimpse and experience on what a mission trip is all about. I believe that we will get better after every trip. With the youths’ full cooperation, subsequent mission trips will definitely be more impactful.  
~ Pearlynn

This mission trip has really put me through many unexpected situations in which I have never been before. It was always challenging to have to adapt to a new environment since anything could go wrong in such an area where there is a lack of resources, a lack of familiarity with the people and culture there, as well as a huge language barrier. I thank God, however, for seeing our team through every step of the way, and for His grace that allowed us to persevere through difficult conditions to spread the gospel and teach in Cambodia. I am grateful to have had this opportunity to grow both spiritually and mentally.  
~ Rachel

This mission trip has taught me the importance of spreading the gospel. Despite going to a Christian university to teach and share God’s word, many of them do not believe in God. However, I feel that after sharing almost three hours of gospel to the students there, some have sincerely prayed the sinner’s prayer and have accepted Jesus into their lives. I would definitely want a part of such mission trips in the future!  
~ Poh Gi

7.Closing Note

The Youth Fellowship Committee cannot express in words the gratitude we feel towards the generous contributions, guidance and support every step of the way while preparing for this mission trip as well as during the trip itself. We appreciate the constant care and concern many church members have showered on us.

This mission trip would not have been possible without the following people:

1. Rev (Dr) Andrew Tan Kim Seng (Pastor) for his constant guidance and support.
2. Rev Joseph Ng for his English lessons guidance.
3. Mr Ponnreay and his wife for his support during our time in Life University.
4. Deacon Lawrence and Sister Wendy for breakfast provisions.
5. Sister Elaine Chew for giving us the necessary first-aid supplies.
6. Congregation of Tree of Life Christian Church for their generous contributions to the mission trip funds and for keeping us in prayer.