By Catherine Chiew
Catherine sharing (centre)
When my brother Danny asked me if I would like to go to Nepal on the mission trip, I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, I would be very happy to see my anak-anak again, but on the other hand, I was worried whether I could make it due to my physical frailty and health. Anyway, I was asked to pray about it, and before I realized it, it was already time for packing and getting ready for the trip.
Steep slopes There were a few unforgettable experiences for me. The first was being carried on someone’s back for the first time in my life. The place we stayed was at the Mission Centre at Banepa. The slopes going up to the Centre were very steep and we had to climb up and down every day. On the first day, a pastor in-charge of the Centre carried me up. At other times, one of the returnees was always at hand to help me every step of the way.
Public speaking Another unforgettable experience was standing alone in front of a local church to give my testimony of how the Lord healed me of my fourth stage cancer. I have been asked several times to share my experience as a cancer survivor, but I have never done it in front of an audience before. Friends who know me would never imagine I could do this, but I give all glory to God. Ultimately it is God who has healed me and made it possible for me to testify of His goodness and faithfulness.
Grateful The few churches we visited were sparse and humble, but they make up for the physical limitations by their hunger and devotion for God and His Word. In most places, there was always insufficient space for them to sit on the floor. Some of them even had to stand outside the church to listen during the service. I was very encouraged to see their love and dedication to God.
This mission experience has left me feeling very grateful to God for all His blessings upon my life. I realize that life in Nepal is very difficult but the people are resilient, especially those we met during the trip. They always make the best of the situation instead of grumbling. In contrast, we have so much more to be grateful for, yet we tend to complain and are not contented. 
Catherine was healed of cancer since ten years ago and is passionate about the Nepalese ministry, helping her brother Pastor Danny Chiew in Melaka Wesley Methodist Church
