It took a Mission Trip to Reveal

                  Something that needed to be dealt with

By Cristal Chong

Sisters-in-law Cristal & Cindy at EFC Camp, Melaka

Going to Melaka my hometown is always something I look forward to. I left Melaka when I was 10 years old and returning home brings back wonderful childhood memories. I looked forward to this trip especially because I would be going with my parents. I thought it would be a time to relax and have quality time with them as I only see them once a year. So when my mum announced that I would be sharing a room with them and to get my ear plugs ready as dad’s snoring was thunderous, I was shocked and upset. I did not know they had a Mission trip planned for Melaka and had other team members joining them too. I thought I would have a room to myself but now I was informed that all the rooms would be occupied by the other team members!

Initially I was very resentful because it brought back past hurts of when I felt neglected as a child when my parents spent a lot of time serving in the church. I felt rejected once again that they were having a Mission trip at the expense of quality time with me. After praying for God to calm me down, I determined to serve the Lord during the trip and be a blessing to them and others. The Lord convicted me of my critical and judgemental spirit which stemmed from feelings of rejection.

Furthermore He did something in my heart when I released forgiveness to my parents and I began to see them in a new light.

As a result I felt tremendously blessed on the trip to see them serving the Lord and loving people so faithfully even in their senior years. It was encouraging to hear testimonies and see many of the people they had discipled 20 years ago in Melaka attribute their current walk with the Lord to my parents.

My respect for them has grown deeper and I am so grateful that God has given me such God-fearing, loving parents. The Lord also moved me to ask forgiveness from them for the times I was angry and hurtful with my words.

I was humbled and deeply touched at how quick they forgave me. What an amazing example of God’s grace and loving kindness.

I enjoyed the Mission trip because I had the chance to serve along-side my parents.

I learnt many humbling lessons about myself, my parents and God.

In the end, we did have a much better quality of time serving together – more meaningful and fulfilling to serve the needs of others than to just sit around, chat and drink coffee.

How true the saying

I am thankful that the Lord has restored and improved my relationship with my parents. And He did it through a Mission trip that I did not want to attend! END