Trinity’s MIT Veterans
Ban Seng: Generally, I don’t have much difficulty in terms of leave application or time commitments. For me, the most challenging aspect of a missions trip is giving up my preferences in order to minister effectively as a team. In each trip, I have to work with team leaders or members with personalities and perspectives that don’t quite match mine. I also get assigned roles that are not natural to me. However, these are all little tests that God uses to shape me. Learning to be people-centric and team-centric is a continual journey for me.
Michael: In Chennai, our team organized an evangelistic night rally at an open field. As the area gets very dark at night, we had to make sure there was enough light for the stage. We installed two lamp tubes on both sides of the stage. We also used car headlights as spotlights. As people came that night, guess what else came? All kinds of flying bugs! The bugs, both big and small, were attracted to the lamp tubes and started flying to the stage. Although some of the ladies were really afraid of bugs, they pushed on and didn’t show their fear.
Is every missions trip the same? Amanda: The spiritual climate differs in different countries. Some are more open than others and the people we encounter come from different religious backgrounds. The nature of ministry also varies in different countries and cultures. Some ministries involve large-scale evangelistic events whereas other countries are more receptive to door-to-door ministry. The felt needs of the people we ministered to also differ. What are some of the inconveniences you’ve faced while on a missions trip?
Cheryl: One of the challenges for me during a missions trip are the long journeys (ranging from 1-4 hours) on bumpy roads. I’m very prone to motion sickness and have to take necessary precautions before setting off on these rides. I am thankful that teammates offer me the better seats. Apart from their concern for me, I think they gave me these seats so that I don’t “merlion” (vomit) on them!
for the orphans and the widows, because they are close to God’s heart. It is also a reality check that the needy are everywhere and that I must be thankful for all that God has given me. Sarah: Inconveniences are wonderful experiences that God used to stretch my limits and overcome my fears and weaknesses. I experienced God and found that I have been transformed after each trip. In each trip, God’s presence is always there to empower and remind us that the people there really need God. I came back with new trophies after each trip – a new experience of partnering with God and encountering Him, learning to flow with the Holy Spirit, breaking mindsets, having more compassion for people and reaching a higher level of faith.
Given the inconveniences, what drives you to keep going out into the missions field?
Cheryl: Despite the “sacrifices and inconveniences,” I am passionate about missions simply because it is the very heartbeat of God. Whether it was 2,000 years ago or now, God’s mandate remains the same – “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matt 28:18)
Michael: For me, it is more of compassion for the poor, especially
Furthermore, missions trips are exciting! Programs change, plans
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