Preparation

The group had been preparing themselves in the month leading up to the trip. Each individual was assigned different tasks and met regularly to update each other on their progress. Some practiced the discipline of fasting and the group gathered regularly for corporate prayer with intercessors of the Covenant Vision Prayer Powerhouse Meetings every Monday. They could feel God working in them even before they embarked on this journey and as their trip drew near, many were bubbling with anticipation. A special session was held on 10 th of April where Bro Francis addressed and prayed over the group for covering and for God's favour. It felt very much like the early church where the apostles prayed for and sent missionaries out into the “harvest” fields.

Ministry

The itinerary was packed for all 3 teams. Upon reaching Batam, the group checked into the hotel and as soon as they dropped their bags, they were heading out to their first meetings, which included Betesda Orphanage, Mangsang Children's Ministry and Gekari Leaders' Meeting.

That evening, the teams headed to their second meeting. These included a Gekari Youth Service, a GBI “BCS” Youth Service, a GSPDI Outreach Meeting, a GKRI Church Service and a cell group conducted in an Indonesian home.

The next morning (13 th April) saw the group split again to minister in a GKRI Church Service, a GTDI Church service, a Gekari Sunday Service, a GKSI Pentecostal Church Service, a Pos PI Baloi Kolam meeting, a GSPDI Outreach meeting, and a GBI “BCS” Youth Service.

The group could see God's hand from the start of the trip to the very last moment. The logistics of transporting the groups from church to church alone was a feat that only God could orchestrate. Indeed, we serve a great God.

Some members were tasked to preach, some to share their testimonies, some to play games and share with the children, some to lead worship, some to act out skits. As each stepped forward to give God their time and talents, God responded by working in the lives of the individuals who sat in the services. The teams saw many come forward in response to altar calls and church leaders were encouraged to the point where they were asking for our teams to come back to minister again. It was indeed awesome to witness God at work.

Challenges

One challenge the whole group faced in their various meetings was the language barrier. Most of the Indonesians could only speak Bahasa Indonesian and although there was an interpreter at all the meetings, the team could only pray in English when the people came up for prayer. Truly God transcends even the language barrier. Even though the team prayed in English, God's love was just pouring out and many cried as they felt God touching them.

It was also interesting to see the different extremes in Batam. Some of the churches were equipped with sound systems, OHPs, full worship band with drums and guitars, and air conditioning. Yet some of the churches were kampong churches with wooden walls and no proper road leading to the premise. Some of the churches were located in shopping centres with nice car parks and others had only mud tracks. Yet, in all services the group went to, God moved.

It was a real eye opener for the students who visited the kampong churches and cell groups. They witnessed the people reaching out to God despite their physical surroundings. They were also exposed to the very real situations of the Indonesians in Batam. One of the orphanages took in children who were affected by the Tsunami caused by the Aceh earthquake a few years ago. The team could feel a sense of loss the children felt and they prayed for God's love and affirmation in their lives. Another meeting was an outreach meeting for the people of a squatter area. These people were afraid and discouraged as they were about to be relocated. When the message was delivered, many came forward for prayer and healing.

Team Spirit

One of the most significant outcomes of the trip was that the team ministered to one another. The testimonies that the team members shared were very personal, some to the point of shocking. But in each testimony, it was the transforming power of God that stood out, and that touched not only the congregations, but fellow team members as well. The group also grew that much closer to one another, with little bonds forming within the teams.

But most of all, the members were challenged to lean on God for His guidance, His promptings, and His assurances. They were spurred on in this journey as Christians, to bring the gospel of the Kingdom to those who need it most. As the group disembarked and stepped foot once again on Singapore soil, they were already talking about the next ministry trip.

God truly was the cord that bound the whole team together and it was because of Him that the trip turned out to be such a successful one. All Glory to God!

Hear from the team:

“It is always a good experience to reach out to the children, youth and people in a mission trip and this trip was equally refreshing. It is always so motivating to see God's hand at work and it really makes you want to come back to serve Him more.” - Sis Lana Tan

“It was such a Great Experimental Ministry Trip! Going with an expectant heart as we were taught, I could sense the Holy Spirit touching those I prayed for even though they don't understand English. The Holy Spirit guided me in areas to pray for. At the same time, I was so blessed as I listened to the preaching Word and testimony shared by our team members.” - Sis Alicia Chang

“I never imagined that I could be used by God in so many little ways to minister to people… to see people set free from their hurts and pain both physically and emotionally is awesome!” - Sis Chris Teo

“I saw how God's love embraces us at all times. During the altar call the whole congregation at GKSI went up for prayers and many were touched by the mighty hand of God. Sis Rachel told me she saw angels at the GKSI service. The whole ministry trip was about God's plan. AMEN!” - Bro Timothy Yeak

“I felt that each member of our team came individually focused on the cross of Jesus and corporately to minister as the Body of Christ. This personal upward relationship with God and lateral relationship with each other gave God the opportunity to meet each of us at our point of need so as to equip us to meet the needs of others we meet.” - Bro Jesudas Menon

“The worship at all 3 places, the Orphanage, Home Cell & GTDI Church, shows one thing – the hunger and thirst for the Lord! The flow of the Holy Spirit was awesome & indeed there was a spirit of freedom.” - Sis Ruby Than