S.T.O.M.P 2008

As most would already know by now, I'll be going off to Kuching and Pantu, Sarawak.

After almost a year since my last S.T.O.M.P (Students Together On Mission Partnership) experience, I'm all set to embark on yet another journey (*sheeesh*... it's such a FES word, isn't it?) to the interiors of Pantu, Sarawak once more.

Having been to the first ever STOMP last year (read here), I am definitely well prepared this time around in terms of knowing what I am getting myself into both the practical and the spiritual aspects of this mission trip.
Most important thing I've learnt - PACK LIGHT! :) ... Keke...

S.T.O.M.P 2007



I'll be away for the following two weeks, June 14th-June 28th.
Which means, no floorball for the next two weeks! :(
There goes my fitness down the drain. Bleh.

What made me join S.T.O.M.P 2008?

Initially, I thought the other STOMPERS of 07' would participate again but they played me out and I was left standing alone! :(
So yea, I am the only old fry who will be going AGAIN.
I know it is not the most "righteous" reason but as I reflected deeper, I realized my passion and my interest for the Iban community still has a special place in my heart.
Stepping into a whole new world of culture and tradition has always been something I thoroughly enjoy and feel most comfortable with.
Also, since I am finally graduating from USM, it is apparent that this will be my last experience as a student to be part of FES.
FES has played a major MAJOR role in my uni life.
It has blessed me, nurtured me and it has also given me the avenue in which I was able to bless others as well.
Ending my uni life by gaining as well as to be able to contribute the little that I have to FES and most importantly, to the Iban community, was something I knew I must do.

Some friends asked me before, "Why are your reasons all so very shallow?"
Well, must our reasons always be righteous?
If we have the heart and if we get our footing right, then God will make the path righteous for us to walk on.

What exactly will we be doing in Pantu, Sarawak?

This is a short-term two weeks cross-cultural mission trip into the interior longhouses of the Iban community in Pantu, Sarawak.
For the first 6 days, all participant or should I say missionaries will undergo training.
Training covers the scope of understanding the culture, language, preparing testimony, etc.
Language would post a barrier for most of us.
In the following 7 days, we will be split up into teams, each will travel and stay at different longhouses.
At the longhouses, we basically live with them and have fellowship with them.
At night, we the students will be in charge of handling an evangelistic meeting.
A friend once asked me whether or not the people there are ready to receive the good news.
Personally, I go there with the purpose of just talking and mingling with them, forming a relationship with them.
The reality is that these people are away from civilization for most part of their lives and their children and relatives are rarely around.
So to them, it is really a breath of fresh air to have visitors like us, students, to come and mingle with them.
To see their eyes sparkle and to hear them laugh as I struggle with my Iban would make my journey worth while all over again.
Are they ready to receive?
I don't know but I do know they are ready to listen.
That's for sure.

What do I expect out of S.T.O.M.P 2008?

You know, I never actually thought about this.
Last year when I participated, I was in search of an answer from God.
He gave me the answer on the very last night I was in Kuching, Sarawak.
He kept me waiting.
This time I really don't know what to expect.
Probably direction in life.
I am still uncertain of my purpose.

How can you help?

We will definitely need your prayer support.
Do pray for:

1. Safe journey as we travel by car/van, plane and boat.
2. Protection from any spiritual warfare *Some longhouses still practice witchcraft*.
3. Good physical health.
4. The Iban community as we fellowship and minister to them.
5. The pastors and facilitators who will be training us.
6. Financial sufficiency *With the hiking of the petrol price, we are financially tight!*
7. The participants both the Semenanjung and East Malaysians as they team up - Pray for a strong and healthy bond between members.
   

Thank you in advance for your prayers.
As I blog this entry out, do know that I am in a way partnering with you people as I travel to Sarawak. Your prayer is a blessing to all of us.

Two weeks seem rather short to make an impact, doesn't it?
Yet, God created the earth in just 7 days.
Expect the unexpected,
that was our motto for last year's S.T.O.M.P and I'm still holding fast to it.

*************************************************************************
Care to learn a little Iban? :)

Here are some of the most basic sentences in the Iban language.

Nama berita nuan? - How are you?
Manah aku - I am fine
Ari ni menua nuan? - Where are you from?
Dini alai jamban? - Where is the toilet?
Udah makai? - Have you eaten?
Auk - Yes
Nemu jako Iban nuan? - Do you know how to speak Iban?
Aku nemu mimit aja. - I only know a little.
Pukul b'rapa diatu? - What is the time now?
Enggai - Don't want
Enda iboh - Don't need
Aku lelenggau ka nuan - I love/miss you
Anang manchal - Don't be naughty
Anang ragak - Don't be noisy
Ninga meh - Please listen
Nyamai wai - Delicious

And last but not least.........

Tuhan merekat nuan! - God bless you! :)



"Be courageous and strong, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous..."

^{Joshua 1: 6-7}