Pastor's report on Sarawak

Attached here is Pastor's Joanne's report on Sarawak, for those who did not receive it (looks like she enjoyed herself too, although we made her dance! *grin* )
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Joanne Lee wrote:

The mission trip to Sarawak was like National Service!
Thank God for keeping us safe and giving us experiences that will
make a difference in our lives. We went through much physical
exhaustion, emotional stress and spiritual revival! So the word for
it is AWESOME!!! hahahahaha.... and we SURVIVED!!

Upon arrival at Sibu airport, our host Pastor Paul Landing was there
to receive us. We travelled one hour to Julau where we will be based.
In the afternoon we were divided into 2 teams. Each team travelled to
different long houses for about 5 days. Then we meet together again
and continue our mission as ONE group for the next 5 days.
In total we visited 10 rumah panjang and conducted almost 18 services
Some are deep in the interior that took 3-4 hours by perahu and some
places are spiritually oppressed

a)Physical Exhaustion:
- We had to travel much by sampan in the river. It was an open
perahu(no cover)with about 8-10 of us in each boat. Where the water
is shallow we had to get into the river to tarik dan tolak perahu!
The guys did the tough job and of course the girls just sat in the
perahu and cheer for the guys. At another time there was a heavy rain
a night before we travel. We were told that the river has become
dangerous!! We prayed and prayed! God kept all of us safe in His hand!
We had little sleep everyday and had to fight with insects, bugs and
bites every night. Many developed rash but all of us survived!

b) Emotional Stress:
The condition of different everyday long house was a bit stressful
for us at times. We had to cope with unpleasant jamban, inconvenient
tempat mandi and tidur. But everyone did well. I am sure each one has
their story to tell how they cope with the condition. Just ask them.

c) Spiritual revival
The team did their devotion on "HEBREW". Right at the start we
focused our spiritual foundation on Jesus Christ as our Great High
Priest! The team ministered in worship, skits, testimonies, preaching
the Word and minister to individuals in prayer at the end of each
service. We also encounter spiritual warefare as some places are
still bound by darkness and evil practices. There are many stories to
tell on these.... ask the mission team. It has been enriching.

Well, as we conclude this mission project to Sarawak, I pray that God
will take each one of us further in understanding the work of
mission. The field is ripe unto harvest but the workers are few.

hmmmmmm.... where shall we go next year ????


Blessings,
Pastor Joanne