God's Heartbeat - Missions

Car laden with food provisions not money bags....

I must admit that it has been a long time since I was involved in any mission trip. The last mission trip was immensely heart-warming, good and left a lasting impression to my little heart. The lovely OA community there tugged at my heart and made me realised how fortunate I had been all these years and how humble they were. It made me humbled in so many ways and a better person, I guess. So, the opportunity for another mission trip was certainly a welcome soul nourisher. I just never imagine that it would be a really inspiring, humbling and a great nourisher to the soul experience. I am thankful for the opportunity to be of service once again and meeting up with so many wonderful people in the OA community and also the people in the mission team.

 

The wonderful mission team

I must admit that when I first heard the announcement that CCC Melaka would be working hand in hand with Capt Edwin Sim and his wife Sis.Lorna to support the OA community links for CCC Food Drive program, I was still contemplating whether to make a trip like this or not. Like I said, I ain’t no spring chicken and creaks plus tweaks in the bones does sound louder and crispier each time but somehow, the feeling for this one is different. I know, I know, “the heart is willing but the flesh is weak” quips does get to you from time to time, right? Somehow, I felt a different stirring inside and when that happens, it is usually for a good cause and I joined in.  I am also aware of my own volatile vocal thoughts and speech including my own shortcomings but somehow, I do love the Lord, I do love the outdoors, going back with the nature and loving the OA community in my own special way. That swayed my decision.

Our respected guide, Capt.Edwin Sim, Sis.Lorna and son, Ethan

So, as days goes by and with loads of work to finish at the office, I was really contemplating whether I am ready to shoulder the responsibility given and all that. Yes, I do questioned myself if I could help the team in any way I could. Finally two weeks before the trip, I signed up and I met up with Capt.Edwin Sim & Sis.Lorna, the dynamic & wonderful duo, in helping out the OA community. I must say, it has been a tremendous honour and privilege to be able to speak with them, shared their passion and ideas including their friendship and easy going ways. I am really amazed by such deep passion and commitment on their part which included their entire family in such a cause. I am truly and deeply humbled by what they have done, the passion to reach out and all they had gone through over the years helping out the OA community; moving on during tough times and pressing on despite difficulties and all alone in their quest at times.  Such dedication, commitment and passion are indeed rare these days and I have nothing but pure awe and respect for this wonderful couple.

Journey....

We started out as early at 7.30am on Saturday, 23/1/2016 and after a quick headcount and prayers, we were off. It was a tremendous feeling of satisfaction as I see basic daily provisions and love from the people who had contributed to this cause are on the 6 m/cars and a lorry. My heart cried out for joy as I know these provisions would go to the needy and in the hands of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

As I drove my team namely Joel, Shirley, Alex and J-Cyn ( there were 7 cars in a convoy and I was in the middle – the cars where laden with essential foodstuff and not money or bags of cash as claimed by some moronic leaders of our country! ) through the trunk roads leading the intended OA community, my heart was filled with gladness and thankfulness for the pioneering spirit of Capt.Edwin Sim & his family. They have done these acts of selflessness, good deeds and providing essential daily foodstuff for the OA community for the past 11 years! Such was the love of this couple to the people. What a spirit, really! People like the Panatua and the other people I meet in the OA settlement gave glowing tribute to this wonderful couple. 

River fun...

Their easy going way, friendly, ever smiling and good-heartedness had touched more lives than they will ever know. I am glad just to be on this journey with them and with the CCC mission team lead by Bro.Fook Meng. The CCC team comprises of a mixture of young and old but nevertheless efficiently and effectively carrying out our duties. There were the building team, the medical team, the children Sunday school team, food distribution team, music team, message team and drivers pool. It was good to see everyone working together for a good cause.

 

River fun..

I must add that in my 19 years of work travelling through the highways, byways, trunk roads, plantation roads, red earth road and sometimes difficult terrains, the journey to these places were truly challenging but made easier and accessible through the haphazardly built asphalt roads. I really could imagine roads those days when Capt Edwin Sim and his family first started out. Really salute them for roughing it out there! What a pioneering spirit – thank you for that invaluable lesson of pioneering!

Sis.Lorna, Ethan, J-Cyn,Jenny,Sophia Joy & Joo Li....

Anyway, I was assigned to the building team a.k.a the jamban team. We had a good laugh about it but the job needed to be done and it was done. Johnson, Dau Lim, Zachary, Uncle Thomas and myself made up the jamban team. What riot did we make! It was a light-hearted, full of joy & laughter including happy working bunch of bananas! Though our working condition is like a hole dug to accommodate our eventual lying place on the ground, it was hilarious working spirit that helped us complete our task. We were focused on our task to provide the very best we could though we ain’t no engineer nor specialist but we each have a heart to serve our Father above the best that we could. I must admit that I was really encouraged by my jamban team members who are fun filled people and the best part, we got the job done nicely. Though the physical body was pained, tired and exhausted by the back breaking work, it was worth every sweat broken and every energy spent in that wonderful pit.  

 

The jamban team members - Johnson, Dau Lim, Zachary, Thomas and myself.

Stopping for breather once in a while, it was heart-warming and joy in my heart seeing the essential food stuff being given out to help the families who are in dire need of them.  I do know a thing or two of how it felt to go to bed on an empty stomach when times are difficult. It was a life I once felt before but never with a grudge but hope for a better tomorrow. So, I am so glad that we can be a part of the team to help out in every way we could by giving out the essential provisions, spiritual togetherness in the love for Jesus and caring for one another despite our geographical differences. No families were missed and all that required assistance were given one. No obligations, no buts and no questions asked - If there was a need in that family, they would get the food provision bag without an aorta of hesitation or apprehension. I guess, the joy of being able to give and to be a part of that blessing was just fantastic.

 

Baung in nice kicap sauce....Yuuuummmmmmmyyy!

The Praise & Worship session, testimonies, youth service, children church service and finally, the sermon preached were beautiful, apt and tender. To stand up there and to speak a message or to give a testimony can be quite daunting at times but to speak in BM doubled up the daunting task but Hepzibah Ho, Gilbert, Shirley Kwon, Loreen, Capt Edwin, Aaron Liu and Bro.Wong Fook Meng made it all sound good. All the while, Daniel Teo and Robin together with the young people were out on their rounds handing out the goodies of provisions with the local leaders. It is a real joy seeing the younger people passionately moving about and doing their best for the Lord!

The tasty and lovely wild boar fare....yum yum yum...

I also managed to meet up with Pst.One (not his real name for safety reasons - for you may never know who & when the envious, devious and the fanatics including parang wielding thugs will retaliate ! It is serious people, serious! ) and his wife, Sis.Two ( not her real name either for safety reasons ) who had diligently and passionately served amongst the OA community for the past 11 years. In fact,for many years Capt Edwin had been working along side Pst.One and another leader, Pst. Three ( not his real name - for safety reasons ) in serving various OA communities diligently. I am even more thankful knowing that where Pst.One & Sis.Two were from and it was good to connect with them. The ever smiling, Sis.Two helped made the fishes ( baung, sebarau and lampan Jawa ) I caught tasted so much better through the banana leaf wrapping which she recognised immediately as our won shared way. I felt very blessed indeed.  Felt so at home with the open fire pit to the shelter of the night right through the river ways.  What a blessing indeed! I felt right at home…….actually…..

 

My midnight fishing crew.....Johnson, Dau Lim & myself

Another blessing which I felt worth mentioning was spending time at the river. Against the backdrop of a beautiful secondary jungle setting and mountainous view, slight breeze and rustling cooling waters, it was a welcome sight and sound when the jamban team arrived later at our intended shelter for the night. The rest of the team members had moved on earlier to Kg.Two as the jamban team had to finish up work at Kg.One that day. 

Hep and her boyz, Aaron, Joel & Alex....

With one of the elder in our car, Johnson, Uncle Thomas and myself had a riot of a time with him. We laughed, joked and there was even time for seriousness as we spoke of the plight of the OA community. The lines on his face, the roughness of his hands, visible scars and the deep tanned skin does show a seasoned man in his element of persecution, difficulties and harshness of life. I can’t imagine the difficulties and persecutions they had to go through daily especially with the local authorities and some of the hostile locals. My heart bled that day as we spoke to the elder of the persecution, cruelty and of the atrocities carried out on the OA Christian community. But I marvelled at their tenacity, patience and endurance to put firmly their faith in the Christ Jesus. I am really humbled by the experience and I know, God is a miracle working God and all Glory to Him!

Fun loving young women, J-Cyn & Loreen......

Upon arrival at Kg.Two, the sound of the river awakened my soul immediately. I immediately went for a dip as that was the most logical thing to do after sweating it out at the pit and you wouldn’t want anyone to smell your “aroma” at that time!! The water massage through the fast flowing water was the simple luxury at that beautiful place. What a great rest indeed! I felt at home and I shouted out loud in my heart,”I am at home, Lord!” I could have caught 40 winks had it not been the water splashing by the playful mission team members. Young and old alike enjoyed the time out there in the river. Dark clouds started to gather successfully signalling the imminent heavy down and we had to get ourselves out of the waters. I wished I could spent more hours there and I eventually did something which was unthinkable for a 51 year old bloke!

Simple fishes for breakfast....

At about 12.00 midnight and as I was still very much awake, I laid out the fishing net I brought for night fishing together with Johnson & Dau Lim hoping that we would catch some tasty fishes for breakfast tomorrow morning. I tell you, some of the team members were pleasantly horrified and there were genuinely concerned people about doing such a thing. in the middle of the night. With a mischievous tint in my eyes, I told myself that I am here on God’s mission and to enjoy myself – If I get to see my Lord earlier than I should, it would have been a perfect gift for me. If not, I would have some pretty nice size fishes for breakfast! Well, I guess, I could actually scare some people or make people uncomfortable when I do spontaneous things like that. To me, how often does a city dweller like me get an opportunity to do things like this which is dear to my heart as a young child then? I guess, the opportunity to re-live that day and enjoying it was just simply too much for me to resist!

Hardworking fella, Daniel Teo.....

Sleep was hard to come by as the body exhausted itself of its energy not because of the place of shelter which I would consider a very good shelter for rest, actually. I woke up early that morning and enjoyed the morning breeze as Capt Edwin told me that the mornings are marvelous times. The crisp, dew filled and clean fresh air filled my lungs that lovely morning. It was such a change and such a clean feeling. The lovely environment together with the great morning breeze helped in some many ways to beautify the surrounding landscape and perked up that early morning. The thought comes to my mind, “ Why should anyone in their sane mind wants to deprive/take over/robbed or even drive the OA community off their lands and space? “ The answer is a simple one – PURE GREED, WICKED & CORRUPTED HEARTS!  Big bullies - only in numbers that you are daring enough to do such nonsense!

 

Two young lovebirds, Robin & Jaclyn...

Anyway, I must be honest to admit that I was praying very hard to the Lord for the baung fish and when I saw a baung in the net, I was ecstatic indeed. Then when a sebarau fish appeared together with a lampan Jawa, I was more than happy. I am thankful to the Lord for providing to the wishes of an old bloke like me. What a great feeling inside! Now, everyone could have a small sample of what nature could provide if we truly maintain the beauty and eco-balance of Mother Nature. My heartfelt thanks to Johnson and Dau Lim ( OMG, he was shirtless some more! My hero,man! ) for being crazy enough to join me for the midnight, early morning and mid-day fish netting activity. 

Ever creative, Joo Li & daughter Sophia Joy

Truly I am an outdoor person and it was good to ignite those feelings again as it had been ages since I have been with Nature. Love that feeling a lot…..miss it too…perhaps missed it too much. Now, cham liao, it was difficult to answer to SLing what I was doing on a mission trip like this when I should be doing something else! Sure kena query kau-kau! Hahahahahahaaaaaaa...........

Johnson,Thomas,Dau Lim, Alex & Gilbert.....

I guess, my personal most satisfied feeling was getting everyone that was around to taste the fishes. To me, that’s God’s creation and how good it is to sample the very simple things of life out here. We take so much for granted each day and yet the simple things in life such as these fishes were overlooked for other luxuries but out here in the woods, it is the simple that is best. To see smiling, amazed and lighted up faces made it all such a worthwhile feeling. I am thankful to the Lord for providing the fishes that morning and together with Sis.Two's wonderful fish steaming skills. By the way, the wild boar cooked in kicap sauce made by Sis.Two, her daughters and other womenfolk, BEST IN THE WORLD!!! Double thumbs up!

Gentle giant, Zachary....

I am truly blessed by being a part of this team and I am blessed that somehow, all the dots of links, contacts, occurrences, conversations, meetings, services and good will somehow be connected in one way or another. That is God’s link and server, I guess. The congregation at both the kampongs were not only courteous, respectful and warm, but happy as well. The medical team were there to administer whatever they could for the good of the people and it was their first experience serving the OA community. I could see that the young people were truly inspired and full of zeal serving the cause. I guess, simplicity is their way of life and a great reminder to urbanites like us to continuously thank our blessings, be grateful and help out in whatever way we could.

 

Yeah, we complete it.....the jamban team...

Lastly, all these inroads and opportunity to contribute, serve and be of service are made possible for people like me and the team because of one man’s passion, Capt Edwin Sim, alongside with his equally loving & courageous wife, Sis.Lorna and his children, Charmain, Lara and Ethan who believed firmly in what they were doing and working alongside our Father in Heaven to fulfill the Word of the Lord , “ If you love me, feed my lambs.”. They did not literally just fed the people - their hearts, their zeal, their countenance of love, compassion, mercy and grace lighted up the entire community horizon bridging man to God and changing the spiritual landscape of the indigenous people of our nation; one person at a time, one family at a time, one village at a time and one tribe at a time. No trickery, no promises of lucrative deals,no usage of cash incentives, no arms twisting with rough house tactics, no intimidation with use of violence, no robbing of lands and what not. Just the bearing of a simple heart of God, sacrifice and trusting God for the right thing to do. Compassion equals passion. 

Beautiful rays from the sun ....approval from the One above.......

We can all do something for the OA community – you and me.  We need to stand up and offer any help we can to ensure that they do not get oppressed, suppressed and neglected just because they seemed different from us. In fact, they are not different from us. They are our brothers, our sisters and our friends living in this land just like you and me. Trying to eke out a living and trying to bring up their families to live in their own special ways.  They too deserved to have a life of their own, see their children grow up, be successful and eke out a life they can call their own. Lest not allow people to steal their lands all for name sake of developments or trickery by the use of money or even robbed their lands for namesake of agricultural cultivation. I pray that justice will prevail for the OA community and God’s restoration & favour upon their lives. Let us not just throw a fistful of ringgit and allow others to do our work. We all can contribute more than that fistful of ringgit because God had enabled each and everyone of us. The talents granted to us have been enormous. It is not about money or an excuse to give when you have a surplus in your church, your bank account, your storehouses or your coffers. It is about reaching out to lives, giving from the heart and caring like Jesus does.

I constantly reminded of this quotation and I leave this quote to your heart :

“When you have no helpers, see your helpers in God. When you have many helpers, see God in all your helpers. When you have nothing but God, see all in God. When you have everything, see God in everything. Under all conditions, stay thy heart only to the Lord.” – Charles Spurgeon

** This article is specially dedicated  to Capt Edwin Sim, Sis.Lorna & their children **

Light Hearted Humour.....

New Metal in Chemistry Chart

Name    :        WIFE

Symbol   :       Bv

Atomic Weight :          -     Light when first found….tends to get heavier over the years with                                              time

Physical Properties:   -    Boils at any time

     -       Can freeze any time

     -       Melts if treated with love & care

     -       Very Bitter if Mishandled

Chemical Properties:  -   Very Reactive

     -        Highly Unstable

     -       Posses strong Affinity to Gold, Silver, Diamond, Platinum, Credit      Cards & Cheque Books.

     -       Money Reducing Agent

Occurrence :              -     Mostly found in front of the Mirror

HUMOUR – LAUGHTER FOR THE HEART

A bookseller was conducting a market survey asked a woman: “ Madam, which book has helped you most in your life?” The woman replied curtly, “ My husband’s cheque book!”

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A prospective husband went in a book store  and asked the sales girl; “ Miss, do you have a book called “ Husband- Master of the House”?

Sales girl replied : “ Sir, Fiction & Comics are on the 1^st Floor! “

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Someone asked an old man: “ Even after 70 years , you still call your wife- Datling, Honey, Luv. What’s your secret to such endearing terms?”

Old man replied: “Honestly, I forgot her name and I’m too scared to ask her!”

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Husband said to his wife : Today is a fine day.

Next day, he says, “ Today is a fine day.” Again the next day, he says the same thing, “ Today is a fine day.”

Finally after a week, the wife can’t stand it anymore and asked her husband, “ Since last week, you have been saying ”Today is a fine day”- I’m fed up. What’s the matter?”

Husband : Last week when we had an argument, you said , “ I will leave you one fine day.” I was just trying to remind you……….

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Wife :  Shall I prepare pork knuckles or plum sauce chicken?

Husband: First make it, then will name it later.

A married man’s prayer

Dear God, you gave me childhood, you took it away

You gave me youth, you took it away,

You gave me a wife………its been years now, just reminding You…….

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A man brings his best buddy home for dinner unannounced at 5.30pm after work.

His wife began screaming at him and his friend sits in and listens in:

“My hair and makeup are not done, the house is in a mess, the dishes are no done, the laundry is still washing, I’m still in my house pyjamas and I can’t be bothered with cooking tonight! Why the hell did you bring him home for ?”

Husband: Because he’s thinking of getting married.

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A man gave his wife a diamond necklace for their anniversary and the wife did not speak to him for 6 months.

Was the necklace FAKE?

Nope! That was the deal!

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A couple was having dinner in a fancy restaurant. As the food was served, the husband said, “ Let’s eat. The food looks delicious and good.”

The wife said to him, “ But Honey…you say your prayers before eating at home.” The husband replied , “ Sweetheart…here the chefs knows how to cook and knows what they are doing…. No need for prayers…”

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Best slogan noted on a MAN’s T-shirt :

“Please do not disturb me, I am MARRIED & already very DISTURBED! “

Years go by....

Mahatma Gandhi once said this :  “Where there is love, there is life.” As I pondered over this quote, I must say that there is so much truth in that. Sometime in November, 2015, SLing and I celebrated our 26 years of marriage together. I must say that I am glad that I still survive that! Hahahahahaaaaaaaaaa………. I must admit that it would be just another day for me as I am quite lousy with dates, events and anniversaries. I guess, SLing keeps tabs on all these events as I sometimes can be quite forgetful as I aged on. Jokes aside people, the kueh teow in the head can be quite messed up after a hard days’ work or even when the stress levels are cranked up to the all-time high margin. Yup, like all normal and imperfect human beings, I tend to forget certain dates and anniversaries but I am constantly reminded by the ever vigilant SLing who would throw some daggers look or even some well meant “tantrums” so that I get the drift of things. I am thankful that at least you won’t get to read the headlines of tomorrow’s papers that screamed “Husband tied to bedpost & eaten by ants.” Hahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa……… No, it is not going to be like that la……hmmmmnnnnn…..not so sure these days……..but then again SLing won’t do such thing…..but….would she……..hmmmmnnnnn, I wonder………

Anyway, I am glad that I get to spend 26 years of my life with SLing all these years. O God!......... 26 years, seriously, 26 years!!!!!!……… Why me? Why? What have I done? Ahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaa…..that is what I love is all about, humour, actually. I realised that SLing can be quite a serious person while I can be whacky and crazy all at the same time. I guess, being 50 made me relaxed a whole lot as I just wanted to lead my life the way I wanted it to be after struggling all these years to put the family first in all things. ( still do, actually! ) This 26^th year anniversary is special for SLing and me in many ways. For the first time, we both aged gracefully and there is so much more awareness in our lives. We were able to travel overseas together after speaking about it for such a long time. We made it happen! We are also able to speak more now that we sleep less ( old people sleep less ,mah! ) plus we look forward to spending time with one another though most of the time, we do not know where to go!  Though I must admit that I am sometimes the culprit of laziness as I tend to find watching TV to be an awesome activity, really. I guess, my favourite channel is Go Asean (737 Channel) as we both gawked at the places we would want to go and jumped excitedly whenever travel program on Siem Reap appeared as we both had been there before. We became excited and all that. Our daughter used to give us the funny look whenever we both get gleefully excited about the places we have been to which was put up in the TV program. I must say proudly that SLing had been to most places in Malaysia and I have done my part of sharing these places with her. Yeah, her colleagues had tagged me as “Museum Man” after all the museum hopping we made.

I guess, in many ways, SLing and I truly enjoyed our life together. Sure, it ain’t no bed of roses nor a walk in the clouds when it comes to our relationships but we waded through it all – good or bad. We weathered the good and the bad happenings. We even stomached the sadness and the pain that we had to endure.  Sometimes, we do get hurt along the way. Sometimes, we get side tracked and angry with one another but that’s how it all would be. At the end of the day, it is that man/woman who would sleep beside you day in day out. I guess, I am blessed and thankful for SLing. Sure, my dinner meals can be technically challenging at times but other than that, it is alright. No complaints in laundry department though….clothes smell awesomely clean and good.

I guess, these are things I am thankful about. It ain’t about the money or riches that we are after as we’ve got each other and all these years, we have been thankful and blessed with whatever we have – be it little or more. I am embarking in a new journey of life with SLing and I felt blessed. No matter what I do, I am constantly reminded of good advices given by older folks and friends whose reminders are for me to live and to love always no matter what situation I am in. So glad for that, really.

So, HAPPY BELATED ANNIVERSARY, dear SLing!

Christmas On The Street - CLC style....

For as far as I could remember, spending Christmas away from home had been at that for a couple of years now. The memorable ones were the ones spent in Penang and Haadyai as we celebrated them with family and friends. I guess, I have always "missed" the feeling of serving the community which my family and friends had done during TOP (Tabernacle of Praise) Church - "Christmas with the Community" project a couple of years ago. After all, Christmas is not about Santa Claus, presents and all the commercial stuff one has to accept. Christmas, to me , is about meeting the needs of the needy ones, the hungry , the less fortunate, the drunkards, the lost and even the sinners. That is the spirit of Christmas. 

I am so glad that City Community Church of Melaka are doing their part and meeting that need every year in providing for the needy and the less fortunate. I guess, when I was asked by my son, Joa Wee if the family would like to help out during City Light Church (CLC), Penang - Christmas On The Street program, we readily accept. Even my sister, Lee Lee who is a non-Christian, was willing to help out in whatever way she could. That was heartening indeed, for me. 

I have come to realise that CLC is a young and vibrant church. I must say that the youngish looking pastor, Pst. Daniel is truly passionate about moulding young lives. I soon realised too that SLing and I are truly the older guests of the church and it was common to hear the younger people addressing us as uncle and auntie. Never mind about the older folks tag line but what is important is that how are lives transformed and what is the heartbeat of the church. 

As we are just guests of the event, we (SLing, Lee Lee, SYuen and myself ) wanted to do our part to help in whatever way we could. So, we decided to wait for Joa Wee to assign us the works. It was bright and early morning that we started out that Christmas Day morning with a bang - Rawa thosai & tea at Top One Restaurant first! Hahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa............then , it is a walk to the church before we helped out in the clothing distribution section. 

We were greeted warmly by Pastor Daniel and we immediately did our part to help in the Clothing Distribution Section. The Food Section was in full swing with satay sticks on the grille while the cooks were preparing the spaghetti with sausages meal in packed container. Cordial drinks were made and and the stage was set up nicely indeed under the nice canopy. Potato bread and souvenir pack with several daily essentials were packed in the souvenir bag. Boy, it was blistering hot that morning. There were already people at the canopy by 9.00am that Christmas morning when the event was scheduled to start at 10.00am. 

Sensing the needs of the people that morning, Pastor Daniel had asked the team to start serving the people at about 9.30am. The team were in full swing of action. It was heartening to see young people taking up the challenge for this event and what is more touching is the fact that the young people go out of their way to bring in the needy and the less fortunate. To top it all up, free hair cut were given to the people by four professional hair stylists who were there on their own accord to provide that service to the community. It was really good to see the young people doing all that.

For me, I just did what little I could in ushering the people to the canopy, wishing people " Merry Christmas" and speaking to whoever who stopped by to ask what was the event all about. I really do get excited every time tourists or just curious bystanders asking about the event. It was my opportunity to share what I know about this event to them and then send these people to the CLC PR team or Pastor Daniel to speak about this event. I had the privilege to speak to a British national named Kate who works with underprivileged people in Cambodia and she seemed very happy about the entire event. I introduced her to Pastor Daniel thereafter and a couple of other visitors whom I had the opportunity to speak to like a young friend in Jay and his friend, Siau Chen. It made me happy being able to speak to people and ushered them to a great event of giving back to the community.

It gives me great joy in my heart to acknowledge that the young people of CLC are truly walking  the walk and do the work. So often, we hear of great events which fizzled out after some time. Hopefully, with the right vision and knowing the heartbeat of God in caring for the needy would be met by these young people of CLC. 

The amount of satay was never ending while the loaves of potato bread to be given out were in abundance. I was told that these are sponsored by kind souls in terms of cash and kind ; being out in good use. Bravo and well done, indeed, people of CLC!

What tugged my heart that day was the scene of a young CLC member on motorcycle ferrying an old lady to the event. That old lady was obviously having difficulty in walking. This young man actually took the trouble to ferry her to the event and with the event pamphlet taped at the four corners with masking tape on his t-shirt! Talk about passion! Talk about commitment! Talk about serving! That is a sight I treasured the most.

The other memory in my heart was the hair cut given to this old lady by one of the female hairstylist! What a great great job she did! You could see the old lady smiling from ear to ear looking so much younger and alive......Yunno, the hairstylist could have just given this lady a simple hair cut and be gone with it but the fact that it was done well really made an impact to me that day. The best part was that everyone who had their hair cut that day - male or female looked absolutely clean and fresh! What a great job by all four hairstylists!

What about the young people directing the traffic! It was a pretty hot morning and these young people really do the best they could and it was heartening indeed to see them directing the traffic. As the chairs were filled with people from all walk of lives, they get served by this group of young people. It was heartening and humbling to see that! 

I believe there is hope in these young people. I believe in what I saw that morning. Five hundred and seventy people were fed that day and it was a mammoth task for such a young church led by a young pastor in Pastor Daniel. But you know what...they did it. They did it with flying colours and with great strength & passion...together. That is the real strength of CLC. 

I can only thanked GOD that day for being present to witness such a glorious event carried out by young people! It is hard nowadays to see the young people doing things like this. I must say that Christmas Day that morning made my heart warm all over again. These young people gave me hope that there is still people out there who cares for the needy and the less fortunate - not just throwing a fistful of dollars and heaping loads of wishes through lip service.......

Yes, we will always have the poor amongst us, but we can always do something about it, right? So, to Pastor Daniel and City Light Church community - THANK YOU for the opportunity to be part of this event and sharing your lives with the community!

Sinalau Bakas...

One of the interesting food that I come across while plying along the Tamparuli – Ranau road was 'sinalau bakas' which simply means barbecued wild boar. This was truly an unexpected load of goodness and fun. Of course, some of my students told me that the wild boar meat could have been easily substituted by the actual local boar itself but the one I had was authentically wild boar because I know the taste. It is gamey, chewy at times and slightly tougher than the local boar itself but nevertheless, good & pleasurably edible.

We chanced upon sinalau bakas while we were travelling back from Ranau and we did passed by some stalls then but it wasn’t that attractive enough to make me wanna stop the car and try it. Sure, there were plenty of smoke and some nice looking pieces out  there but somehow, the lure wasn't tempting enough. So, I rode on without battling an eyelid.

It was on the urging of Rusni and SLing that we finally made a stop at one of the stall along the Jalan Tamparuli- Ranau route. By that time, I have had no “sasau” meat in my system and I am almost on the over-drive of shock and hypovolemic shaking due to withdraw symptoms of not having any pork in my system! hahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa………….. So, imagine my relief when we made that stop for the sinalau bakas, man.

There were three stalls there and we chose the centre one as the pieces were already on the grill and people seemed to go there. As I arrived at the stall, I could see and smell that wonderful choice cuts on the grill. They were simply in glistening colors of pinkish red and I could see any rib meat pieces as they were bought by a local young lady who carted them away when we arrived.

I analysed the simple brick grill which was three layered. The hot coals were at the bottom section while smoke goes through freely on the meat while the distanced fire/coal cooked the meats slowly but surely. Yup, that seemed yummy enough for me. The next thing was to choose the cut. Rusni picked for us the leaner side of the meat and it was fine for me. I did not want the moving oil part nor the oily goodness as the trip to the doctors this time could be costly in the future. But whatever it is , eat first and oiled the vessels nicely…..hahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaa……..Just wanted to know what sinalau bakas is all about.

The seller, a young lady cut up a good portion that cost us RM 5.00, sliced it up nicely, placed it on a special fish grill contraption, sprinkled some salt, pepper and grilled it for a few minutes. The anticipation was killing me as I looked lovingly towards the other cut pieces on the grille. Finally after about 3 minutes, the meat was done and they were put into a container with some sharp toothpicks to go with. There was even a splash of diluted very potent chili sauce to go with it.

We took it to the car and I was the very first to take a good dig at it. Everyone waited for my answer……all I could say was …… FANTASTIC ! The taste was absolutely spot on. The hint of salt and pepper made the meat so much tastier, actually. The slight char on the top and the pinkish succulent meat was heavenly, I must say.

 SLing took a dig at it and so did Rusni. Apang wants no part of it due to religious conviction despite us teasing her crazily!  They agreed that it was really good to have that wild boar piece. Yeah, I really love the wild boar meat or sinalau bakas……truly food for people like me who are meat eaters lar…..

I remembered skewing up 3 pieces in a row and my trusty co-driver, Rusni was there to feed me then. They all laughed as I told them my vision had suddenly sharpened while my body parts and systems seemed to be functioning at excellent level after the input of sinalau bakas. I told them it was the new found magical and potent energy level source for me! They could have sworn that I was happier and more energetic after consuming sinalau bakas!

Well, all I could say is that it was truly an experience I must thanked both Rusni and SLing for asking me to pull over the road to have a sample of it. If not, I would have missed the best food in the world that Sabah can offer! Yeah,man – Die Die must try one!

Land Below The Wind - Day Three

Good morning, Sabah! This is day three and aftermath of the reunion. Our program this morning would be to go to Tamu Kota Belud and re-visit my very first posting, SMK Tenghilan. If possible, we will try to meet up with as many ex-students as possible at Tamu Kota Belud. SLing and I were kinda excited to go to tamu ( a.k.a. pasar pagi in Sabah ) as there would be a variety of food stuff, vegetables, handicraft and many other things sold there. It is a place where the locals would meet, share a puff of rokok gulung ( local tobacco blend is still the best smelling ever ! ) or even catch up on daily lives. For us, it was a 53.4km car ride and we were ecstatic about the journey as usual. 

That morning, the sun was blistering hot as usual and the journey was good. We passed through the small kampong in Tamparuli and Tenghilan. I could still remember those kampongs nearby Tenghilan town and after an hour or so travel, we arrived in Kota Belud town. Nothing much had changed but there were some visible changes structurally. Apang suggested that we go to one of her favourite mee sup ayam stall tucked in one corner of the shophouses.

All of us instaneously agreed as our stomachs were churning out WWF Royal Rumble sounds and we could all eat a horse for all I cared! Looking for a parking spot along the narrow roads can be quite challenging and daunting. Nevertheless, we managed to get one and I had to re-parked the car twice sparking the debate “ where did you get your licence?” jibe. I proudly announced to my detractors that “ I got my licence from Kota Belud, yessirree! “

Tamu Kota Belud

Yup, I actually passed my driving licence exams ( practical driving and all that ) while taking them in Kota Belud. My instructor was one Tn Haji fella whom I am most grateful with as he was most patient with our group despite his car landing twice in the workshop for car crash against a ditch and car crash against a stall! Definitely I wasn’t the driver for both that occasion – it was someone else!

Anyway, upon arrival at the mee soup shop, there was already a crowd there. We had to wait patiently to be seated and also to get our orders done. Obviously, this was one of the popular shop for mee sup ayam. Yeah, there are no pork served in most stalls around Kota Belud except Chinese stalls, I guess. We were finally seated when a couple and their 5 children left the table. It was a pile of mess on the table, actually. The poor shop assistant had to clean the table properly for us and I could see the piles of chicken bones, rice, tissues etc.etc. Apang told us that their speciality was the mee sup ayam and that was what we wanted.

Yunno what, the taste was really good. The soup/broth was really very good and the accompanying mee/ mee hoon and chicken were equally good. The clear and sweet tasting broth made it all so worthwhile to sit and sample this simple fare indeed. With stomachs full, we headed towards Tamu Kota Belud which was quite jammed with people, animals, cars and vans. It was so lively there and the colors, sights and sounds were fantastic. This was just one of the regular tamu of the month as I am told.  The Tamu Besar would bring in more crowd and more stuff and this is usually held once a month.

Anyway, a stroll along the tamu revealed quite a lot of food stuff being sold. I especially like the colors of the local kuih and delicacies; looked interesting especially the panjaram kuih which was in quite some flavours. Then it was off to the tobacco stall for me as I smell the aroma of the local tobacco ; yeah, sweet smelling and some can be quite expensive. I was told that there would be samples given to a prospective buyer and they would roll it into rokok daun and then sample it by lighting it up. The buyer will then buy the blend he/she wants.

Quite an industry here in Sabah, actually. When the women went to the nearby washroom, I managed to ask a seller to tell me about the blends and he took the trouble to show me some of the blends and the prices for it too. He showed me the better blends, density and all that plays a major part in getting the best out of your puff. He offered me a good pinch of the better blend but I declined telling him that I am a non-smoker. He seemed puzzled but later he smiled when I explained to him that I quit smoking a long long time ago but I still remember how good the blends were when I was in Tenghilan, Sabah then.

We then walked along an array of vegetables and dried fish stuff. There was an interesting array of salted fish on display and on sale. The ikan talang salted fish was the more popular one followed by scores of ikan merah salted fish, ikan sulip salted fish, ikan kerapu ( garoupa ) salted fish and ikan tenggiri ( Spanish mackerel ) salted fish. Rusni bought a very nice cut piece of ikan talang salted fish for RM 16.00 and 1kg of ikan sulip salted fish for RM 14.00 ( about 5 pcs ). Apang chose for Rusni the fish pieces as this was her place and she does have a good eye for fresh & good salted fish pieces. This fire brand Apang can be quite a task for sellers as she haggled for prices and quantity! Love that spirit in her, really! She will not entertained any excuses from the vendors to make any extra buck off her as she knows her prices well enough – what a lady! She always gets the best prices for us , the quality & quantity too!

We finally met up with Betty Pigi, another one of my ex-students at the handicraft area. She now owns a small stall and a bakery stall along Kota Belud route to Kota Marudu if I am not mistaken. It was good to see Betty after all these years. SLing and Apang was bargaining with some of the handicraft traders as Rusni and myself talked to Betty. I could see that Betty was really tired and stressed due to her work and so on but it was nice of her to drop by to meet up with us. We then invited her to take a memory trip with us to SMK Tenghilan which she happily did. On our way out of the tamu, we met with Apang’s sister and we were introduced to her.

They seemed so alike and I was glad to make her acquaintance. I also met up with Fredoline , another ex-student, husband of Apang’s sister. We decided to have a drink and have some fellowship time before proceeding down memory lane in SMK Tenghilan. It was good to catch up with Fred as he is popularly known. Humorous, friendly and fun fella is how I would described him while Apang’s sister was always smiling and quiet. A great compliment to one another , actually. Great couple and great people.

We parted after the drinks as we headed towards SMK Tenghilan. Upon reaching Pekan Tenghilan, SLing and I felt very nostalgic as the old shophouses were there. The old billiards shop was still there ( many fights broke out here ! ) while the old grocery shop was still there. Adorning the side and back of the row of shophouses were the new brick buildings and nicely done up tamu centre. We drove straight up to the security post and Rusni explained to the guard on duty that we just wanted to visit the school we once taught some 20 years ago and we were given permission to do so.

I must say that the tar road leading up to the school was horrendous and filled with potholes but it will not deter us from getting to the places we want to go. We immediately drove up to the apartments we once shared. It was really nostalgic for all of us. The feeling of being there was so surreal and I really enjoy staring at the field below. The place where many winners and losers were made but solid character were built. I told Rusni and SLing that we poured our blood, sweat and tears down there on the field. Rusni shook her head in agreement and there was just an overwhelming feeling that moment.

We then went up to the apartment and found the apartment to be in a bad shape despite its makeover. We were told earlier by the guard that the building had been repaired but deemed unsafe during the last quake shake. Rusni had exclaimed that it would be nice to be able to get into her unit once again to have a “feel” of things and I told her I would obliged her if she would patient with me as I picked the door lock. Sweating slightly due to the humid conditions, finally, I got the door open and the smile & joy on Rusni’s face says it all. No need for words at that moment.

SLing told me then , “ Ivan, you are back being naughty again,huh? “ and then she smiled in approval. I guess, my little way of thanking Rusni for the hospitality she had shown us all these days we’ve been in Sabah. It was good to be at the places we used to stay and shared our lives with weekly barbecues, food sharing time, fellowshipping and even a cup of coffee when the lights were out then. The good and bad we had experienced at this place really helped us grow as individuals and friends. 

We then toured the school where we taught the students and so much had changed. I remembered standing at the assembly stand and it was still there. We photographed as much as we could and remembered as much as we could. What a transformation…what a change….there was even a new Form Six block at the back section which was once an empty barren land. So much had changed and for the better , I guess.



As I walked through the corridors I once used as a teacher, I felt good that I had in a very little way contributed to the success of this school. There was so much joy in my heart and SLing shared the same feelings with me. The thoughts that ran through my head was , ‘” Did I make a difference while I was here? “  “Did I do my best at this place? “ “ Did I enjoyed every moment I was here ? “  My answer was simply “ YES, I DID!” That’s all that matters, right?

 

We then toured the hostel which brought a lot of memories for Apang and Betty Pigi. It was good to see those two giving their comments and anger too towards the not so nice girls hostel accommodations. It shows that they care and they really do care. It was good to know that some things don’t change in these girls! It was hilarious for me to see them fussing around as if they were still in school!!!! We bid an emotional farewell to Betty as she would not be able to follow us to KK as she had to head back to Kota Belud for her preparations and so on. We then headed out but not before SLing exclaimed that the Pusat Kesihatan Tenghilan she used to visit while carrying our son, JWee in her tummy, was still there. I stopped to photograph the PK Tenghilan and SLing exclaimed how “wicked” I was to let her walk all the way from school to the PK Tenghilan. It was one experience she would not forget as she was a young mother then.

We reached Tamparuli town in no time and we visited the Jambatan Gantung Tamparuli which we had missed all these years. It was really good to be able to be on the suspension bridge and I could see the road below which was flooded all the time when heavy downpour hit Tamparuli town those days. It was all very nostalgic but I enjoyed every second of it.

In the night, we had the grand opportunity to be with Rusni’s family for Christmas Carolling session. It was an opportunity that we would not miss but as it was a private family thing, we did not want to intrude. But when Rusni invited us to go to her place to share this special moment, it was an honour indeed to witness such a symbolic carolling session.

Portion of the scriptures were read by the carollers and also by Rusni. Then the song of praises were sung and followed by the blessings to Rusni and her household. What an experience indeed! Earlier, we had the chance to sample home cooked meal of chicken curry, vegetables and the salted fish bought from Tamu KB earlier in the day. There was so much laughter and fun in the house. Rusni’s mom was such a sweet lady despite her problem in remembering things from time to time. I enjoyed the time of fellowship there as I met another one of my ex-students, Fredreck Kantod who is Rusni’s brother–in-law. There is really a real human connection somewhere and some how in Sabah …..haahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaa…..someone and everyone is somebody’s family member, right? Scary, isn’t it? Hahaahahaahahaaaaaaaa....

Anyway, it has been a long, tiring but fruitful day indeed. The day had been filled with goodness throughout and what more could anyone asked for. As I lay down my head that night, sleep comes easy for me as though I am put to rest that everything is gonna be alright….and is alright……………

Yeah, it is gonna be a real fine day indeed……tomorrow.