Update!

Aalis na Tayo. (We will go.)

Some do it for thrills. These people do it for a good reason.

SINGAPORE – The brothers (left) have something in common with us. They are among those who get together every Sunday in a place they call their own (right), away from the noise of urban dwellings and away from the clucking of chickens. Residing in an area called Madapdap, located in Luzon Island, Philippines, they are our brothers in Christ.

A group of Singaporeans will be venturing into this area in June. Organised by New Trans-Cultural Mission (Asia), a Christian organisation, they will be spending some time with the Aetas people. Also known as the Negritos, they are the earliest known inhabitants of Philippines.

The Negritos is one of the many tribes in the Philippines. They reside predominantly in north of Luzon, where the capital city, Manila, is also located. The main language is Tagalog.

Situated at the crossroads between East and West, the Philippines has been influenced by both Asian and Western cultures. An Asian land, it was ruled for centuries by Spain, which brought European traditions and the Christian religion to the islands. The end of the 19^th century saw it brought under American control. After a long struggle for self-determination, the people of the Philippines gained independence in 1946. President Arroyo is the current President of the nation.

The six Singaporeans will head towards Madapdap on 12 June 2001, Tuesday, incidentally Independence Day for Philippines. They will spend 10 days with the tribal people, learning more about their culture and be exposed to the practical aspects of missionary work.

The team will also spend some time with missionaries over at the NTM Training Centre, discussing the struggles and blessings of church planting. They will use the book, The Stranger On the Road to Emmaus, for personal and corporate devotion during the entire trip. Each person is seeking for directions from God concerning their future.

Both Wai Meng and Pui Chen (left) will be among the six in this trip. Staying with people of a different culture is not new to both of them. Although familiar to missions work, this will be the first time for Pui Chen to live in rural settings, ministering to people in an entirely unfamiliar language. For Wai Meng, this trip will be his first mission trip under an organisation

Says Wai Meng, “I want to be exposed to missions work as it could be an area of service to God I want to consider. We may think of missions as too tough, or too simple. I want to experience first-hand what God is doing in the lives of other people.”
Pui Chen remarks, ”It may not be my first missions trip, but it is my first out in the wild. While challenging myself to adjust to extreme conditions, I want to seek God and know Him more.”

The two are hoping to raise some funds to bless missionaries working with the Aetas tribe. “Missionaries always have to trust God to provide for them all the time. We hope that we can raise some funds to aid them in their projects with the Aetas people,” quips Pui Chen.

The situation in Philippines at this moment in time is rather unstable. Having risen to power through a people revolt, President Arroyo is now trying to consolidate her power, which is no mean feat. The team is hoping for peaceful and stable conditions by the time they depart for the country.

In addition, some members of the team are not physically fit. Wendy has sustained injuries at her legs, which could hamper movement during the trip. Both Caleb and Janet have sprained their arms a few weeks ago. Only their daughter, Samantha, is fit and well enough. The team appreciates any prayers for them throughout the trip. “Please pray for protection, and God’s presence in this trip,” Wai Meng says. “We want to know God and each other better as well.”

Anyone interested in contributing to the fund may contact Wai Meng at yapwaimeng@pacific.net.sg, or Pui Chen at tanpuichen@yahoo.com.