Canberra Mission Trip: Day 4

Since it was Sunday, we got up early and got ready for church. Five of them went to Hope Queanbeyan while the other five of us (Kelvin, Tracy, Rose, Daniel and I) went to support Hope Canberra.

The church was in the middle of the city. Though it was a small church, I really admired their humble hearts. Every person has multiple roles to play and are involved in so many ministries. Imagine doing that week after week! Talk about going all out for God!

Hope Canberra's Welcome Table

Sunday Service

We were given the opportunity to help them with setting up and packing up. Rose shared her testimony to the congregation too, which was great. After the service, we attended their evaluation meeting and learned abit of how they organize things

Rose sharing her testimony

Daniel and Tracy cleaning the communion cups

Then, we went back to Queanbeyan where a big feast was taking place. The people from Hope Queanbeyan hosted the huge picnic for us. We also took this chance to celebrate Misty's birthday. As usual, there were TONS of food!!

In the evening after a short nap, we went back to Arnel's house for dinner with the Hope Queanbeyan team. Jason and a few others made Tom Yam Fried Noodles for us.

Preparing Dinner

Chopping onions :P

After that, we got the golden opportunity of asking the team any question we had in mind. Through this session, we heard what they have been through, the sacrifices they made, and most importantly why they serve God.

Listening to the sharing session

Part of the Hope Queanbeyan Team

Arnel Jr and few of us guys

Arnel Jr and Sr with the girls

We took many photos and mingled around. And finally with a heavy heart, we bid them goodbye. Though we won't be seeing them in the near future, I'm sure we will meet these bunch of God-loving brothers and sisters someday.

Canberra Mission Trip: Day 3

Got up at 6.30am and took turns to wash up. We all had toast for breakfast and later did our quiet time followed by the group discussion.

Briefing after Group Discussion

Then, we drove to Canberra and walked around the city inviting different people to church. Had a few enjoyable short chats, encouraged someone to think about life after death, and also met a very angry old lady.

Canberra Centre

For lunch we went over to the Banson's house for lunch. The family cooked up a storm for us and all of us were so bloated. Arnel introduced to us a new slogan, "NO DIET!". Pastor Nonoi shared his story with us and encouraged us to think about coming back to Hope Queanbeyan to help out and serve God here.

Lunch at the Banson's

Pastor Nonoi's sharing session with the team

Group pictures!

When we were physically filled, we headed out again to the streets of Queanbeyan and tried to invite more people to church. It was really hard because it was super hot and there were barely anyone on the streets. But it was still a learning experience that challenged us to serve even in hard situations.

After that, we bought some chocolate, fruits, nuggets and drinks for the night's youth activity. We went back for a short rest and drove to the Banson's house again.

We were there to bless the kids of Hope Queanbeyan. Jason hosted the lifegroup which started with some fun games, followed by awesome praise and worship, continued with Kelvin's very creative sharing, and ended with a fun song and prayer.

Introducing ourselves

Daniel taught us how to play Ninja

Ninja Team A

Ninja Team B

Jason hosting the night

Praise and Worship

Really enjoyed myself although I was too old for that group. Later, we ate some home-cooked food for dinner and had some chocolate fondue for dessert! =P

Having a great dinner

Kids enjoying the chocolate fondue

The three Banson brothers soon started playing some music for us and we started praise and worshipping in the living room. Andrew joined them as well and all of us had a great time singing to God.

The Banson brothers and Andrew jamming as we worshipped God

After that night, we drove back home and called it another day. Personally I found this day very interesting as I managed to do things I haven't done before, street evax and kids lifegroup. Haha, praise God for new things. :D

Canberra Mission Trip: Day 2

We started the day with a loud knock to on our door. We were actually supposed to wake up at 7am and get ready by 8am. But, we all overslept and one of our sisters had to wake us up. 

All of us quickly washed up and headed over to the girl's room. There, we had a great worship session before we went to have our individual quiet time. Then we formed guys and girls discussion groups to discuss what we have learned. I was appointed to lead the discussion which I didn't do very well. I guess it's something I can work on next time.

Later, we went to Hungry Jacks for breakfast. Managed to get 50% discount thanks to the "Shake and Win" app. When we were all satisfied, we walked over to the mall and did some grocery shopping. The rest of the guys went to collect our rental car while the girls and I walked home with the groceries.

Saved us a lot of money! :P

Walking from our Motel

Hungry Jacks for Brekkie

The girls enjoying themselves while walking to the mall

Our rented cars

We only had one activity planned for today which was the Hope Queanbeyan prayer meeting. So some of us took this opportunity to rest while others prepared and practiced for the night.

Worship team practicing for the prayer meeting

Our microwaved dinner

When it was time, we drove to the prayer meeting location. Had a short worship session among our mission team as we were waiting for the Hope Queanbeyan people to arrive.

Outside the Prayer Meeting location

I was asked to help with the visuals for the prayer meeting. It was a great experience for me because I never used the Visuals software before. Found it quite fun except when the computer shut down and couldn't be turned on for like 10 minutes. Prayed like crazy and after a while the problem was solved.

Other than that, the prayer was really powerful and we even managed to pray for the people of Hope Queanbeyan. We all had a great time worshipping God as well and when we ended the session, the pastor still wanted MORE! :D

Worship Team practicing for Sunday Service

The team waiting for supper at Hungry Jacks

After the prayer meeting, we went to Hungry Jacks again for supper. Had a great time before we went back to our motel to rest for the night. This time, we remembered to set the alarm so that we don't wake up late again! :P

Canberra Mission Trip: Day 1

Did some final packing and lazed around till Tim picked me up. He then drove some of us to the airport. And after checking in and everything, we went to Hungry Jacks for dinner. Our flight was at 7.30 and I just slept throughout the entire journey.

All ready to Go!

We arrived at Canberra Airport 2 hours later but because of daylight saving, it was already 10pm there. Pastor Nonoi with his daughter and Arnel from Hope Queanbeyan was there to welcome us. They then brought us back to our motel.

Our Canberra Mission Trip booklet

Before leaving, we had a short chat with the pastor and he told us that he was working in Coles to support the church. 

At first I wondered, why coles. But few days later, he explained that he used to be an architect but when he planted this church, he didn't want to come home with a mind that is too tired to do ministry work. So instead, he CHOSE to do an easy job which doesn't take up too much of his brain juice so that he can serve God effectively when he comes home. Working at Coles also helps him connect with the community.

Our motel room and beds

We unpacked and called it a night. As we only had 2 queen beds in each room, we had to combine the beds and someone had to sleep in the middle. Daniel selflessly volunteered so THANK YOU BRO! :P Anyway, it was a fairly equipped accomodation and we were very blessed to find it.