Memoirs of Aberdeen

The moment we touched Aberdeen, we were greeted by our very excited host. But to top that up, I met someone that I have not seen for more than 20 years. I don’t think it was a coincident. It was a walk down memory lane while talking to him and his wife over the dinner table. I was elated by what God could do in a person’s life when you allow God to take His course.
The next few weeks were meeting new friends in the church, teaching and preaching. I decided to write a short journal of the summary of our visit.

Week #1
We had a seminar, a Sunday Service, seminar, ladies and men meetings. It was so exciting to see so many friends from China who wanted to learn God’s word. We felt such privilege to be able to just be there and to listen to their talk.

We realized that our friends from China loved to express themselves and they just have a gala time talking and relating daily issues with one another. I find it interesting because I have never heard so many people talking all at the same time and yet able to understand one another. I was amused altogether.

The second interesting thing was house hunting. Two of my Malaysian friends had decided to move out from their present homes and we went house hunting. It was interesting looking into different houses because each house has its own character. It did speak aloud of the owner or the previous tenants and how they had lived before moving out. It was fun!

Week #2
The house hunting continued and so was shopping down Union Street. Everywhere was sales or closing down signs. Economy was bad and people are losing jobs. I was told that there was at least 2 million people who are without jobs. It was difficult time. I saw such opportunity to reach out in times like this. When we lost all hope, may God be our lifeline; when all other fails, God remains faithful! Amen!!

We continued with church meetings and by now we got closer to the people. One interesting meeting was with the youths of 12-16 years. Young as they are, they are excited and full of questions. I have never seen a youth meetings with so many questions asked. I mean, loads and loads of questions. Pause! With so many questions, I didn’t have the opportunity to answer at all. (laugh) So we began the meeting with a tiny whiny question from me and ended with loads of unanswered questions. I closed with just sharing on how great is our God! (next week, they came and said, all their questions were answered. Strange! How did that happen?)

Week #3
Our visit was coming to an end. Our host took us to the highlands in hope to see some snow. One observation: wherever we go (I mean since we realize of this fact a long time ago), somehow that place will get warmer. And it happened this time round. Before we came, there was snow and relevantly cold. Then when we came, it warmed up and when we leave, the snow and cold came in again. So, next time if you want a warmer climate, do send a ticket to us. We will bring the heat wave to you.

The last weekend was amazing. We were invited to dinners and we felt so much love from our friends in the church. We thank God for Steven, Mary, Sharon and Susan and not forgetting Deacon, who had been such a good host to us especially to our children. Ian and Sue Anne (especially Sue Anne) wanted to stay and talked of coming back to study. Hmmm, I wonder how it’s going to work. O well, pray!

Conclusion
I thank God for a fruitful ministry; for meeting up with Michael, May and Mikayla Tayok; for all our new friends in Aberdeen; for the very special youths in the Chinese church; most of all to our host and their hospitality. All these shall be kept in our hearts for a long long time ... :-) Amen!