26
HARVESTFORCE 2016 • 2
VIETNAM
TRAC-WSCS ON TRACK TO VIETNAM T
he idea for a TRAC-WSCS (Trinity Annual Conference - Women’s Society of Christian Service) mission trip to Vietnam dated back to as early as 2010 when Betty Low was our Missions Coordinator. In God’s kairos time, it took place from 16 to 20 March 2016. “To make Christ known throughout the whole world” is one of WSCS’ purposes. Partnering MMS and coming alongside International Christian Fellowship – Ho Chi Minh City (ICF-HCMC) helped TRACMary Ann Chua WSCS achieve this objective is one of TRAC-WSCS Missions and gave our members the Coordinators. She lived in Ho Chi Minh opportunity to go for missions. City from 2005 to 2010. She prays for the country regularly. Our 10-member team came from seven Methodist Churches (MC): Daisy Pang (Barker Road MC), Sharon-Anne Wong (Pentecost MC), Angelic Seah, Katherine Low (Aldersgate MC), Kan How Lau, Joscelyn Foo (Kampong Kapor MC), Vida Yap (Bedok MC), Mary Ann Chua, Tina Neoh (Christ MC), and Sandra Fong (Wesley MC). The programme was WILL YOUR prepared in coordination CHURCH COME with ICF Pastor Rev ALONGSIDE MMS — TO Leslie Lim. Dr Simon Chong, MMS Country VISIT THE ORPHANS IN THE Director, also shared SHELTERS, GIVE HOPE TO his over-10-year experience of God’s THE SICK CHILDREN, AND kingdom work in SUPPORT GOD’S IN Vietnam.
THIS COUNTRY?
We planned a low key visit, but God surprised us. At the airport, the bus which would be our transport for the whole trip, had words emblazoned on it, “Praise the Lord”, “Watch and Pray”, “Pray for Vietnam”, and “Jesus loves you and me”. The bus declared God’s purpose. During our five-day stay, we visited several MMS-NGO ministries. At the SUNLIGHT SHELTER for 28 boys aged 6-16, there was a demonstration of balloon sculpting, [Photo 3] and a talk on the importance of good education. At the SUNRISE SHELTER, the girls were taught good dental habits. We took instant photographs of each girl and the 3 caregivers. Our reward? Their hugs! The balloon sculpting activity gave great joy. The children in both shelters were treated to a KFC meal and given a hygiene kit each. Our hearts were warmed. We felt that personal relationships with the children can be strengthened by regular visits and hosting Christmas, Tet (Vietnamese New