FROM WAITING TO WONDER:

A First Mission Trip and a Lesson in Childlike Faith

by Vivienne Choong. She worships at Pentecost Methodist Church and serves in the Women’s Society of Christian Service. She is married with three grownup children. She loves to collect mugs from every country she visits.

I remember a “Year of Missions” in church many years ago. Every member was encouraged to join a team and go to a mission field of our choice. Back then, I was a young Christian, full of zeal for Christ and eager to obey the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18–20. But due to family commitments, the dream of going on a mission trip had to be put on hold.

Over the years, many of my friends returned from mission trips with renewed faith. I often found myself praying, “God, have You forgotten me? When will it be my turn?”

But God is faithful, and He never forgets us.

The Call and the Questions

This year, God opened the door for me to finally step out into the mission field. Was I ready? Not quite. I wrestled with self-doubt. Am I qualified to lead a team? What do I have to offer? I found myself overwhelmed by uncertainty.

Yet amid those questions, God reminded me to rely not on my own strength or understanding, but on His power and calling. He equips those He calls.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

With God’s assurance and the prayer support of my church, pastors, and the ladies of the Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS), which I chair, I said “yes”. I led a team of eight ladies to COSI and Odem in Cambodia.

Meeting the Children at COSI

We stayed at the COSI Children’s Village and spent meaningful time with the children, whose ages ranged from 5 to 15. Each had a unique personality. Some were bubbly, others more reserved. However, many shared a common background of loss, anxiety, and a longing for stability.

We planned fun games, crafts, and Bible lessons about Good Friday and Easter. We were in awe of the children’s creativity, especially in the crafts they made.

On the final day, we gave an altar call for those who wished to receive Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour. To our amazement, every child came forward for prayer. We saw a beautiful harvest. Praise the Lord!

Even the adult helpers ran forward to be prayed for. In that moment, I realised the lesson wasn’t just for the children—it was for me. God was teaching me about childlike faith. He desires us to come to Him with pure devotion, complete trust, and simple obedience.

“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

If we want to truly experience the kingdom of God— where there is no sadness, sickness, or hatred—we must become like little children again.

A Sunday at Odem

Before wrapping up our trip, we visited Odem, also known as “The Third Place”. We attended the Sunday service, where one of our team members shared a message on love and relationships. The day ended with heartfelt testimonies of God’s goodness, prayers for life’s challenges, and deliverance from spiritual bondages.

The women there placed their trust in God wholeheartedly. Their stories encouraged me to look beyond my own circumstances and fix my eyes on Him. He will take care of our every need.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

The Mission Within

This was my first taste of short-term missions. And I’ve learnt that God can use anyone to proclaim the Gospel and His Kingdom—even me.

As His vessel, all I can do is fully surrender and say, “Lord, here I am. Send me again.”

Because mission is not just about going out to serve others. The real mission is in my own heart.

The real mission is in my own heart.

About Community Outreach Services – Immanuel (COSI) Children’s Village, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

A children’s home established by MMS for orphans or children from poor, difficult, and challenging backgrounds. It provides an opportunity for holistic development so that the children may attain their fullest potential. To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/100064024061134 or contact us today.

The Third Place, Odem, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

A place of beacon of light and hope, that reaches out to the factory workers and neighbourhood with the love of Christ. This is a missions collaborative partnership project with Toa Payoh Methodist Church.