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COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS: Medical Mission to Nepal
by Suzanna Lee, Chairperson of Covenant Community Methodist Church’s Missions Committee. When she was a young girl, her dream was to become a ballerina, but God led her to become a teacher and eventually a missionary to Cambodia where she served for five-plus years.
In early 2024, I sought God’s guidance about organising a medical trip to Nepal. I prayed for someone with relevant experience to assist since no one in our Missions Committee had undertaken such a mission before. Not long after, Hui Leng, a friend experienced in medical trips to Cambodia, offered her help. [BLESSING #1]
By April, the plans and budget were approved. Over the next few weeks, I invited along every doctor and nurse I knew at Covenant Community Methodist Church (CCMC), but none accepted. Feeling disheartened, I cried out to God: Did I hear You wrongly? If this trip is Your will, please provide two doctors, two nurses, and two pharmacists.
I grew anxious as neither Hui Leng nor I had been to Nepal. Unsure about leading a team, I prayed about going on a reconnaissance trip alone. On 19 June, I received an invitation from the TRAC Board of Missions for a Mission Field Development trip to Nepal, scheduled for 29 August to 3 September. God had already prepared this recce trip! Additionally, another Missions Committee member, Woon Hong, decided to join, becoming my roommate. This allowed me to familiarise myself with Nepal. [BLESSING #2]
Meanwhile, we began publicity and registration on 16 June. By 2 July, two doctors (Dr May San and Dr Kelly), one pharmacist (Iris), one nurse (Michelle), and Dr Kelly’s son Dylan had joined the team. Although assured that one pharmacist was sufficient, I continued praying for a second nurse. On 8 September, Michelle persuaded her friend Aileen, a nurse, to join us. My dream team was complete! [BLESSING #3]
On 28 October, our team gathered at Changi Airport. During check-in, we discovered all eight of us had been unexpectedly upgraded to Business Class! This luxurious start was an unexpected blessing. [BLESSING #4]
Upon arriving in Kathmandu, we attended a health talk for the girls at Sophia’s Home, led by Dr Kelly. Initially, we wondered if Dr Kelly, a gynaecologist, might be “overqualified” for the trip, but her expertise was perfect for the talk. We enjoyed singing, eating, and interacting with the girls so much that leaving was difficult. [BLESSING #5]
The next morning, we flew to Bhadrapur, the nearest airport to Vijayee Methodist Church, where our medical camp was to be held. Advised by Joe Ling, MMS’ Country Director, we secured window seats on the plane’s left side to view the Himalayas. As the snow-capped peaks emerged above the clouds, we marvelled at the breathtaking sight, capturing photos enthusiastically. [BLESSING #6]
At our hotel, we met the Singapore delegation, led by Bishop Dr Gordon Wong, who were there for the Annual Meeting of the Methodist Church in Nepal (MCN). Sharing meals and fellowship with them was uplifting, and Bishop Gordon’s prayers encouraged us. [BLESSING #7]
On 30 October, we attended the Dedication Ceremony for the newly constructed extension of Vijayee Methodist Church. Bishop Gordon and Pastor Chandra unveiled the plaque, followed by a service attended by MCN pastors, church members, and the Singapore delegation. Seeing how this small village church, supported by CCMC since 2012, had grown to fund its extension was heartening. [BLESSING #8]
The next day, we opened our clinic. Dr May San, initially worried about being overwhelmed by patients, was relieved as the 109 patients were spread evenly over two days. This allowed our doctors to provide quality care. [BLESSING #9]
While we had gone to bless the Nepali people, we were doubly blessed in return.
On 2 November, we returned to Singapore, feeling that while we had gone to bless the Nepali people, we were doubly blessed in return. Thank You, Lord!
