An Invitation to Missions

By Samuel Chong

*From L to R: Zephen, Samuel, Shane, Kwok On*

From 5 to11 March, four of us from HVMC had the privilege of going on a mission trip to serve the St Paul Methodist School hostelites in Timor-Leste. What we had expected to be a week of giving, turned out to be a journey where we ourselves were deeply blessed.

My most meaningful experience during the trip was spending time with the hostelites. Interacting with them daily during study time, meals and games allowed me to see how deeply bonded they are as a community. Worshipping together was especially moving – hey sang with great enthusiasm, particularly during the song “Tribes”. In those moments, I felt very touched as I witnessed their sincere love for God.

Their joy was something many of us experienced. One teammate, Zephen, shared how he was struck by the students’ genuine happiness, despite having far less than what we have. Whether receiving small souvenirs or simply spending time together, their gratitude and openness revealed a profound lesson for us – that joy is not found in having more, but in appreciating what God has already given. In Zephen’s words, he went to Timor-Leste thinking he was there to give, but instead found himself receiving.

Personally, I saw God working in many ways throughout the trip, particularly during my conversation with a 14-year-old boy named Anton, who was curious and eager to learn more about Jesus and the Bible. His openness was very encouraging.

Similarly, Kwok On recounted a conversation he had with a Grade 12 student, who was struggling with family conflict. He had the opportunity to pray for God’s peace to fill the boy’s heart. It was a simple yet powerful reminder that God often works through personal moments to bring comfort and hope to others.

Shane described that he saw God at work when interacting with the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) missionaries. “Many missionaries I spoke to shared that they had obeyed God’s call to serve in Timor-Leste, showing that God cares for the children, even in remote places that are far from the minds of most of the outside world. Matthew 19:14 reminds us, that ‘Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’.”

*Interacting with missionaries over meals*

Over the week, we were also blessed to form meaningful connections with new brothers and sisters in Christ. Seeing how God was working in their lives, and witnessing how they themselves were blessing the hostelites, was highly encouraging. In fact, one of the most challenging parts of the trip was leaving – saying goodbye was not easy!

I would encourage fellow church members to prayerfully consider joining future mission trips. The real blessing is getting to witness firsthand how God is working in the lives of others. As echoed by the team, even what may seem small can become a blessing in God’s hands, and through it, He often reveals more of who He is – a loving and life-changing God.

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