HVMC Doctors Across Borders
HVMC has embraced St Paul Methodist School (SPMS) in Timor Leste as part of its Missions outreach and support and several of our church members have visited over the years. The latest HVMC Mission trip, from 7 to 14 September, was in response to SPMS’s request for health screening and talks for its staff — bus drivers, cooks and teachers. The team of six, comprised of one staff member, two medical doctors and three members.
From L to R: Janine, Hannah, Abbie, Gideon, Wye Mun, Tang Yin
IN CONVERSATION with husband and wife team – Dr Lee Tang Yin (TY) & Dr Low Wye Mun (WM)
Why did you volunteer to go on this mission trip?
TY: David (Principal of SPMS) and Jessie Chan and their family left Singapore on 8 Sept 2015, when they made a decision to commit their lives to Timor Leste. I have known the family even before God called them to Timor Leste and I have kept abreast of their work there. I wanted to see God’s goodness to the people of TL and SPMS with my own eyes. So when the call for a mission trip with a health/medical focus was announced, how could I say “NO”?
WM: The presentation during church service about the SPMS mission — that drew me to the possibility of offering something towards the health screening and talks. That TY was committed too made this a done deal!
How did you prepare for this trip and what were some of the challenges?
TY: The challenge was deciding what would be relevant and how to convey the medical information to the SPMS staff, in order to reach out to them meaningfully.
WM: The preparations were mainly logistical: what kind of screening, how to do it, what was available to accomplish this. We had meetings and training sessions to empower and equip every team member.
What stood out for you during this trip?
TY:
SPMS is a gated, safe environment for students to learn in. It reminds me of how our Lord Jesus, the shepherd, enfolds His sheep and keeps them safe. David’s care for his students and staff is nothing less than that. Everyone matters to him.
The privilege to have met all the staff, from teachers, administrative staff to cleaners, cooks, gardeners and drivers; to be able give all the same care, concern and medical advice just as Christ would welcome everyone regardless of social status and rank.
Interaction time with the SPMS hostelites. Being there during their evening activity time gave us an opportunity to engage at a closer level. To have fun together, dancing, singing and competing in games.
WM:
Staying in the SPMS premises for one week allowed us to become attuned to the rhythm of the school’s daily activities. It allowed us to be blessed by the easy, spontaneous, open smiles and warmth of the students as well as their eager hugs.
This was the 1st ever health screening the staff have had. It was heart-warming to witness their gratitude as well as the relief and happiness when good news was delivered; while for some, it was the seriousness of discovering issues that needed attention, with the hope of getting better.
Understanding and feeling privileged that we were part of God’s outreach to SPMS, showing care and love directly to the staff and students.
TY & WM:
The unveiling of each mission tripper’s unique God given talent and how it worked to enhance our work there was humbling. Each had his / her unique role to play as the Holy Spirit led. We all got to know each other better, learned to worked patiently and energetically together, and simply grew together – as a true team.
Do you have any take-home thoughts about this or mission trips in general?
TY: I came away blessed, seeing how one man’s (David Chan) vision, the work of his whole family, and how their faith in God’s direction and promises can reap a bountiful harvest. When God beckons, answer the call.
WM: Go and see it for yourself – bring no pre-conceived notions – just feel how God is doing works that are immeasurably wonderful beyond our Singapore shores.
You can read more about SPMS here: www.spmstl.org
Share This!
