Life-ing in Melaka
By Susila Krishnasamy
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” (Psalm 133:1)
L-R - Front: Susila, Jeff; 2nd row: George, Sachi, Pat, May; Back row: Jenny, Bala
Our life group members comprising four couples - Jeffrey and Jenny Bose, Sachi and Pat Saurajen, May Oon and George Filmeridis, Bala and I - decided that besides our regular study sessions and meal gatherings, we should travel together as a Life Group. It was for the purpose of an extended fellowship; as our LG leader Jeffrey always says, “We are doing life”.
On the day of our departure, on 24 May, we were all excited for our two vehicles to pick us up at 8 am. Unfortunately, there had been a miscommunication and only one car was heading to pick up the other 4 members. Our group was stranded without a car, and we had a frantic 65 minutes of messaging and calling. But just as despair crept in, God “made a way” and a driver who had just dropped off a passenger in Singapore, was available. What seemed like a stressful moment became a lesson in trusting God’s timing. He didn’t promise smooth roads, but He did promise to “uphold us with His righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). That morning, we learned something new: even delays are divine appointments. Both cars arrived at Baba House, our accommodation, at the very same time, though our car had left 45 minutes later.
Our four-day getaway was a time of deepening bonds, shared conversations and joyful fellowship. We experienced God’s grace through worship, with us attending Sunday service at Wesley Methodist Church Melaka.
Some of the sweetest fellowship happened around the table, savouring Melaka’s famous nonya dishes, and lingering over meals where food (perhaps too much), stories and gratitude flowed freely. Of course, time was made for a durian feast on one of the afternoons, as some of us indulged in the “king of fruits” at a farm. Yet even this became a lesson in joyfully embracing life’s diverse flavours, much like the unique gifts within our church family. These moments reminded us that sharing a meal is more than nourishment; it’s a celebration of God’s provision and the unity we share as brothers and sisters.
As our bags filled up with Melaka goodies - bak chang, otah, gula melaka, spices – and handicraft like manik shoes and baju kebaya, each item was a tangible reminder of God’s generosity and the richness of our time together. From the first prayer to the last meal, this trip was a tapestry of answered prayers; laughter that warmed hearts, conversations that deepened faith, and simple acts of kindness that mirrored Christ’s love.
We returned home with hearts full of gratitude – for the food, the flavours, the camaraderie and above all, the sacred joy of doing life together in God’s family. Until the next adventure, may we continue to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8) in every season of fellowship.
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