KEMAMAN VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2015

A Report by Dn Tai Mern Yee

 

 

We would like to thank and praise the Lord for seeing us through the Vacation Bible School (VBS) held in Kemaman Life Bible-Presbyterian Church, 25-27 November 2015, running on the theme of “Be Like Jesus”. The team comprised 10 brethren: Dn Charles and Jenny, Bee Heng and Yee Fong, Samuel Eio, Jocelyn Chng, Tan Kee Sing, Jason Lim, Mr Pang and me.

We faced not a few challenges and trials but God helped us overcome them all: Dr Wee’s sister from another town had passed away just before the VBS, it was the first time The Lighthouse was to be used for any church event and preparation was still in progress, a number of us had FEBC exams to complete right before, and the flu bug and hoarse voices had afflicted a few of us as well. However, the Lord saw to it that Dr and Mrs Wee could return to Kemaman on time, The Lighthouse was adequately prepared and furnished, the team had time to do some preparatory work before departure and He also preserved our health.

Despite a number of large suitcases, we managed to find space for them on the public buses. Thank God that we could arrive at the Larkin bus terminal on time despite peak hour human and car traffic, snaking bus lines and causeway jam. The equipment and materials brought were well used, some for impromptu games held on the second day afternoon as rain scuppered plans for the outing. God provided for every need.

More than 50 children aged 3 to 18 attended the VBS on the first two days, and about 30 on the last. The majority were non-believers. A large number grew up under difficult circumstances, which included absentee parents, broken families, school drop-outs, one 15 year old was helping at his family’s noodle stall, having given up on his studies. This environment is totally different from what we typically experience in Singapore. I believe the team felt totally inadequate, and could do nothing, but to rely on God and His Word. To quieten the rather boisterous children, we began each day with the daily public reading and explanation of the Ten Commandments; reminding the children where they were, what they were to do and how they had to behave.

The team also had to ensure the smooth running of activities such as tea breaks. The good intentions of the Kemaman brethren meant that there was abundant food at all times. Some parents had allowed their children to come only because they knew there would be lots of food for their children. It was left to the team to stand between the always-hungry children, and the Kemaman brethren eager to provide. It was not easy, but the team had to instil some discipline so that the focus was on partaking Jesus, not the meat that perisheth.

Praise the Lord for a number of children who professed Christ. Immediately after, a few of them started shedding tears of fear. They were fearful of the repercussions: persecution at home, or not being allowed to attend the VBS or Sunday School anymore. Some confessed that their parents warned them before sending them to VBS that they had to remember that their families were to remain true to the idols on the home altars: 我们是拜神的! Our hearts went out to them, and we had to comfort them and encourage them through the Word; we prayed with them, and entrusted them to the Lord, holding to the promises that God would preserve His children. It was most difficult and heart wrenching to see the fear in the eyes of these little ones who had professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

All in all, the challenges in Kemaman are enormous and abound. Dr and Mrs Wee are getting along in years. The church is very young and members immature in faith. Children leave the town for greener pastures in the capital or abroad. The ground is hostile against Christianity. Families and parents behave and teach contrary to everything taught in the VBS and only allow the children to come to the VBS for free food, childcare and English lessons. Weekends in Kuantan were for more important things than keeping the Sabbath.

Nevertheless we thank the Lord for a faithful witness there, and we pray that God would continue to use Kemaman Life BPC for His glory. Please pray for our brethren and the work there.

Here are testimonies from the teachers:

“Praise the Lord for giving us the privilege of sharing the gospel with the children in Kemaman, as well as teaching them about Jesus and the example that He had set for us while He ministered on this earth. The Lord, in His grace and mercy, saved a number of children during the three days of VBS. What a joy it was to witness God’s work in drawing these children unto Himself. Truly, salvation is of the Lord (Jonah 2:9).” Joycelyn Chng

“I am thankful to the Lord for the grace and mercy that He has shown to us throughout the recently concluded VBS to Kemaman Life BPC. There was great joy in seeing the kids listening attentively to the teaching of the Holy Scriptures and learning the importance of believing and trusting in the risen Saviour. We rejoice much for the handful of children who professed Christ during this VBS, and pray that the Lord will continue to bless them and keep them. In sharing the gospel to the children, and teaching them about the importance of being like Jesus, I was personally reminded of the salvation grace that my God has given to me by His mercy, and how I ought to respond to His great love by showing Christlikeness in my words, thoughts and deeds.” Jason Lim

“The Lord granted us much grace and wisdom to discipline the children and this made teaching and doing other activities manageable. We could see that the children submitted to the teaching and discipline because they knew what was required of them were stated in the Bible, in the Ten Commandments, which was read to them every morning. We could see how children quietened and behaved themselves as they gathered for singing, lessons and other activities, all these were possible because the Living and True God was in our midst and his Holy Spirit was working in the hearts of the children.” Jenny Kan

“I thank God for providing every need of the VBS and protecting us as we travelled. The most memorable time was when the Lord prevented us from danger when our bus nearly hit into a cow as we travelled back. We could have become seriously hurt considering the high speed we were travelling at. I thank God that he gave rain on the day of the planned outdoor activity. Due to the heavy rain, he showed how He had provided for us as the extra VBS stationery and game sets that sister Yee Fong had been moved to bring were immediately put to use. Surely, God had shown us that his plan and way was the best for us as we had the time to speak to the children individually and informally to reach out to them with the Gospel. Furthermore, He reminded us that despite the storms in our lives, He continues to abide with us as we depend and trust in Him.” Tan Kee Sing

“The children in the age group of 3 to 7 years of age (the class which we were attached to serve) were an energetic and a vocal bunch. Though from nonbelievers’ background, these young ones were generally receptive to the preaching of God’s Word through the lessons that had to be carried out with a firm but loving hand. When the gospel was presented to these children, a few older ones would raise their hands to indicate their desire to invite Jesus into their hearts as their personal Lord and Saviour. Praise the Lord!” Bee Heng & Yee Fong