Reece trip to Berastagi 2-5 Dec

This is probably my last overseas mission trip for the year 2022. But I must say this is one of the best trips I have had in this year. 

The purpose of this trip was to see the possibility of a partnership between HighPointe Life in Klang and Elim Kiros in Berastagi in starting a CP training program in Berastagi.

Gaddiel and I from PEC, together with Pst Stephen and Bro Inderjit from HighPint Life went on this trip for this venture. We rendezvoused  at Kuala Namu Airport in Medan on 2 Dec and from there took a 3 and half hour drive to Berastagi. This is my first time trying out the van ride. It was cramped and squeezy but we managed to reach our destination without any physical complication🤣. Next time we will look for other means.🤔

We were hosted by Pst Ezra and his niece Flora at Berastagi. Pst Ezra is the senior pastor of this church which has about 400 members and a number of outreach work in different places. I have known Pst Ezra for many years since the time he was in Singapore for his theological training. Today, in addition to his church, He also runs a children's home, a school and many other ministries in Berstagi. He has an amazing story of how God raised him up from humble beginnings to the present. It will be too long to cover in this blog. Maybe he should write his own book.👏

The weather in Berastagi was cool and lovely, surrounded by lovely mountains and nature at its best. How majestic is God's creation and many times we miss to behold. Sometimes in the night the temperature drops to about 15 deg C and its cold😰. 

On 3 Dec we had a morning session for pastors and leaders. About 50 leaders attended the seminar. Pst Stephen spoke on " The survival kit for pastors/leaders" while I took the subject on the "Urgency of the Great Commission". The feedback from the participants was good.

In the evening we attended the Youth meeting in Elim Kairos. About 50 young people attend the service. It was full of life and energy. The youths were so free to worship the Lord without any inhibitions and it was like "heaven on earth". A total contrast of what we see in many churches back home. Pst Stephen gave the Word and many responded to the alter call. The Spirit of the Lord just swept over the place and it was just like one of the camp meetings that we attended in our 'heydays". One can truly sense the hunger and passion in these young people for God. They were literally "panting for God". There is so much we can learn from this church.🙅

On Sunday morning, all of us spoke and ministered to various churches under the Elim Kiros banner in and around Berastagi. Even Gaddiel spoke to a group of mandarin speaking congregation. 

I had the privileged of speaking at Tiga Pana, which was about 15km from Berastagi. This is an out reach work by Pst Ezra and it is a house gathering of about 30 people. The pastor here is Pst Cindy, a sweet lady with a gentle spirit. Sis Flora translated for me and we could sense the presence of the Lord in that place. The Lord gave a strong Word of encouragement to many in the house. Sis Flora herself shared how the Lord touched her and healed her instantly just before she came up to translate. 

In the evening we had a third service for about 30 people. Again the Holy Spirit ministered powerfully. 

On the sidelines we discussed about the CP training and God willing we will continue to explore this program in the coming days. I was specially blessed with the company of Pst Stephen, Bro Inderjit. Wonderful men of God with great passion for the church and the Great Commission.

Sis Flora was a great host and with such a heart to serve the Lord. She oversees the education program in the school that Elim Kairos is running. Many children are benefiting from the program and they are in the midst of completing a three storey school building which would serve about 300 children in the community. The education is based on government curriculum but christian based. Great prospect of touching the community for Christ. 

The first floor is already completed and they need about Sing  $130,000 to finish the remaining floors. I think this is a project worthy of support. If you are led and have the means, please do get in touch with me.

Pst Ezra is indeed a great blessing. In 40 years, God has raised him from humble beginnings to the current state. Yet he remains humble and faithful and continues to preserve for the Lord.

I learnt many lessons during this trip and I am sure the rest of our team did the same. It was fulfilling and I know God has great plans for this ministry. To God be the glory.