Tag Archives: Fellowship

Baucau

9 Jun Coastal drive between Dili & Baucau

Coastal drive between Dili & Baucau

As I was dozing off in the car, Jony our guide to Baucau called out to me to take photo of this beautiful island. My language proficiency was not good enough to understand the story behind this little island but I was simply blown over by the natural beauty of this land.

More than that, I have just returned from visiting fellow workers serving in this 2nd largest town in Timor-Leste. Baucau is 123 km east of Dili with about 16,000 inhabitants and sits at an altitude of 330 m above the sea, which makes it rather cool to live. Though it takes 3 hours to drive from Dili, the beautiful scenery along the coast is a welcome change from the winding mountain roads up to Maubisse.  

 

We were taking Andy & Eric (from WEFC) to Parlamento to begin their short term missions (6- & 3-weeks respectively). With the Prayer Summit starting today, everyone was away & so much was going on that communication broke down leaving 5 of us with no place to sleep last night initially. By God’s grace, we were able to reach a pastor at the Prayer Summit who  put us in touch with Mdm R in Baucau. 

 

Madam R called immediately & gave direction for us to go to her home before it got dark. Not only she gave us clean & safe rooms to rest, she & her team cooked dinner for the 5 of us! During dinner, I had the privilege to listen to her testimony in witnessing to the “hard-core” villagers who were hostile & violent before they were won over by her faith. After we helped to clean up after dinner, we went to bed so not to disrupt their daily devotiopn & prayer at 3 o’clock in the morning.

 

I enjoyed the morning worship with the kids who sang & danced joyously for the Lord. The kids sat still & listened intensely throughout the scripture reading that followed.  I thank God that Mdm R is blessed with local translator as she speaks only Bahasa.

 

As I said goodbye to Mdm R, her team & the kids, I know Andy & Eric are in good hands & will have a blessed time here in Baucau & beyond …..

 

With love from Maubisse, 

Lydia

9.6.2010

Be Still

14 Jan

At the asking of a fellow missionary, I have accepted the Lord’s invitation to spend 3 days in silence retreat. I have not done this before and am not sure if I can remain at ease not talking at all when there are people around. Many friends are equally concerned that I may feel very uncomfortable considering my bubbly personality. I am thankful that God is gracious to bless me a great time of rest and joy.

 

Upon checking in, I found out I will be the only one staying on the ground floor. Sr. Cecilia has specially arranged the room for me because of my fractured foot whereas everyone has to “climb” the stairs to get to their rooms on the 2nd floor. It was a big place. With not much light outside, the memory of the trauma at Timor came flooding my mind. But the Lord spoke, “Do not fear for I am with you“. God’s comforting words calmed my heart,  I did not fear for the first time since returning home.

 

I felt safe, protected & peaceful that I became very comfortable as I sat on the bed, and before long, I was sleeping soundly… more rest followed the next day with naps after breakfast and lunch. It had been a restful time.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

- Matthew 11:28

 

It was refreshing to be in God’s presence, just BEING with Him, enjoying Him and not have to DO anything. In the absence of man, we can hear God. During this retreat, God reminded me of the joy I have in Timor, the smiles on each of the kids in Maubisse, the gifts I have been blessed to connect with the kids at their tender age. Not forgetting their parents & many others whom the Lord has brought into my path. I thank God for blessing the friendships to blossom & I pray that I will earn the privilege  to bring the truth to them one day. At the same time, I am also reminded to rest & trust in God to take me back to Timor, at His time.

 

As I checked out of the retreat centre, the passage spoken by the spiritual director lingered on …. 

Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
       and because I love you,
       I will give men in exchange for you,
       and people in exchange for your life.

 - Isaiah 43:4

 

Indeed, we are all precious & honoured in our Father’s sight. Praise God for His unfailing love whose power will see us through all circumstances. I am thankful for the people God has sent to care & comfort me, helping to heal & restore my soul. Amen.

 

In His Love,

Lydia

Yioggy’s Day Out!

27 Dec

Latreia Ristorante

10 Dec

It has been a while since I cook for friends.  This evening, I am really glad to have the company of 5 amazing ladies & 2 wonderful boys.

The oven did not let me down, serving us faithfully crisp & hot bread rolls; baked noodle quiche and lemon grass roast chicken drumlets …… our fellowship is further “sweetened” by Cabernet Merlot flowing …… and most important of all, a time to celebrate God’s power in the healing of my foot and thanksgiving for Latreia’s faithful prayers for the work at Timor-Leste!

 

While we are enjoying our dessert of fruit jelly & longan, we are already planning our next gathering … Christmas celebration!  Indeed, it is only because He came that we have hope.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. …

                                                                 -  John 1:1-2, 14

 

As we are bombarded by the media in buying presents for our loved ones during this time of the year, let’s not forget we already have the best gift and let us all remember to walk close to Him in the midst of all the busyness! 

 

In His Grace,

Lydia

Coming Out

26 Nov

It’s been 2 weeks since I return home from Timor-Leste. Not exactly a fantastic feeling having been told that my fracture has not healed despite in plaster cast for 6 weeks.  So back to using crutches again, foot elevated at all times ==> REST!

 

So it is really nice to be invited to join Latreia social night & to be reconnected to these wonderful ladies who have been praying for me. Throughout the evening, everyone was filling me in about what’s happening in their life (work, family, church). 

 

It’s encouraging to know the group is bonding well & serving faithfully in Alpha & the upcoming Christmas with the Community event.  Before the evening ends, I was given the book on “What the Bible says about Emotions” and a card that encourages me to stand firm & to come out stronger for the Lord.

 

Angels are messengers from God and I am happy to say, I have just met four beautiful ones  :)

 

In His Love,

Lydia

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