A two-day weekend mission trip to Rompin, Malaysia, seemed very doable for our Awesome Life Group, as most of our members have full-time work. Together with another team, we partnered with Cru to prepare for the mission work. The teaching programme was simple—just bring a laptop, prepare Bible stories and worship songs, follow structured English lessons, and show up with a heart to serve.

On arrival, we met Pastor Michael from Kampung Jemeri Church, as well as a few children and church staff. Pastor Michael, 74, has been faithfully ministering to the Rompin village people since 2010. We started with games, and children came running to join. Despite the language barrier, our smiles, simple English and gestures helped us connect instantly.

The village children were remarkably responsive, attentive, eager to participate and orderly as we taught them through songs, stories and craft activities.

As part of the programme, we also split into two smaller teams to do home visitation. We observed many homes to be in poor condition; one family’s young daughter had even just fallen through a broken floorboard that morning of our visit. Yet the villagers received us warmly and openly. We later learned that our visit was the first home outreach that the church had done in that village.

On Sunday, even more children, adults, and the village head joined the service. Worshipping together—through simple songs and gestures—bridged the language divide and reminded us of the unity we share in Christ. One of our team members was tasked to translate the adult Bible lesson, with minimal pre-trip instruction. He was anxious and prayed for boldness. On that Pentecost Sunday (8 June 2025), he taught on God’s promises and the Holy Spirit, and heard a resounding “Amin!” (Amen) from the congregation. Mark 13:11 came to life: “…just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”

Over lunch, we heard the village head and church staff describe challenges such as poverty, land rights struggles, limited education and social discrimination. Their stories gave context and urgency to the ministry. It wasn’t just a visit—it was about bearing witness and standing in prayerful solidarity.

Although our mission team was made up of two groups, we served in unity, and forged camaraderie through a shared purpose. The joy on the children’s faces and the appreciative smiles of the adults gave us our best affirmation. God was present in every moment—from the games to the Gospel.