It was the last day for us. Unlike what I had previously imagined, I didn't stay on the ship too long. After working very short time in the morning (plus a short farewell program rehearsal), I had to rush to church with a bunch of crew members, most of whom I'd met for a very short time that morning. There were Karen Goh (Malaysian), Evan (American), Ben (Malaysian Australian), Ruban (Indian) and Anne (Taiwanese). These folks just made a BLAST in the teens and young adult fellowships!! They're very charismatic folks! Evan, for instance, was very popular in my group, and was surrounded by girls after the fellowship time was over! Katie (American) and Anz (Dutch) who joined us later on were also very popular among us. These overseas friends all expressed they had a great time at our church. Many of them had their first "hot pot" in life, surprisingly, they liked it a lot!!
I really hope the visit of the Douloids would be welcomed as a blessing to the church. No matter what, they have already made a strong impact in my life. Perhaps this doesn't matter to others, but it really does to me. Actually, when I realize that others aren't as excited / concerned as I am about the ship, I begin to learn this is the passion God has placed in my heart uniquely. Father God, I know you have a special plan for me. Please show me your way!
Daniel, whose nationality I don't remember, came to join us for another training session. It was a puppet show training!! He's so incredibly funny!!! He himself is a puppet!!
When I was working at the info desk, a man who looks like Dr Anderson came and asked about interviewing the crew, etc. He's sooooooooo much like Dr Anderson - from his appearance to his height and to his voice... even the way he pushed his glasses is just a Dr A replica!!! Had he not told me he was originally from Canada, I could've either been mistaken or suspected he's a twin brother of Dr A!! OK, a picture says it all. I took it secretly...
Met a new friend at the Info called Konstanze. She's from Germany. She's slightly timid, but she's a cool girl!! I had really great sharing with her. At lunch, I asked her her story of confirming her ship ministry. She told me how God miraculously answered her two prayers!! I was so amazed at God's work too!! Great is our Heavenly Father! He's sooo cool!!
My mother didn't come to the boat at last, but I was delighted Chungie did. He bought quite a few books, like I did. I was so glad he found this to be great place. I'm so sorry that I was tied up by students who wanted to interview me. I made him wait the whole time... Well, hope you understand the ship's walkways are so narrow and few that one can find it hard to go around. It's even worse when you don't have a key. Anyway, I don't he doesn't mind it! Haha... We had a yummy dinner at Citys' Super, and I told him many things about the ship. Then I went to church for practice... Oh, there're so many difficult songs to play!!! OK, that means we have many prayers to pray!!!
Day 8 - Sep 21, 2007 (Fri)
It was a fine day today. We volunteers had our rehearsal for the farewell program on Oct 7. Seriously, I begin to realize how drastically different are the working styles of us. I'd say there've been some "sparks" among us over the course of discussion in the past few days. Thank God, nothing has turned into an argument... And honestly, I do realize I may not be patient enough with people in my own culture, though I may not express it. That's exactly what Mei Wah told me. Working on the ship is no easy task. Think about how you like to stick to people who think like you and how undesirable the feeling is if you are stuck with someone who is not your type, and you'll know what I mean.
Thanks to everybody's prayers, my mom came to the Doulos!!!! I was exhilarated!! And thanks to Ai Hua, whom shared with me her missions testimony when we went to buy conditioner and body shampoo. OK, my mom had just arrived as Ai Hua and I got back from shopping. Ai Hua was so kind to take us on a tour around the ship. Surprisingly my mom was rather open to whatever she said - even about Christian love and faith. I didn't hear her say a bad word in front of Ai Hua. Not sure what she said to Michelle afterward, but I know it was a breakthrough. Oh yes, thanks to my mom, we visited the engine room through a secret passage, the lounge in the engine room, the library and even the bridge!!!!!!!!! OMG!!! I'm so thankful!! I never thought I could visit the bridge, parts of which dated back to 93 years ago, to the time of Titanic!!!! How wonderful it was!!
It was 5pm and I had to work. So I went to get my roster from Edvin... and out of the blue, he told me I could go to the I-Night!!!!!! Oh gracious Lord, you're so good to me!!
Initially I was to go to the I-Night with my mom, but she said she was busy. That's OK. She's already taken a great step today. I must say thank you to all who took great care of my mom at the dining table. Michelle, you were great!!! Thanks for being there!! Youn Suk and Lillian, your presence made the dinner all the more an interesting experience for my mom. Thanks to Emily, who offered the cheese toast and invited my mom to go to barbeque!!! You guys orchestrated a beautiful play for my mother!!
When I was about to head for I-Night, Billy boarded on the boat and bought a big big of books!!! Ahh!! How come you didn't wait for the discount!! Anyway, we went to the Crane Deck and he got himself 6 books from there. Lillian was there. She said, "since you're getting only two bags, you'll pay $100"!!!!!!!! Oh my God!! She's so nice to me~~!! I feel I'm so indulged today...
Then Michelle, Emily, Match and I took a cab to Academic Hall, HKBU for the I-Night. There I bumped into Emily of Red Cross once again!! I chatted a bit with her and found that she's a Christian too. Great for her! Praise the Lord!
The I-Night was as fabulous as one's imagination can go. I was overjoyed to be able to participate in such a wonderful event. Two thumbs up to the performers, and thanksgiving be to God!! I took many pics with the crew members who were dressed in national costumes. Will put them up on my facebook. Don't forget to check 'em out!!
I can't express how grateful I am today. God had answered my two prayers. One was that my mom would come. The other being that if she comes, she will come in the afternoon and that I will be able to join the I-Night. God worked miracles for me today!! Everything took place in perfect timing. My regret goes to other volunteers who had to work on the night shift and couldn't join to marvelous program. I do trust God put me in the I-Night for a reason. I can't say God has sent me a calling yet, but God did show me he faithful He is by answering my prayers of little faith. I would like to share this experience with everyone I know so much, that I'm still awake at 2:20 in the morning, and I still need to wake up at 7!!!
OK, bet you don't know what was saying. I was actually typing the Dutch and Mongolian for "How are you?" and the answers to the question. It was so great to be meeting Vera from the Netherlands and Batmunkh from Mongolia. Batmunkh is the first Mongolian I've ever met in my life. I found out so many things I don't know about this country - a nation which seems not too far, and yet we know so little about.
I took the late shift, so I had much time strolling around on the ship. And I saw took many pics of it. I was a bit bored, so I went to gangway out to talk to Vera and Batmunkh. It was great experience talking to them. While we were there, a delivery man came, asking to unload the packages he was delivering to the ship. He was quite impatient. Vera asked me to speak to him. This man was shirtless... there were tatoos all over his body - Not the kind of person I'd feel comfortable to speak to. Nevertheless, I mustered my courage to ask him about his necklace, on which there were three Buddha pendants. Surprisingly, he was quite open to talk and told me two of the Buddhas boost the power of peace, and the third one is meant for people relations. I didn't know what to say to further the conversation. Yet I did sense that he felt I'm concerned about him. So when I gave him a leaflet about the Doulos and asked him to read it, he was very willing to do so! I pray that he'll seriously read it and consider to make the important decision to become a Christian!!
I worked at the info desk after dinner, where I met Monica from South Africa. She is such a great sister! It was so awesome talking to her. She has such spiritual wisdom that as soon as she started talking to me, she found out where my weaknesses were, and immediately encouraged me to trust more in God. She encouraged me further to invite my mother to board the Doulos to let her see what a different life Christians lead here. She was so right! It is not I who is doing the job. I need to ask the Holy Spirit to work in my mother's heart. So that night I invited my mom to visit the ship.. I really hope she will (and at the right time too)...
When I was working, suddenly Chow Chow and Elaine popped up... And one by one, my colleagues emerged from the right side of info desk. WOW!! They came to see me!! Big thanks to them!!! I asked my Indian Harry Potter friend to take us on a tour around the ship. Brother, you're awesome!! I pray that every word he said would provoke some thoughts in your heads, my friends. You are precious in God's eyes. I feel regretful for not having been a better colleague for you, but I do treasure the friendship we've developed. I earnestly hope we'll meet each other again in heaven! You guys will always be in my prayers and thoughts!
After work, some of us hung out with the Douloids. "Frodo" from Germany, Ai Hua from Malaysia, Justie from Canada and Takashi from Japan were in our midst. We went to a dessert shop on Temple Street. It was fun!! We had a brief walk in the night market afterward. "Frodo" was bilked $35 for a paper fan and a sandalwood fan. Arghh!! You seriously need to learn to bargain!!! As we passed by the lane with many fortune tellers, the crew members were deeply moved by the deplorable scene. "They really need Jesus," said Ai Hwa. Yes, we may have a prayer walk here for these lost souls. Doing missions is sometimes not that difficult - go to Temple Street and pray for these people!! It's as easy as that!!
Off in the morning... Knowing it'll be a busy and exhausting day, I spent most of the time relaxing in the cabin. Around noon time, I had a close look at the car deck ministry. Gosh, the heat was so terrible!! Can't believe these bros & sisters would be so dedicated in putting on such great performances to share the Gospel. Thumbs up!!
I had lunch with Devanand and a German guy whose name I think should be Johannes? Anyhow, it was really funny that I found out Devanand looked like Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) when he smiles!!! And this German folk said I, too, look like Radcliffe. Fair enough... that's really commonplace. But funny thing is that he told us he's been told he resembles Frodo!! So there we go - lining up Indian Harry Potter, Chinese Harry Potter and German Frodo... We could make a movie!!!
In the afternoon, the new crew members arrived!!!!!!! Many existing members gathered on the quay side of the ship, dressed in their finest national costumes, put on national flag face paints and waved their flags in the air to welcome them. Two minutes... we waited earnestly for arguably the longest 2 minutes ever for these newbies... There they came~~!!! In two coaches!! They were thunders of shouts and cheering. The newbies responded with the same enthusiasm. It really was my pleasure to have witnessed this uplifting and warm scene! Thank God!
Sandy, Hoi and Yuk visited me.. Thanks to them~~!! Hope they didn't feel too bad in the bookshop... The weather yesterday was soooooo hot and humid!! There wasn't a single breeze all through the day. It was so foggy. The air was dreadfully smothering. I am so thankful that I was assigned to the second shift, in which I start working at 5pm. Not only are the shift hours shorter, but it was less hot in the evening.
Day 5 - Sep 16, 2007 (Sun)
I would've joined the ship's service it I didn't have to play drums. But I'm thankful, though, that I could take the morning off for my own church's service. Although I didn't play too well - there were quite a few slips - I was really grateful for the great message from the sermon. I was surprised to learn September is "missions month" in my church, btw. What a coincidence!
It was another day of busy, tiring work. But I had good fun meeting and talking with some Africans. At lunch I talked with my good brother Richard. Then there was Andrew from Tanzania who helped out at the gangway in (He seemed like he was too bored out, so he tried to help out to kill time.. haha). At dinner I met Alfredo who I *suppose* is from South Africa. We chatted about the African people in HK, and how HK people think of / treat Afros. That was a brandnew topic to me... In HK, you just never get the chance to understand how it's like in the continent and its peoples. Most of us are too igorant about such things...
In the evening there was the African Cafe, in which some Afros led people in singing African songs and in dancing. Ahh I just LOVE African music!!! It's full of energy, passion and lifeliness!!!
I was expecting that my church friends would visit me... but again.. I was DITCHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sigh... Don't I EVER deserve the support from my brothers??? Frankly I'm a bit disappointed... I consider this as a serious ministry and your visit would really mean a lot to me...
(sorry... I just complained...)
Thanks, Three and someone for coming to support me.. And thanks to Andrew and Celia for spending time just to come here to see me and the ship. Of course I haven't forgotten those who came on the previous days... :D
After worship in the morning, Federica of Italy and Daniella came to the Forward Lounge (the volunteers' lounge) to teach us to do mime. Aha! So everyone needs to learn some kind of performing art eh?!! It clearly isn't my cup of tea!! It is a good tool though.
It was E-Day for me. E stands for "evangelical". I met with the Korean group leader Yeun Sook, the forever excited American Elizabeth, Mr Congeniality Ecuadorian Jose and Karin the Danish carpenter. We had a prayer walk along the Avenue of Stars. I had a peaceful time praying by the sea - while my colleagues may be working hard on the other side of the Harbor!!! Wahaha.. Thank God for the wonderful tranquility.
When we were back to the ship, we saw clusters of people hugging, crying and praying. They were the crew members leaving the ship, and those who are to stay. I later found that only five of them were leaving that morning.. Most people were there to say goodbye. They must've developed very deep friendships over the past two years... God, bless your children! May they go in peace!
Then, there were Phoebe and her colleague visiting me!!! Yo!! Thank you so much~ Hope you had a great time!
In the afternoon, our group teamed up with Karen Goh (Malaysian) and a couple of HKers to tread the land in Central, trying to speak to people and invite them to the ship. I paired up with Yeun Suk. We didn't get to talk to many. I did have a great time listening to Yeun Suk's sharing. She was so burned out with the busy ministry she's been doing... She also shared that she felt disappointed that most people in HK wouldn't be able to tour inside the Doulos. I feel sorry for them too... because its the Doulos' story that is most intriguing, and it's often the way God uses to touch on the life of people. I prayed for Yeun Suk after listening to her pouring out her feelings. I pray that God would use His own way to fulfill the plans He has for the visitors of the Doulos; and that Yeun Suk would not lose heart. God is amazing... We shouldn't put Him in a box!
Karen mentioned she wanted to join our youth fellowship and Sunday service... I've talked to the pastors later that day, but we'll see whether we can work this out at last.. I do hope my church's youngsters would be challenged to commit their lives to Jesus and to missions.
When we returned to the ship, I had a chance to tour around the ship, visiting places like the galley and fire station, where no ordinary visitors are allowed.. Thank God for the privilege I'm offered!!
And in the evening, I got a chance to speak with Justin the Canadian. He's such a chatterbox that once he started talking, he could simple go for ours - mind you, he rattles so quickly that he can speak like 50 words in 10 sec!! His way of thinking is quite interesting, but there's some truth in it. Yes, to be a Christian is sometimes like being an outcast. You need to set yourself apart from the world to follow the footsteps of Christ... Oh btw, Justin is such a fabulous drummer!! I got him to play some grooves for me - even the cool 16 beats! Thanks man!
Katie went into the Main Lounge with her violin... Wow! I could listen to her play!! It's just terrific!! She had a practice with the praise band.. A violin can fit well into a band if you manage it well. I hope our church's worship team would be more diversified by adding more instruments...
Thank God - coz of E-Day, I could get back to church for the final rehearsal...
Day 3 - Sep 14, 2007 (Fri)
Federica and Daniella came again teaching us to do illustrations for sharing the Gospel. The methods are really cool. I'll show you how if you want to learn! Ferderica is a great teacher btw, apart from a beauty (wahaha).
Another busy day... same roster, but different partners. This morning I partnered with Lillian from Papua New Guinea!! She's such a loveable soul. I felt like she's a loving auntie to me. I asked Lillian how she joined the ship ministry, she told me it was God's call. One day when she was up on the mountains, she dreamed of a white ship. A man told her to get onto the ship. And later on the Doulos went to her country, and she realized God wanted her to board the ship of blessings!! You're amazing, God!!
After having lunch with Lillian, I got back to work. I worked with Richard the Nigerian, who's a cheerful and easygoing man. I feel so happy to be around him. I wish to talk to him more.
Then it was dinner time.. dined with Karin and Olvy (?) from Farce Islands (if I remembered correctly...) That's a place I've never heard of. Apparently it's a semi-independent territory under Denmark. Umm, I've learned a geography lesson.
My big bro, Kondal, was so kind to have found me in the Dining Room. He took me to his room where we had very good sharing. Though he's called a big bro, he's actually one year younger than me - and he's a qualified pastor!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness!!! His spiritual maturity is definitely waaaaay better than me. I was so impressed with his heartfelt passion to come into my life and care for my needs. He also prayed fervently for me. I'm really so thankful!!! I went into his cabin empty-handed, but I came out not only with a heart filled with joy and gratefulness, but also two books... Gee....... they're on MARTYRDOM!!!!!!!!!! No no no no no... I'm not going to be a martyr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I then joined a youth meeting, where I heard many beautiful testimonies. I was so surprised and touched to hear Elizabeth's story... God is awesome... He is the doctor and has the cure to all wounds. God bless you, sister.
