Three families tell us what it was like serving together as an inter-generational team in Indonesia.
The Teng Family (6-11 Dec 2023, Surabaya)
What was it like doing missions as a family?
Elizabeth (Daughter):
I think it bonded us closer together as a family. For me, it was a cool experience to travel to another country, to see what goes on there and get to interact with different people. It was also really cool seeing my dad communicate with the locals in Bahasa! While doing home visits, I also realised how many things I had taken for granted back in Singapore. I visited households that only had one fan to ventilate their home, while I have air-conditioning back at home, which I have not appreciated enough.
Karen (Mother):
It was an interesting experience because it was the first time we brought our 14-year-old daughter with us. My husband and I used to go separately (taking turns) on mission trips without any of our children, but now that our daughter is older, we brought her along so we could go together. It was my first time seeing her serve a foreign community and witnessing her involvement in other activities other than school-related work. I also got to witness my husband share in Bahasa. It was good to see the whole family serving the Lord together. There is strength in that, because when the children see us serving, they will pick up something. I like the idea of children standing on the shoulders of giants (I am not saying that I am) and building the Kingdom of God from there and not from scratch.
When families unite with one goal to glorify the Lord, the synergy of different generations coming together with diverse anointings can really accomplish things unheard of in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Daniel (Father):
I have always wanted to do ministry together as a family and it was wonderful to be able to do this, as well as have my daughter join us. I think it's important that we don’t pressure our children to do things they are not ready for, but to let them be who they are so they are free to flow in the manner the Lord leads. One of the highlights of the trip would be seeing my wife share her heart with the unwed mothers.
I could see the growth in her life, and I recognised such an anointing as she spoke, filling my heart with a sense of pride. I am so excited to see how she has matured and grown as this means that we can potentially do even more as a couple. This is the progression I would like to see in all my children as well, to see them push boundaries and grow! When families unite with one goal to glorify the Lord, the synergy of different generations coming together with diverse anointings can really accomplish things unheard of in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Tay Family (18-23 Oct 2023, Surabaya)
How was it like doing missions as a family?
Jovan (Younger Son):
Going on a mission trip as a family was great because we didn’t need any introduction! We could trust, rely, and depend on each other and it was comfortable to an extent. We could see each other grow and step out in faith. I heard testimonies and stories from my family that I didn’t get to hear, and I was especially moved when my mother shared hers.
If you have never gone on a trip together with your family, I encourage you to! You will grow together as you listen to each other share vulnerably and you will not only notice each other’s strengths and weaknesses but see God shine through one another. Joshua 1: 9, “The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go!”
Aaron (Father):
This was our first mission trip as a family with Cornerstone, and we decided not to go on a family holiday this year, but to do missions together. Even though we know each other in the context of the home, I hardly get to see how my children behave in front of a crowd and how they present themselves to others on the mission field. This was the first time we (parents) could see them sharing their testimonies and experiences as grown-ups. (Jovan is 23 years old, and Jerome is 27 years old.)
Jerome (Elder Son):
I felt that it was an amazing trip and a learning experience. We not only got to see each other’s strengths and weaknesses when we worked together, but also learnt to cover one another. If there are opportunities to go with your family, take the chance! It would not be the same as going on a family holiday together. Serve together!
Kathy (Mother): God had to orchestrate this family mission trip because it was so hard for our schedules to align amid the different things going on in each other’s lives. It was my desire, and the Lord made it happen!
I still see my children as children even though they are now grown, and I know them inside out. Throughout the trip, we supported one another despite the challenges; knowing each other’s idiosyncrasies. The three other team members whom we were with also witnessed our family’s unfiltered interactions and dynamics, something impossible to hide. But that is what a family is. When any of us were too quick to speak, we would remind each other to be more aware.
One of the highlights of the trip was the opportunity I had to share my testimony with the unwed mothers. I shared a family testimony, and the people there did not know that Aaron, Jerome, and Jovan were my family. Back then when I was five months pregnant with Jovan, the doctors said he wasn’t growing and that he might be a stillborn baby. I cried out to God and prayed, with the support of my family and community.
Throughout the trip, we supported one another despite the challenges; knowing each other’s idiosyncrasies.
I had a lot of fear back then, and I couldn't work. But 7.5 months into my pregnancy, I went for a C-section to deliver Jovan and he turned out to be fine even though he had to be in the incubator for 11-12 days. God sustained and preserved him. At that moment, everyone had tears in their eyes, including Jovan. The presence of God was so strong! I then told them that my son was there! In the family, we hardly get to hear each other’s innermost thoughts on most days despite being close-knit, but this trip strengthened our bond because we were given the chance to hear each other share and express our thoughts.
The Su Family (8-12 Dec 2023, Jogjakarta)
What was it like doing missions as a family?
Frank (Father):
Our recent mission trip to the Livingstone Church and Orphanage in Yogyakarta was a deeply enriching experience for my family. My wife Cindy, our daughters Joyann (13) and Jamie (11), and I embarked on this journey, although our son couldn't join us due to school commitments.
A Family United in Service
This wasn't our first mission trip as a family. We've always believed in exposing our children to missions from an early age. It's our way of “taking a break” and serving the body of Christ. This trip to Yogyakarta was an opportunity for us to help our children open their spiritual eyes to the needs around them and to see how we can partner with God to be a blessing to others.
At the Livingstone Church and Orphanage, we immersed ourselves in various activities. We sang songs, prepared gifts, and played games with the children. Joyann and Jamie even took on the responsibility of babysitting the younger members of our group and the little ones at the orphanage. We also gave them roles to take charge of a game station.
Overcoming Challenges Together
Adapting to a new environment and food proved challenging for my girls. Their comfort levels were definitely tested. We had to assure and pray with them, and sometimes, a little snack or cup of instant noodles went a long way in making them feel more at home.
Despite their initial shyness, our girls made a concerted effort to interact with the other children. It was heartening to see them step out of their comfort zones. They tried their best, even with the language barriers to connect and engage.
Highlights and Personal Growth
One of the trip's highlights was a visit to an arcade with the orphanage children. It was so much fun. We played games and just enjoyed being together. It made us all grateful for the things we have.
Blessings didn’t just go one way. The orphans were always enthusiastic, dancing and singing to many of our songs and they also blessed us with songs they knew. It was a beautiful exchange of joy and faith.
I loved seeing how the older kids at the orphanage took care of the younger ones. It was like a big family. It reminded me of how we as Christians are all part of one big family in Christ. As I reflected on this, Romans 11:17 came to mind: "If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root." Though we were at an orphanage, it felt like we were grafted into their large family filled with care and love. We belong to Christ and are all Abraham’s seed.
A Testament of Gratitude
I'm profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve together as a family. We are thankful to have the financial freedom and flexible work schedules to do this at least once a year, and it's a blessing to be able to give back and see our children grow in their faith. Jamie said she will learn to appreciate the things that she has, and Joyann will pray that the orphans are healthy and well and that they will always have a loving home, friends, and family.
Future Plans in Missions
Looking ahead, Cindy and I are confident that missions will remain a central part of our family's life. We believe God has called our family to missions. As we discover our children's giftings and traits, we trust that they will continue in God's grace and take part in the Kingdom's work.
Cindy echoed this sentiment, quoting Matthew 25:40: "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" She hopes we can keep doing this and help more people.
Our mission trip to Yogyakarta not only allowed us to serve others but also deepened our own faith and strengthened our family bond, living out the true essence of Christian service and love.
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