On 6 June 2011, a group of Trinitarians boarded the plane to Bangkok then headed by coaches to Pattaya. It was my 2nd church camp. We arrived safely with no hiccups.
The first day was quite relaxing. The hotel was not very facinating but I thought it was God's word that was more important. That got me wrong on that day. Before we headed for dinner, we decided to take a bath first. Afterall, we had a long day, waking up so early in the morning. Then the nightmare began. Mom was the last one to have her bath. When she had finished, suddenly there was a loud sound on the bathroom door. I thought that maybe she could not open the door. However, she fell down due to the wet floor. We were not sure how the wet floor came about. As we were strolling to the dining area, we heard from several Trinitarians that they were upgrading their rooms to the Ocean wing. So we decided to do the same. There was a long queue and the staff there did not seem to be able to handle the things well. Finally, we had the new room key. After dinner and before service time, we packed our things and headed to the new room. Though it was not the best room, it was at least better than the previous one.
The first service started with Pastor Dominic giving us some headstart on what to expect for the next few days. The committee were also very patient with us. After our first night, we were totally tired. We just headed straight to bed.
The next day's activities were also jam-packed. But the morning sessions were filled with God's presence. The sermons being preached were very down-to-earth and really asked us to experience a breakthrough. The rest of the camp was just so relaxing and refreshing. I could really hear God speaking to so many people. Never did I know that on the day of leaving Thailand was the day where our faith was being tested.
On 9 June 2011, we were supposed to take a flight from Bangkok airport at 9pm, Singapore time. However, just when we were about to board the plane, there was a thunderstorm. The rain was heavy and thunder could be seen and heard many times. As we boarded the plane, we were all very anxious. Within minutes, the pilot announced that due to security reasons, the plane could not take off. Pastor Tat Leong began to call Trinitarians to pray since we had experienced breakthrough during the church camp. At 10pm, the pilot was finally given the clearance to load the baggages to the plane. This meant that we could be flying within minutes. However, after the baggages were put into the plane, the rain started to fall heavily again. But the pilot took a great risk to take off.
As the plane flew to higher grounds, something happened. It was like minutes before the plane took off, I began to see huge white clouds flying around the plane. In my heart, I exclaimed, 'Oh no'. The ironical part was when mom said that we would be going home, a voice said to me that we would be going back to heaven's home. That's where I said no, not time yet. I'm not sure whether it was God's saying this or the devil trying to weaken my faith. Then within seconds, the plane shook. At first, it just shook slightly but as it flew to higher heights, it shook so greatly that the plane dropped twice. Some screamed, some exclaimed that we were like sitting in a roller coaster. But what I heard too was God telling His people to pray and trust Him. Finally, God gave insight to the pilot to fly the plane at a lower height. The height was so low that I could see the lights below us. Throughout the journey, we experienced a few more turbulences but it was not as great as the one which we had experienced during take off.
Finally, we arrived at Singapore one and a half hour later than scheduled. Everyone was just relieved. In fact, Melissa told me that she was so frightened that she screamed and prayed at the same time.
Reflections: sometimes, during such incidences and events that are beyond my control, it is very easy to trust in logic than in God. However, through this eventful experiences, I know and affirm that the God whom I trust can bring me through whatever circumstances. He will never leave me nor forsake me. Where He leads me, I will follow. Lord, I give myself to You again. I am nothing and I have nothing. Everything I own in this world belongs to You. Where You lead me, Lord I will follow. Let my faith and focus always be in You. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.
