God's Providence in Cambodia Mission 4 Nov - 18 Nov 2006

The baggage conveyor belt for Silk Air flight MI607 at Phnom Penh International Airport finally stopped. A few passengers stood anxiously waiting for more bags to be dispensed and I was one of the hopefuls on a mission to Cambodia consisting of Foo Ai Lin and son Darren, Jason Foo, Alvin Chan and Charlene. Our work in Rev Koo, Rev Hahn and Pr Chang's mission stations at Kompong Som, Cambodia had been planned to maximize our service for the Lord for the period 4 November to 18 November 2006.

After determining that the conveyor belt would not deliver my bag, I found myself at the Lost & Found counter of the Airport. I recalled that we had raised our concern with the checked-in counter lady at Changi International Airport that we had 13 pieces of bags and boxes but she insisted there were only 12. We were promptly given only 12 baggage stickers. True to our fear, one bag was now missing and it happened to be mine. It did not take long for us to realize that Charlene and I had landed in Cambodia only with what we wore, a small bag containing our passports, traveling documents and cash in our pockets. Our baggage was still somewhere in Changi Airport due to the error of the check-in lady in failing to 'sticker' our baggage. For the next two hours I was scurrying between the Lost & Found and the Silk-Air Airport office to make the various reports of the missing bag. Most passengers with missing bags were able to produce the sticker stubs but not me. In my case, I had no evidence whatsoever that I had a personal baggage as we had with us 12 sticker stubs and collected all 12 pieces of baggage. The Lost & Found would not take responsibility in its recovery as I could offer no sticker stub for my missing baggage. I could only take comfort in the provision of what the Airport officials called "Courtesy Service" in making attempts at recovery.  

Faced with fading hope, I was surprised at myself in making light of the whole unfortunate event. My sermon text for the next day Sunday Worship and half my preparation notes for teaching for the following days were all snuggly packed in the missing bag. No amount of cash in my pocket could replace them. I ought to be frantic but I was not. I thought to myself that there must be a higher purpose, a divine purpose. And indeed there was for by this experience, I realized the antidote to worrying (by Providence, the title of my Sunday Worship message) and what it meant to trust in the Lord. 

My attempts at recovering my sermon text on the internet failed as upon arrival at Rev Koo's mission station, football fever had gripped the mind and body of every soul and I could not access the internet. It was God's will that I re-draft the sermon and this was all the more pleasant as I shared of the strange encounter of the missing bag and the Providence of God. By that time, I experienced the kindness of Rev and Mrs Koo and Jason in lending clothing, toiletries and personal effects to us (Charlene and I). By divine providence, we were informed that the following Monday and Tuesday were public holidays and there was no class for the bible students. God had altered my teaching schedule. I no longer need to teach on Monday and Tuesday and my missing notes would not be required for those two days. Instead, Rev Koo requested us to carry out VBS at two village churches. This put into action the other mission team members who had their flash cards, art and craft implements in place.  

Come Tuesday, Rev Koo had sent a Bible student to collect my missing baggage at Phnom Penh as word came that the bag was found and sent to Phnom Penh. All was not smooth sailing as the Airport officials required me, the owner of the bag, to collect personally as they would not wish to be accused of releasing the bag to any unauthorized person. Finally, an Airport official called me by phone to verify my identity and the Bible student collecting the bag on my behalf.  

The bag was released and I finally received it at my doorstep at 9pm, Tuesday (4-hour journey from Phnom Penh back to Kompong Som). I was overjoyed. Everything in the bag was intact. I had time to refresh my thoughts on the recovered teaching materials and the next morning's class started without a hitch. 

God was and is in control. We had planned to teach on this mission, God had planned and taught me a greater lesson on His Providence.    

Praise God! 

Lim Pin