Evan’s Journal

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1.    Firstly, tell me how did you choose Thailand. Because of Singapore's strategic location - almost 2.8 billion people live within a 7-hour flight radius of Singapore. How did you get involved in this comparatively remote town?

It’s quite interesting really. In 1997, the Ag-Captain of 12^th (I) Coy [ie 12th Company Boys’ Brigade, based at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)], Caleb Liew and Lam Kien Ann went with the 3^rd Coy GB [Girls’ brigade, based at Fairfield Methodist Secondary School] as they went on tour to Thailand. At that time Kien Ann felt the Lord calling us (the 12^th) to be a blessing to others. Since we were already active in setting up companies and volunteering in other companies locally, they decided to explore the possibility of a missions awareness programme for the 12^th in Thailand.

After much prayer and many meetings, the 12^th had its first mission trip in 1998. We started with more than 20 boys and so the company needed officers to supervise the children. Being an officer, I was naturally challenged. I was planning to go to Korea to ski that holiday in June but Mom didn’t allow me to – she said it was dangerous. Being my final year in Uni, I was pretty determined to go on a proper holiday because my school holidays had always been occupied with religious activities and I wanted a nice non-working holiday. I was very reluctant at first because I really wanted a holiday.  Since I couldn’t go to Korea, I decided that God wanted me to go so I relented and helped out.

2.    So we all travel a lot of places and meet different people - is there anything which particularly draws you to the children or people of Khon Kaen or were more taken by the needs and opportunities there?

Everyone who has been to the field has some God-given burden. I don’t think there is anything particularly special. Poverty is everywhere not just here. Look at some of the villages in Romania and the plight of the gypsies [Rroma]. Look at the Philippines and the slums around Manila, or the poor and destitute roaming the streets of Mumbai. I suppose all the different circumstances just happened to intersect at that point… (chuckles) Things never happen by chance – God decided all that so I made an effort to obey Him.

But, that being said, I have known since JC [Junior College or ‘A’ levels] that my work will be with children. While praying about my future after the Os [‘O’-levels or high school], I had a dream and that’s why I was still in the BB, why I teach Sunday school and why I guess, somehow, I became a teacher.

3.    So tell us a bit about how the relationship between you and Khon Kaen developed?

Every year since then, 8 years ago, the 12^th(I) has been going up to Khon Kaen during the school holidays. We made a commitment to conduct English camps for the school during our hols and have stuck with that since. Over time a relationship develops naturally. Now we go up twice a year – one in June and another in December. As we spend more time, people open up and get to learn about the real needs and opportunities we have for service as God redirects our thoughts and desires.

4.    Incidentally, I read about an incident in which you were a local hero by risking your life to rescue a man from certain death? Can you please tell us more and how you were recognised?

I am not certain it was “certain death” though…  The train might have stopped in time. I think most would have read the article already but if you haven’t, I’ll write briefly. We happened to be visiting the children at the slums along the railroad one afternoon, giving out clothes, praying for them and, well, just to visit – they rarely get foreign guests. As the sun was setting, we walked back along the railway tracks to cross back to where our transport was. Just then, we happened to see the train approaching – it was quite a novelty for us swaku Singaporeans so we lingered on for awhile longer. One of the officers noticed some distance away from us, something flapping on the tracks. We got the boys to cross while some of us went to check it out. As we got closer we noticed it was a man lying across the tracks. He was quite big so I asked for some help. One of the boys volunteered so we dragged him off. We meaning, Jeffrey, the Thai BB officer (Jo), Jonathan Tan (another officer) and myself.

Jeffrey got the Cross for Heroism. I got to write the report. Officers don’t qualify for any awards. It’s our duty. You don’t reward your servants for doing a good job cleaning do you?

5. One final question, Evan, is there some advice you might like to give people who are thinking of doing tent-making work - what kind of practical points would you give them?

I don’t think I am very practical person to offer practical advice. (Laughs) I think if we desire to serve God, it comes from a heart that can love others for God. We are His hands and His feet – we show and help others experience His love by our presence, our service and whatever else we bring with us.  Anyway, let me try to offer some.

Depending on the area of service, there are certain areas where training or certifications are very helpful. For me, teaching allows me free access to teach! I know that the Thai government is looking for Caucasian teachers to teach in their Government schools. I know that at least in Thailand, if you don’t have proper qualifications, it is hard to get a work permit and hence VISA. I met an Australian who had some trouble with her VISA because she does not have a Bachelor’s degree. Some countries may need certain professionals, etc. Ask God, He will show you and then you just do. Everything will be clear when it’s His time.

Make sure you understand the immigration procedures and costs – there are many hidden costs. That being said, you have to save money and prepare enough for your own commitments at home (if you have any).

Talk to many people. Visit the place often. As a tourist, the truth is never apparent. Spend time doing what the locals do. Meet people and talk to them, especially if they have worked there or have contacts with people who work there – their experience is most valuable. I had Kien Ann to give me a heads up.

I am sure if you are certain that God has called you, your church would like to know about it. Go speak to your pastor. A prayer/accountability group is very important especially if you are all alone.

Don’t get married (laughs and sticks out his tongue) unless your spouse to be is as ON about it as you are. I think it would have been hard for me to obey if I have a lot of commitments. I know of many people who express their “mission calling” but after they get married, it’s all family, etc.

Okay, that is all that we have time for in this month's slot. Thanks for taking time for this interview, Evan. If you would like to ask Evan questions or discuss an issue about missions, please do email your comments to evan@damianeva.org and if we have enough interest, we will start a discussion group.

Do join us again in November when we ask Evan about the background situation in Khon Kaen and in December when we focus on Christmas in Khon Kaen and how Evan will be celebrating Christmas. This is Damian Yap from Cambridge, UK. Goodbye.

Footnote:

SUAH KOO
(swah-koo)
A Hokkien term which literally translates as “mountain tortoise”. Used to describe or suggest someone as being unsophisticated and ignorant. The Singlish equivalent of a “country bumpkin” or a “hick”.

Source: Coxford Dictionary of Singlish