Klement Ministry in Thailand and Cambodia 2012

by Cheryl Derequito

Who would ever expect that the "Just Chill," most relaxed MVC-SN batch would be able to  get together as early as 3 years after graduation and do something life changing?

at Wat Preah Yesu orpahanage

Our class name, "Klement," is a French word which means gentle. Our class song implies that we go out to the world and touch others' lives with love,joy and care. So, that's just what we did recently.

With the initiative of Regin Reyno, a passionate traveller, the Klement Backpacking and Ministry was organized. The original plan was just to backpack to Cambodia and Thailand until we all came up with the ministry part, which was to visit an SDA orphanage, the church in Siem Reap, do singing band at Bangkok Adventist Hospital, etc. This is what makes Klement Backpackers extraordinarily unique--we have a mission. We travel and try to make the world a better place.

Suvarnhabumu Airport, Bangkok
photo credit: Jessielyn Palomo

The ministry part would have not been possible without Klement supporters all over the world who sent financial aid. Julius Malupangue worked hard to garner a huge amount from his church members who were enthusiastic to help upon knowing about our plans. Queene Garcia, Gwen Labadan and Gypsy Saldivia gave from their own pockets too. The financial aid these people gave was, is and will always be appreciated.

1. Singing Band
Singing bands will always be part of an MVCians life, especially for nursing intern students. Spiritual care given to patients is what makes MVC nurses stand out. We missed the feel of doing this. Singing bands during Saturdays are memorable especially to the DOTA boys.
First ministry in Thailand was at Bangkok Adventist Hospital. The group weren't all trained singers but we managed to carry a tune somehow. I'm proud to say that all MVCians know how to sing.

Bangkok Adventist Hospital

Singing band. Just like the good ole college days

2. Distribution of Tracts
We were supposed to do this in Khao San Road-the infamous backpacker's street in Bangkok. Since we didn't have enough time, this was done while on the train. Some, like Cherry Macumbo, Capt. Amoyar, Ephraim Arriesgado, Osias Barliso, and Regin Reyno really made an effort to talk to passengers on board the train.

at Victory Monument, Bangkok
photo credit: Ephraim Arriesgado

aboard the train going to Cambodia from Bangkok

3. Sabbath Morning in Siem Ream Adventist Church
As told by Regin, finding that Church last year was providential. There was a call for us to visit that Church and the Holy Spirit brought us there. With the designated committees, each member of the KBM gave his/her best in doing God's work. It was amazing seeing the Klement very active and enthusiastic in singing, teaching the kids songs, joining Sabbath School lesson discussion with the brethren, and taking charge of all the morning services.

at Siem Reap Seventh-day Adventist Church
photo credit: John Noe Surmillon

Klement Ladies Ensemble praising the Lord through songs
photo credit: Ephraim Arriesgado

4. Time with the Kids at Wat Preah Yesu
Visiting this orphanage has been a lifelong dream. Hearing about this faith-based institution has aroused my yearning to experience God in this place. "Wat Preah Yesu" means "The Temple of God." Amidst the many magnificent and amazing temples in Cambodia, this Temple surpassed them all. This is the only orphanage who accepts children with HIV. Words aren't enough to describe the 2-night life-changing experience in that orphanage. The missionaries are unbelievably selfless. Tim and Wendy are living saints who gave up everything for the orphanage. As what Farah Salaveria said, "Instead of us ministering to them, the kids ministered to us." Sensibly because despite being orphaned, they're happy and contented. That experience opened our eyes to how fortunate we are. It opened our eyes to the pain and suffering in this world and there is a great need for selfless people like Wendy, Tim and the other missionaries there. That place made us feel that faith is real and that God provides. Indeed, that orphanage deserves the name Wat Preah Yesu.

photo credit: Ephraim Arriesgado 

photo credit: EphraimArriesgado

photo credit: Ephraim Arriesgado

photo credit: Ephraim Arriesgado

photo credit: Ephraim Arriesgado

Personally, I'm too weak to hold the kids in my arms. I'm too empty to give love to them. I yearn to hug and play with them but I couldn't contain my tears while watching them. I know I haven't given much during that visit. But someday, when I'm strong enough to hold them without shedding tears, I'd surely visit that place again.