TESTIMONIES

Prayer Trip to Mt Murud (Gunung Doa) : 19 – 23 July 2007

I had wanted to go up to Mount Murud in the year 2002, after coming back from a mission trip to Kuching in 2000. Somehow, it was laid off till last year, after another mission trip to Bintulu/Pantu that it was revived.

God also miraculously arranged for me to meet up with Fred Wong at a missions meeting in our church. Briefly, I told him (in all earnesty) that I wanted to go for the trip when he said that he was trying to organize for 20 people to come. All n, we had thirteen saints in the trip. Twelve of us were from Full Gospel Assembly (FGA), Kuala Lumpur and Raymond from FGA, Penang. Eleven of us were from Almug Homefellowship, except for Raymond and I (Peniel Homefellowship).

A lot of things happened before the trip:

1. Workload seemed to be on the increase a few days before the trip. I was also rushing to send off the quarterly reports to our branches before going for the trip.
2. I had a seminar and a few meetings to attend a week before the trip. This meant late nights and less rest!
3. More seminars over the earlier weekends and these have caused disruptions to the weekend trainings at Gasing Hill in Petaling Jaya. I was only present for two sessions of training, one on a Saturday morning and the other one on a Sunday night. Upon reflection, God had divinely intervened in my exercise for the trip. I let my sister used my car (she was waiting for her new car to come). In this manner, I had to walk daily to and fro the bus stop to the office. The walk takes about ten minutes each way. This went on for six weeks and the timing could not be more than perfect. My sister’s car came on Saturday, less than a week before we were due to go to Mt Murud. I rejoiced in His directions and interventions in my life.
4. God did a miraculous provision. We would need a walking stick to help us in our climb. Most of the members had theirs ready – either walking sticks, steel rod of light weight or the stick of the floor mop. I was contemplating to buy one on Thursday morning. However, as I was coming home from a meeting on the Tuesday night of 17th July, I saw the stick of a floor mop reclining on the wall, just in front of me in the lift lobby of my condominium. Apparently, someone had thrown it away! I was fascinated; God was just saying to me, "My child, this is for you". Thank you, Lord! The stick was in excellent condition.
5. I was also looking for my safe locker key. I was perplexed that it was not to be found at the normal location in my cupboard. However, on Thursday morning, I was attracted to this particular T-shirt that I would like to bring along. I took it out and guess what fell off? Yes, it was the very locker key that I was hunting for! It seemed God was just telling me to put my entire trust in Him. No time? Never mind but complete trust and rest in Him is what matter. God is good all the time! Amen.

 

We arrived safely in Miri in the evening despite the heavy rain. The whole town experienced a blackout earlier! We had a good dinner and checked into The Apple Lodge for the night.

God ministered to me in the morning through His Word in Hebrews 1 and 2 and Psalms 50. I was up early and had a good but brief prayer walk around the area.

The experience of sitting in a Twin Otter plane by FAX (FlyAsianExpress) was a memorable one. It was a 19-sitter plane, en route to Miri via Lawas. However, God’s favour was upon us. All the fourteen of us (including one native aunty) had a direct flight to Ba Kelalan airstrip (which was also the airport in this remote village in the highlands). This had reduced our travel time!

We had a simple lunch at The Apple Lodge (a branch here) before starting our ascend to Mt Murud at 2.30 pm. Pastor Steve Balang led the way. His brother Martin and another friend took us in the 4WD to the foot of the mountain. We passed by some villages and Martin pointed out the apple farm, the salt-making station and the easy and simple life of the folks. He also bred hunting dogs for sale.

The porters had gone ahead of us. We fall in line of our numbering with Pastor Steve as the captain. We had Pastor Samuel (a minister cum lecturer from Samarinda, Indonesia) joining us too. Both of the pastors were so good and sturdy all the way. Our team-mates had difficulties; two of them were not well, a few had phobias of the heights and we had to have a few stops for rest along the way. It was not an easy climb – the planks were slippery and we had to climb, heave our bodies, trampled into the mud, stepped on the rocks and the roots all the way. It was very dark when dusk fell. Finally, we arrived at 8 pm, after five and half hours of climbing.

It was very, very cold up here in the mountain. We did not attend the meeting that night and retire to bed after dinner. The helpers (housekeepers) did a wonderful job of starting the wood fire and the warm dinner. I could not sleep well as it was so very cold. Every slight movement seemed to send chills all over the body! I was so grateful that Pastor Paterick Balang came by to see me after the church service. So comforting to hear him and his warm welcome!

I went to the church early in the morning. Some of the folks were praying. There was an atmosphere of prayer and a longing just to be there. After a few minutes, I went back to our house for breakfast. My good friend, Peter Tingkau was the first one to greet me when I stepped into the church for our service! What a joy to see him again. I was very, very touched by his sacrifice; he cancelled his seminar in Kuala Lumpur and chose to be at this prayer mountain when he heard that I will be here. What a friend indeed!

The worship was fabulous, followed by the message. Many people responded to the altar call. The people were just falling when the Spirit of God touched them. There were no catchers and yet, no one was hurt! God was just there to minister and to speak to His children.

Before the message was delivered, the leader (Pak Tagal) invited the folks who were involved in the church works in Mt Murud to come forward. Many families came out. I was moved to tears to hear of their sacrifices in the building and upkeep of the church. Tears were flowing freely as the Spirit of God cut deeper into my heart, reminding me of His great love, besides the love of these dear folks for God. The wooden planks (Jambatan Sukacita) or the "Prophetic Highway" were the labour of their hands. Pak Tagal also related this vision that one of them had seen earlier:

There were waters flowing in the church and lots of beautiful and colorful fish were swimming in it. As one of them tried to catch the fish, God told them that the fish were meant for those who came to the mountain. They will catch the fish themselves and bring them back to their respective places and be a testimony there.

I had the opportunity to meet up with Pastor Paterick’s family members. It was such a joy to meet his mother, sisters, in-laws, cousins and even Pengiran (senior Pastor) and his son, Pastor Sam who will be sent out by the church community to Scotland and Brazil in the near future. God is just raising up His children to be His light wherever He wants to. Peter and I had the privilege and honour of having Pengiran to write down our names in the certificates.

During the night meeting, the church prayed for those who will be going back the next day. I stepped out and was at the very front! I was shivering and trembling uncontrollably. No, it was not the cold weather kind of trembling. I realized that God was stirring me deeply. When one of the leaders laid her hand on my forehead, I was slain. Boom, and great was the fall! My spectacles were dislocated. Someone removed it and kept for me. I was still! Then, I felt movements over my body and it was such a good feeling when I got up. Somehow, my body was trembling again and my hands were shaking uncontrollably. I had to sit down and be still again. I was also rubbing my hands and covering my face – the trembling and shivering were so strong and powerful. It was hard to understand what was happening. As I quieted myself before God, He ministered to me deeply; He told me He loves me very much, and to continue what I am doing. In fact, He wants to do greater things in my life if I yield to Him more. I was more than touched and just said "Yes" to my dear Father. I felt so good thereafter.

We had another cold and chilly night (it was raining)! Sleep was interrupted as it was just too cold! I had a good time alternating between thanking God for His works in my life and trying to catch a few winks! I trusted Him fully for the descend (not enough rest for the two nights may affect me – just my thought). It was baseless as I had the full strength to plod on! Hallelujah!

On the way down, I spotted a bunch of flowers in the midst of the jungle. It was a cluster of flowers with shades of orange hues. When I pointed out to Nancy and George, the latter commented that it was a plastic. I was adamant and said that it was a beautiful bunch of flowers there. It was really a beauty. Now, the significance of this sighting:

One of the visions given by God was that His people would see orange flowers that looked like plastic flowers growing from the bamboo tree. God will give to His children as a sign that we will be His testimonies.

I am humbled and adored God for His love, grace and mercy.

We finally came to the foothill at 5 pm, after a five and a half hours of descend. Rightfully, it should be shorter than the ascend. The delay could be due to the rain and the steep slopes. We were all wondering whether we had actually climbed those steeps two days earlier! Nevertheless, we believed it is not by power, nor by might but by the Spirit of God. He had carried us in His arms! Praise the Lord!

Martin and his friend were there to pick us up. The rain had caused the road to be muddy. The trip downhill on the muddy slopes were frightening for most of us. I was on the second 4WD and could see the vehicle in front of us sliding, gliding and swaying in the mud. At times, it seemed that it could just swayed off course into the terrain! Praise the Lord we had such skilful drivers. Martin seemed to be enjoying every minute of it. He said, the tougher the better the challenge! 

We had a good dinner and rest in the Green Valley Inn, managed by Kak Supang’s brother. She shared of her own sightings of the fireballs in the shape of a cross when the revival broke out here in Buduk Nur. When I asked for more information, she was so kind to ask her mother to relate to me. Her mother was among the very ones who had experience God’s miracles; the fireballs, the water turned into cooking oil, the rice into flour. She had made cakes out of these and the supply never run dry, enough to feed the schoolchildren too! Hallelujah! There were lots more to hear from this beloved ibu. I was more than fascinated, excited, thrilled and awed – it was so rewarding to be in the presence of one who had received so much from the Lord. She was also among those with the late Pak Agung, the prophet who had returned to the Lord. Actually, God revealed the blueprint of the Prayer Mountain to Pak Agung. Even the very water for bathing in the pool up there in Mt Murud was healing water! In fact, the leaders also conduct water baptism in this pool. God, You are awesome! 

The Ba Kelalan community centered their lives around God. There is a prayer or morning watch in the church at 5 am daily. I was delighted that Kak Supang will be going to the church early the next morning. We had the church to ourselves as most of the folks were still up there at Mt Murud. Moreover, we were there one hour later as it had rained earlier.

When I walked into this church, the longing to pray was so strong. Kak Supang, Mary, Coach Kali and I had a good time praying. Note: This church is the alternate site to Mt Murud yearly, that is, one year here and the next year in Mt Murud. Lots and lots of prayers had gone up to God from these churches. It was also called the House of Prayer For All Nations.

The beautiful hills and mountains surrounding these villages are simply astounding. The wonderful weather and sceneries were so serene, calm and tranquil. The paddy field plots were a wonder too! God is certainly in the midst of His people here.

Kak Supang took us to the apple farm. We had a good taste of the apples too. We plucked some passion fruits (they looked like aubergines of oval shapes). We saw horses grazing in the field, buffaloes roaming around too. Such a rich life.

Alas, it’s time to pack and to go home. This time, we had the opportunity to stop by Lawas airport. I had a good bargain for a hat made from the bark of the trees. En route, the pilot pointed out the majestic palace of the Sultan of Brunei.

In summary, it was a very, very rewarding, humbling and awesome trip. I met so many LunBawangs and Kelabits. They are so gracious, gentle and beautiful folks. Their sufficiency is in Christ alone, I would say. Oh yes, Pastor Steve’s father came by to tell us (on the second day up in the mountain) that another prophecy by Pak Agung had been fulfilled. It was after a spate of ten years that we had Indian saints coming up the hill. You see, we had five very precious Indian brothers and sisters in our team! Wow, hallelujah! God is just watching over His Word to perform it. My God, my God, how great You are!

Our team of thirteen saints was a great team. Coach Kali was so encouraging. He was really the life-wire. He entertained us with catchy and humorous songs and choruses. This certainly boosts up our spirits too! We had much laughter with his complete replay of individual actions. We were very blessed to hear his personal testimony (after earnest requests from Raymond and I). I had gathered much pointers and quality of living from him. He is so full of life, fun, caring and sharp. The flexibility and grace of Fred and George’s leadership contribute to the meaningful trip.

I look forward to return to Mt Murud again in year 2009. The mountain of 7,950 ft or 2,423 m beckons me!

Thank you very much, my dear family members, intercessors, friends and our church who had been praying and interceding for all of us. May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you in His tender, loving care. Amen.

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art, How great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
(Ajaib Tuhan! Ajaib Tuhan)

Shirley Yeap
25 th July 2007