Ba'kelalan Mount Murud Prayer Convention - 17 – 24 July 2023
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- Published: Monday, 07 August 2023 09:14
- Written by LH Ting
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By the grace of God, my children and I had learned to cope with the loss of the family head cum bread winner in our family. We had moved into a new chapter of our life.
My children have grown up slowly and have become independent. All my desires and dreams have been fulfilled under His merciful hands. My restless heart and fired up emotions gradually calmed down over the years. I asked God what next? I need to have a fresh encounter with Him lest I became powerless for Him. It is always my desire to see nature where I can feel His presence and let Him to rekindle His first love in me. After much prayer, my spirit and my physical being came to consensus to follow my church group to Mount Murud for a prayer convention.
My heart was filled with joy when we made our journey to Ba'kelalan. I allowed flashbacks of my childhood years rocked with the bumping journey along the dusty road. At the back seat of a modified Hi lux I was immersed in a world of white clouds, blue sky with different shades of green at the horizon as I gazed upon God’s original creation - loving people; fat cows; rice fields, wooden buildings; winding mountain trails and sandy narrow gravel mixed mud roads. The melody of ‘How great thou art’ played in my head.
Although we had a very skilful and experienced driver, my adrenaline level shot up each time we drove high up the mountainous roads that overlooked the deep and steep valleys below. I pleaded with God to keep us safe under His wings.
Then I understood Sis Aileen’s encouragement for me a day before I travel.
Isaiah 40:4
‘Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.’
I took a deep cool and fresh breadth the moment I reached Lepo Bunga, which is one of the villages at Ba Kelalan. It was already in the evening.
The next morning, we made our way to Mount Murud Prayer Convention Centre.
I thought July should be a dry season with fallen leaves, but what came into my view were magnificent mountain ranges surrounded by oceans of green foliage. I was amazed at the workmanship of God.
Psalm 1: 3 came into my mind ‘And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bring forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither and whatsoever he does shall prosper.’
These enormous mountain ranges are embraced by big trees, the roots interwoven beneath to hold the soil, that makes Mount Murud standing tall and graceful with an altitude of more than seven thousand feet. The roots are the lifeline of the trees, they take up water, nutrients, air, and sunlight to provide energy to sustain their lives. They are like anchors to the trees, keeping them in place and indirectly maintaining the stability of the mountains. As I looked around, there were so many worshipers, all like the interwoven roots of different trees all with the same objective, and embracing the same one faith. How wonderful is our God!
The climbing and descending Journey
I was thankful to my fellow acquaintance who gave me a stick to assist me while walking. I held it tightly and pondered upon the journey of Moses with his staff to lead the Israelites out from Egypt. He could have had the same experiences, except for his miracle performing staff verses my walking stick; an anointed leader verses a follower.
The path was extremely muddy and slippery while certain parts are very steep and dangerous. The climb was very tedious and required a lot of strength and energy. I was doubtful at my ability but was constantly reminded by God’s words that says: -
‘Those who hope in the Lord will mount up like wings of eagle, they will walk and not faint and run will not be weary’
I also remembered Psalm 91: 13 that says ‘You will trample upon the great lion and serpent’ So I swept away all my doubts and put them beneath my feet, with each step that I took becoming more forceful and bolder.
The Roots
The most significant and important element that I saw throughout the journey were none other than the roots of the trees that laid beneath the mud. The roots are of different sizes, shapes, textures, and forms, with some protruding to the surface of the path. They formed the natural foundation of the trail.
I asked the Lord, why roots? Do away with them and we can walk on dry smooth path that are filled with dry leaves. However, as I looked again at the trails from the foot of mountain, I was so thankful as without them it would be just impossible for us to climb. For every step, I must select the most suitable and appropriately aligned roots so that I do not slip or fall into the puddles of mud. It is so important for me to look at the situation and plan even for the next step, otherwise I would not be able to move forward. Along the climb, the area where most people stepped on were the muddiest yet most secured and safe. However, when I grabbed a nearby branch and stepped on the less travelled sites that have strong roots, I could leap forward firmly and my walk became easier and faster. It was as if God was reminding me that I should not be hard on myself and sometimes people around us can be of great help and support. I was also reminded not to be too rigid and stereotype, and I should try out new ways or do new things. God is also at the road less travelled and I0 must have the courage and trust to discover the good things He has in store for me.
At the most difficult and risky part of the climb, I had to lower my body and kneel to make my way up, and then down, holding firmly to the protruding roots or the wooden rails or steps, sometimes to a point that I needed to crawl in order to help myself to move on and to prevent fall and injury. These are very much like some life experiences that one needed to strip off all the pride and dignity, and surrender all to God.
This journey led me to see the varieties of roots and it helped me to appreciate the roots of life which are the believes and values gathered over years of living. They are the anchors that stabilize our lives. Strong roots are not only for own stability but can lift others up. Like the roots at mount Murud, they are so strong that they lifted the worshipers to seek God.
Colossians 2:7 ‘Let your root grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.’
I am very thankful that these enriching encounters had rekindled His first love in me. I would like to thank Reverend Jabez, Reverend Chan, Sister Judith, and all members of our team for their companionship, encouragement and laughter that made our trip to Mount Murud memorable.