In August 2009, Crisis Relief Singapore Team 3 responded to a call for help from our partners in Sri Lanka to help the villagers in Vavuniya, at the northern part of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government had successfully eradicated the Tamil Tigers from its last stronghold in the north recently. Since, many people had been put in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, where living conditions are limited by sufficient water, food, hygiene and proper medical care. 6 of us responded readily, not only because we saw the physical needs of these people but we also saw the spiritual needs. We wanted to bring God’s love to these people. It was very clear to each of us in the team that we represented God’s hands and feet as we moved out to serve the community. We were no longer doctors or working professionals in our mighty offices, but servants – servants who are submitted to God’s leading. Every action, word and thought that we show, articulate and possess has to be a right reflection of Him. This was not our work, but His .

Bibles given to the locals

This attitude helped the team to unite and respond readily to many unpredictable circumstances at site as we did not manage to get access into the IDP camps eventually. Instead, we gave medical aid to a couple of villages managed by the Church of Prayer Mission. Many of the villagers are Hindus, with a small percentage being Muslims and Christians. God has been faithful and has never stopped pouring His blessings on us as we blessed the villagers and church workers at Sri Lanka in return.

We tended to 650 patients in 4 villages, gave out 60 bibles to 2 churches, gave dietary supplies to 200 sickly children and donated medicine to a hospital where many seriously-ill IDP patients were transferred to. We managed to pray for many Hindus and other pre-believers. We met up with 150 youths in a church camp and ministered to another church of about 20 with testimonies and sermons. It was never short of being a fruitful and meaningful trip.


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Dr. Paul Mok providing consultation to the locals

Eileen dispensing medications to the patients

Throughout the trip, God gave us favour amongst the locals as we cleared immigration and security checks one after another without any effort. There was rain every time we started clinic work so weather was always cool despite being in hot and dry Sri Lanka. We were blessed with good food and hospitality from local pastors and most importantly, all of us returned home safely, refreshed and energized. None of us fell sick despite being exposed to so many patients. Lives were touched by prayers and local Christians were encouraged by the support and love from Christians beyond their land.

God’s love knows no boundaries. His faithfulness never ceases.

Kadavul Aasirvathipar - May God Bless You (in tamil).