I was in high spirits when I left for Bangkok, Thailand, on 18 November for the last transitional module of my PhD programme. And when it was over, I would be rewarded with a trip to Israel. The module—Educational Leadership in Christian Faith Communities—was facilitated by Dr. Pieter Theron. We had great time learning about leading change in a learning community as well as leadership principles and practices. We even developed our personal leadership development plan. On 25 November, we concluded Pieter’s sessions with a sumptuous dinner—our last meal together as a cohort. “Great! This time, tomorrow, I will be in Singapore!”
Blissfully enjoying our dinner on 25 November in Bangkok
However, panic and fear gripped my heart as I watched the news that night. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport had been taken over by anti-government protesters. “Oh, no! I need to be in Singapore by 1 December!” By morning, the airport was closed. I was now a helpless victim trapped in the web of Thailand’s political turmoil. When I heard the airport would be closed indefinitely, I told the Lord that I was prepared to bid farewell to my Israel trip. The next morning (27 November), Dr. Allan Harkness suggested that we find alternative ways to get out of Thailand instead of waiting indefinitely in Bangkok. To me, it was a risky venture. My initial reluctance to follow the group to Phuket bent under the strong persuasion of my classmates who encouraged me not to give up my Israel trip so quickly. They even promised to let me have the first available air ticket out of Phuket. By that time, Casey had begun mobilizing many of you to pray for my safe return to Singapore.
Our group’s Amazing Race started in Bangkok at 4:30 pm in a hired van. We arrived at the Phuket International Airport at 2:30 am.
Listlessly waiting for a flight out of Phuket in the wee hours of the morning of 28 NovemberBecause of my classmates’ sacrifice, I was able to get the last seat on Firefly (I had not heard of this airline before) from Phuket to Penang. I left Phuket at 11 am on 28 November. Thankfully, Casey also managed to secure a seat for me to fly from Penang to Singapore that evening. I reached Singapore at 7:30 pm, thankful and relieved after a 27-hour Amazing Race! By God’s amazing grace, I returned just in time to prepare for my trip to Israel. Thank you, friends, for your prayers! I could not have done it without you!
THANKSGIVING
For our group’s safe return from Phuket (PS. The last person to leave reached Singapore on 3 December)
For the able assistance of my colleague, Benson Goh, who taught my Greek 2 class and helped my students while I was away
For Casey’s completion of his initial thesis proposal
For an ‘educational’ vacation in Israel
PRAYER REQUESTS
For strength and wisdom in my ministry at EAST
To design a meaningful Greek Exegesis course for the third quarter that would be relevant to my students
To mentor effectively the girls in my family group for their spiritual and personal growth
To find and read books and articles relevant to my research topic
For a suitable supervisor for Casey who is writing on Contextualization of Theological Education
To all my partners-in-ministry,
Joy & peace be with you this festive season!
Davina (& Casey)
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