Bright-eyed Elina Choo remembers the days when she was 11 years old, when a Caucasian missionary came to share in her church. Leaning forward, she was blown away by the adventures of this mysterious man – stories of the brave-hearted. She knew that was the life she wanted.
Fast forward several years, she found herself working as a manager at Port Klang, skilfully managing the ships docking at the port. But then, something was still missing…
Her thoughts drifted to the time when she attended her young working adult group in church. And as they discussed about life, she was stunned when a question hit squarely on her face: What do you want to do with your life?
She had no answer for that question. For the past seven years, she had been working as a manager with no qualms in life. Her sense of emptiness grew. Is this what life is all about, an endless cycle? She asked herself.
And then, the LORD brought her to that wide-eyed child who knew no fears at 11 years old – where did that girl go? She knew something in her was set ablaze. That passion, which had died, was rekindled to a flickering flame, bidding wildly to become stronger every day.
So, as months passed by, her conviction of serving God became stronger. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all things will be added to you, she repeated to herself. That verse struck her. She wanted to serve God. And she knew that was the key to the fulfilment of who she is.
Her mind veered to the parts where she visited a ship, which was like the beautiful feet that brought the gospel of peace. Standing at the port, she had always been drawn to the ship, filled with people from various nations coming together upon the glistening shores of Klang to share the gospel.
Walking down the hallway of the ship – MV Doulos it was called – a ship that ran on the oil of prayer, she could hear the distant chattering of the crew exchanging daily ordinaries of the day. I want to be a part of them, she said to herself.
And six months after the LORD knocked on her door – Elina, what do you want to do with your life? – she gave up her job to enter into full service in the ship.
The first time she docked the ship was a memorable one, one which she would never forget. The ship was collided by another ship in Pasir Gudang, Johor, delaying the journey to India. She thought to herself, “Lord, have I caused this to happen?”
But one year later, the LORD showed her why the ship had to knock. When MV Doulos had to pay an additional amount for their overextended stay in Durban, South Africa, the money compensated from the collision came in at the right time to pay for the docking fees. Praise God! He foresaw what happened and prepared beforehand.
So, such were the days of Elina on the ship, likened to a sheep in the bosom of Jesus. She drank from the cistern of Jesus Christ, never thirsting and never lacking, always satisfied and joyful.
Before she left, she was worried about her father’s health. Yet, the LORD promised to take care of her father. And till today, 18 years after she joined on the ship, her father is still as fit as a fiddle.
There was also once she missed her mother so much that God sent an elderly Greek lady to give her a hug. Not only that, in Italy, the LORD also prepared a table of Malaysian food cooked by a Malaysian chef in the ship!
So wondrous and mysterious is our God’s love towards us, that He answers even the deepest desire of our soul. Yes, the melodies of our heart!
After 11 years of sailing in MV Doulos, Logos 2 and Logos Hope, Elina saw the faithful hands of God who provided for her annual finances, through her church and individuals. She knew God as her Jehovah Jireh.
Today, Elina Choo finds herself living a dream she had at 11 years old. A life of carpe diem, no regrets!
A Missions Mobiliser in OM Malaysia, she is now sending off young people who were like her – daring and brave-hearted to answer God’s assignment for her – to the ends of the world. The Bible still lives today. And God’s Word still speaks today…
Is there any dream so big that our LORD cannot complete for His good pleasure? His works are so wondrous and magnanimous, glorious beyond words, that it takes his children’s breath away.
But will you take this journey of adventure with Him? To be alive.
Note: Elina Choo is also the East Asia Pacific short term officer of OM and one of the working committee organising yearly leadership event for OM International.
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