My Testimony  

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine taking on this expedition. Why? Because I am extremely afraid of heights. When Commander Yoke Yee announced the opening of registration for this expedition, I mustered the courage to sign up and began training. Commander Ong Soon Aun together with Commander Jim and some other experienced commanders diligently trained us for over four months. Deep down, I knew this would be a turning point in my life—not just physically and mentally, but spiritually as well. In the months leading up to D-Day, I prayed relentlessly, from sunrise to sunset, asking God to grant my requests–to help me conquer my fear, strengthen my knees, and bless us with good weather so that we could make it to the summit. 

Facing My Fears 

After passing the Sayat-Sayat checkpoint, the steepest part of the journey began. As I climbed, I slowed my pace, intimidated by the sheer incline. I began to doubt myself: "How can I make it to the summit? Even if I keep going up, how will I ever come down?" But then, another thought took over: "You have no choice; you can’t go down now. So just keep going up, God will find a way for you to come down!"   

Just as these thoughts intensified, a mountain guide approached me, took my hand, and guided me at his pace. In that moment, I knew God had heard me, He had sent me a guardian angel, a mountain guide, Joel Sanan. To my surprise and without even realizing it, I was the first among the 26 climbers to reach the peak! No one, not even myself, had expected this, as I had always been one of the slower climbers during training.  

A View Beyond Words 

When we arrived at the peak (8.72 km, 4,095.2 metres above sea level), the weather was perfect—clear and sunny, although it was cold with the temperature at 3°C. The view was beyond words.  At eye level, we stood between two layers of clouds, witnessing the sky transform, colours ranging from a deep celestial navy blue, dotted with white clouds to a breathtaking golden hue. We captured countless photos before beginning our descent back to Laban Rata.  And my guardian angel, Joel, continued holding my hand, guiding and ensuring I returned safely to Laban Rata.

At 11am, after breakfast at Laban Rata, we resumed our descent to Timpohon Gate. Once again, God kept His promise by sending me another mountain guide, Jaswinder to help me reach the gate safely.  In a brief conversation, he asked, "Amoi, you mengantuk ke?" (Are you sleepy?). I replied, “I tak mengantuk, I mabuk!” (I’m not sleepy, I’m dizzy!). Thankfully, I made it to the gate before 4:30pm.

All the climbers made it down in good time as well and we were transported down to Kota Kinabalu. We reached our accommodation without incident but there was a humorous twist… after the 2-hour journey in the van, and with our aching legs and sore muscles, we were all walking like crabs! That evening which coincidentally was also Chap Goh Mei, we celebrated with a seafood dinner and happily shared stories of the climb and reminiscing about the incredible journey we had just experienced. 

Day 4 : Let's Head Home with A Smile!

On our final day, before we checked out, Pastor David shared a short devotion and posed a thought-provoking question for us to reflect on: "How do you see yourself changing inwardly, outwardly, and upwardly after this entire hike?"  Each of us had experienced this journey differently, carrying our own testimonies to share with others. This climb for us wasn’t just about reaching the summit; it was about personal growth, faith, and overcoming our fears.  After that Commander Jim awarded us our Kinabalu certificates, a certificate which we were so proud of as it is a testament to our perseverance and determination. 

Over and above all, we thank God for hearing and answering our prayers, for granting us strength, excellent weather, and safety throughout this incredible adventure. 

ROYAL RANGERS, WE MADE IT TO THE SUMMIT IN 2025!