Memory Of Abdul, The Camel At Mount Sinai

It was a starry night when we proceeded by camel up Mount Sinai (Horeb) at around 2 am on Monday, September 18th 2000. About halfway during the two-hour ride, Evelyn got uneasy when her camel (called *abdul*) began to block the other camels that tried to overtake Abdul along the narrow rocky path.

Evelyn began to talk to calm down Abdul and prayed to the Lord to give it the patience and strength to take her safely to the destination. Suddenly the camel 'spoke in the spirit' "Friend where did you come from? How many children have you?" Evelyn replied and asked the camel why it was obstructing the other camels from overtaking.

Abdul: "They are selfish and are not working together. They just want to jump queue. So far. no one has ever talked to me except you. This is because you are humble and loyal to God. God is our Creator. He made you and me. We all belong to Him. You must be loyal to Him. He will bless you. I am also loyal to my master. I work very hard and help him to earn a living and support his family."

Evelyn again prayed to God for the camel so that it will receive the strength and wisdom to work. Abdul asked Evelyn what she was praying for. On being informed, Abdul gave thanks and asked Evelyn not to worry as she will be taken safely to her destination. On arrival, Abdul said "It is time for us to say good bye. Remember me when you return to Malaysia." The camel then slowly and carefully lowered itself to the ground to allow Evelyn to have an easy descent. This was watched by Kenneth whose camel managed to be the first in the group to reach the destination after overtaking several other camels.

This unique experience reminded both of us the conversation among Balaam, the donkey and the angel fo the Lord as mentioned in Numbers 22:29-32. It also gave us the deep joy, the physical strength and the spiritual inspiration to complete the rest of hte journey up to Mount Sinai (2,285 metres above sea level) and back to the hotel on foot.

Many thoughts and questions have crossed our minds since then. Could a camel really communicate with us in the spiritual realm? The Words from Ecclesiastes 3:18-21 and 12:6-7 came to our mind. Philippians 2:10-11 remind us that one day, at the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father.