I am currently living in Penang Malaysia, a large Island city. I am working with YWAM this month serving several organizations. I live in the part of the city called “little India”. People are nice, the food is amazing and the clothing is beautiful, but every day I walk by incense altars mounted on buildings, store owners ring bells and light incense calling in “spirits” to start their day. Walking around this city you can’t go a block without passing a Hindu or Buddhist temple or an Islamic mosque.
Malaysia wasn’t on my original itinerary, I literally knew nothing about it until I got here. Malaysia is a predominately Islamic country and all Malay people are born into Islam. There is a law here that states once you are Muslim wether born into it or converted you are forever bound to that religion. If you are Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, or any other religion you can convert to whatever, there is complete religious freedom, unless you convert to Islam then by law you can never go back. It is forbidden by law to evangelize to a Muslim, you can be arrested for even handing out Christian literature.
A million thoughts and opinions about this flooded my westernized mind, yes it isn’t fair, but I also knew nothing about Islam and didn’t want my own preconceived ideas and ignorance to effect the way I see the Muslim people here. I read a book written by a Muslim about Islam vs. Christianity, and was shocked by the similarities and found many of the things I had thought were completely false. Though I can’t openly preach the gospel to this people group, I can form relationships without bias, I can show Christ through my actions, and I can pray into their lives. Jesus is moving here, the gospel is being heard and there is fruit.
Penang has so many cultures, besides the Malays, there are Chinese, Indians, Thai, several other asian countries, I’ve met people from Peru, Australia, Norway, England, Canada, and the states. I love being able to experience so many cultures in one place. There is an awesome art scene and I’ve even got to work with a Christian arts organization here and meet many Christian artist. There is also a house of prayer, I get to go there tonight for the first time, when I found out about it I cried and every time I talk about it I cry, a house of prayer is home to me. God knew what he was doing when he put me here and its been amazing.
My December 1st financial deadline has been moved to January 1st and I still need $2500.00 to meet that goal and continue on. Prayers for financial support are welcome, my next country is Cambodia and then I get to go to Africa! The Lord is moving in me and he is moving in the earth and its so beautiful.
some street art for your visual delight!
