I’m a Kentucky girl, born and bred, so of course I’m always going to argue that Kentucky is awesome. But last month, I had some unexpected people joining my “Kentucky fan club.” None other than basically everyone I met in Malaysia. Our ministry contacts. The church congregation. Even random taxi drivers. Yep, they’ve caught that KY fever.
Now since March just ended, I’m sure many of you are just assuming that the Wildcats not only swept the nation, but swept the entire world with their basketball domination. (Yeah yeah yeah, I’m admitting it. I’m a Duke fan, but I'm also reasonable and intelligent, which means that I won’t deny when a team is just flat out better [this year] – congrats Big Blue Nation.) Heck, even in an opinion blog I read on ESPN right before the UK-UL game, the writer stated that basketball was all our state had to be proud of (and yes, that made me more than a bit ticked). But I’m here to redeem us and proclaim that I’ve been to Southeast Asia, and here Kentucky is well known…all thanks to the Colonel. Yep. Malaysia loves Kentucky [Fried Chicken].
Travel day meals don't get much better.
You think I’m joking, but I’m very serious. Our little town of Changlun had nothing familiar in it at all, EXCEPT for a KFC. When I was talking to one of our taxi drivers, I told him I was from Kentucky and he responded with “KFC!” So of course it became my tagline, “Hi. My name is Jill. I’m from Kentucky, the state that brings you Kentucky Fried Chicken.” And instantly my cool points started stacking. I had people ask me if I knew the Colonel. One night after church our contact’s wife told me that people had been asking her if I’d shared the secret recipe yet. Another one of our contact’s friends tried to set up a business deal for me to take his chicken recipe back to the States to sell to KFC – he’d cut me 15%. Even at the movies (a special treat to see Hunger Games the day before we flew to Cambodia), there was a short clip of the Colonel lovingly taking his chickens to see a film that was rated PG-13. So all you Kentucky people, rest assured that on the other side of the world, people know our name and welcome us in love.
Sillyness aside, Malaysia was an absolutely wonderful month. So I just wanted to let you all know about it. Meet my Malaysian family: Pastor Thomas, his wife Sharmilla, my brother Zach, and my little sisters Meesha and Felisha. Best Malaysian family ever, right?
My sweet family on Easter!
Felisha always has a funny face to make.
Their ministry is called LOGO, or LOvers of GOd. Not long ago, they felt like God was calling them to move to the north to share His love, and so they wound up here in Changlun, Malaysia, in the northern most state of Kedah. They truly believe that change is coming for Malaysia, and that it will start in the north, and I believe it, too when God is calling such wonderful people to the front lines!
Malaysia is a country that does not enjoy the religious freedom we are so accustomed to in the States. In fact, to preach the Gospel could result in jail time. Most of the country is Muslim, and it is actually against the law for Muslims to be converted, even if it is their own personal choice. As a result, churches that minister to Muslims often come under fire and face many troubles. And yet there is still hope. Many Muslims are still hearing the word of the Lord, and choosing to learn more about and even follow Christ. By day they continue to follow Muslim law, but their hearts are with Jesus and underground/secret churches are increasing by number. Though the government tries to ban and restrict the purchase of Christian literature or movies, and even tries to keep out Christian evangelists, the Spirit of the Lord is still reigning in this place, and change is coming. Change is already upon Malaysia. Malaysia belongs to the one true King, whether the government realizes it or not. Ah, I love it! But the country still needs prayer warriors to fight for its freedom, so I hope that you’ll join me in praying big prayers!
So because blatantly preaching about God outside of church can be dangerous in Malaysia, our ministry for the month involved joining LOGO in positively influencing children in the area through character building and English learning programs. Our intent was to love these kids with God’s love, share with them the joy we have through Christ, and give them the attention that their Father in heaven wants for them. Like I said, it was a pretty amazing month.
After our last character building class.
We had two character building classes, where we talked about such topics as the importance of listening, trusting one another, using our imaginations, and caring for others. As usual, lots of songs and games were included along the way, including a segment of water games that ended with a full out attack on us Americans!
After our giant water fight!
English classes were held twice a week, and the kids were the sweetest. They actually knew quite a bit of our language already, and we did a lot of conversation work. My favorite, though, was when I was teaching a lesson about getting to know one another by asking questions. Our cutest, most shy little kid was up front with his partner, and when his partner asked him “What is your favorite food?” He swelled up with pride and was so excited to correctly answer on his own, “I…am…a…CHICKEN!” I had to hide my face for a moment before I corrected his sweet little heart. Loved him so much!
Chicken is on the right. 🙂
More of our students on the last day!
The month included a lot of other opportunities as well. We traveled around and preached/spoke at multiple different churches, guest led a children’s program and a youth program (which included me jamming out on electric for the first time ever…with a random guy on electric drums…and no practice – beyond hilarious). We visited with a couple of people in the nearby community who needed encouragement, and spent a few days loving on kids at a local orphanage. We also hosted a showing of “Passion of the Christ” on Easter weekend. Wherever we went and whatever we were doing, we continued to trust that God was using our open hearts to bring more of His Kingdom and love to this earth.
Hanging out with some new friends at youth group.
I’m realizing as the race is coming to a close that there is so much more to say than what I can write in a blog or even in e-mails. So much more to share about my experiences than I think I’ll ever be able to get out with words. But for now, this is the little bit I can share with you about Malaysia. I dearly love my family there, and miss them already! It would mean so much to me and them if you could shower them (LOGO) with your prayers.
Specifically, they are in need of a van to transport kids to and from classes and events. Currently, Pastor has to make multiple trips in his small car, and still there are way more kids crammed in than can sit in seats. With or without the van, they will continue to be a light shining the love of Christ out into their community. But I know that through our prayers and God’s provision, this blessing will come for them. So join me in praying for our brothers and sisters over here in Malaysia!
Last, a challenge for you. Many of the countries I’ve visited on the race have some form of “religious chains” if you will, that attempt to hold back and oppress those seeking after God. In America, we are so used to all of our “freedom” that we often take it all for granted. How are you going to choose to embrace, appreciate, and live out the circumstances that have been given to you today, where you are free to openly choose Jesus?
