When I read in history books about something an individual or group of individuals did, I am reminded of the fact that these events were always the product of a dream or vision. Thinking in very general terms, I think it is safe to say that movements, and reformations are only as big as the dreams that start them. So why not always dream big, because even the things we think are too big, or too ambitious are but a simple task for our God. Why doesn't he just fix everything and be done with it? He created us and loved us so much that he blessed us with the ability to make our own choices. He did this expecting us to choose to follow and seek out his love. This is why we must dream big, because expecting great, paradigm shifting events from God, is what real faith is.
The second day my team and I got to Malaysia we were blessed to meet a truly great man of God. He and his wife are bold, knowledgeable, evangelists with a passion for what they do. They follow God intently, and have given up all of the things I take for granted in my daily life, to follow Him wherever He leads them. They have huge hearts, and wisdom beyond their years that they share with and ease, and grace that can only come from God.
By definition, a Malay is anyone born to a Malaysian citizen and claims to be a Muslim. It is understood that a Malay can not convert out of the Muslim religion. Those that do convert expose themselves and their families to great danger and persecution, thus creating the problem of people not converting out of fear of their Government, and their community.
The vision that this couple has, is to create a safe haven for families that wish to convert to Christianity, and to be educated so that they may go out and influence others in the community. At this facility, families will come live, be discipled to live as true Christians, and educated in a safe self-sustaining community. They will learn organic gardening, and how to raise certain livestock for the purpose of community and family sustainment. They will essentially go through a bible school and learn the Gospel and how to share it. This facility will be complete with housing, and common areas for all education and fellowship purposes. I got to be a link in the chain of progress at this facility. We helped with plumbing for the toilets, showers, and sinks. We helped put up mosquito netting in the bathroom facilities, and the common areas. We cleared out brush and cleared the areas where they will raise chickens. We laid down a brick patio area and outlined the building with gravel for drainage purposes.
We may have just been one link in this chain, but I know the chain will continue to grow. I have not however seen this yet. I worked my butt off and saw no return. I just looked around and saw what was still to be done. This is something God is teaching me more and more, that instant gratification only exists in my little world that I have created. Sometimes, no, most of the time, I have to trust that the tasks God has laid in front of me are for a purpose greater than I can comprehend at the moment. Faith is like a muscle, it does not just appear over night. It must be trained and built, and maintained, to fully understand, and utilize its potential. Having big (responsible) expectations for what God can do is a great workout for your faith muscle.
I apologize for not having any pictures of any of this, but for security reasons I did not include names locations or pictures of this facility.
