Soooooooo…..
(1) Since Malaysia is a closed country we are here as “students" of Anthropology.
(2) All Malay citizens must declare and practice the religion of Islam.
(3) However, there are many, many Indian and Chinese immigrants living in Malaysia as long term residents. Our contact, Pastor Mark, is one of the many Indians who have grown up with Malaysia as their home.
(4) Although Malaysia is an Islamic state, Indians are free to practice their religion of Hindu and Chinese, Buddhism.
(5) Malaysia has several land masses- the mainland peninsula, the large island, a part shared with Singapore, and several small islands. These all make up the beautiful land of Malaysia!
So, these few bits of information really don’t do this country justice but I wanted to give you an idea of what the Malaysia I have experienced is like. Malaysia is incredibly unique in it’s blend of cultures, traditions, people, the way that it is spread out geographically and is different in comparison to the rest of Asia I have experienced thus far. We have spent our month of ministry here serving along in the church, teaching English, and partnering with a local children’s home.
And while, yes, these contribute to its difference the characteristic that has set it apart the most is it’s spiritual atmosphere. As I mentioned, Malaysia is a closed country with a strong Islamic presence. Due to this, ministry has had a difference dynamic month. Instead of being able to freely share, talk, evangelize, and pray like we could in all of the previous countries we had to check ourselves and be mindful of how we were being perceived by the public. At first, part of me wanted to not care, to share, pray openly. Jesus was a pretty bold guy, right? So why not be the same?
But then I spoke with my contact, Pastor Mark, and through his example and conversations with him and his family I learned how even when ministry looks a little different, Jesus uses it. He sees the seed blossoming even when we cannot. And let me tell you, I learned this month that Jesusreallllllly doesn’t need me to save this world. All He realllllly wants is to know me, to love me and I, Him. That doesn’t mean I become a hermit and shut myself up in my own little world (trust me, I am tempted to do this sometimes). But it means that it isn’t about me, at all. It’s about loving Him, giving Him thanks, giving Him glory.
Lend me your ear for a moment and enter into a journey with me. This story is of my contact, Pastor Mark.
Born and raised in Malaysia but well grounded in his Indian culture and heritage, Pastor devoted himself to the Hindu religion. Although he grew up in a good and wealthy home it lacked love. In his youth Pastor became a talented and skilled Tabla musician (which is a drum, common in Indian music) which he later used to practice as a temple musician. He married beautiful Tina, amid opposition from his family, and they settled into their life. But God had other plans. One day while on the job, Pastor suffered an accident. He was told he would never walk again. As he lay in the hospital bed grieving his loss, he cried out to the gods he had so faithfully and religiously served. Silence. Now, Pastor had heard of this guy, Jesus. He had heard of Christianity. He had heard of this “living God.” But he was a Hindu. Raised a Hindu. He dedicated his time to the temple. But in his grief, his hurt, he thought maybe, maybe it’s true? So he cried out. He raised his voice this time to the Living God. A Voice. A voice answered. And it told him, “you will walk again, but this time, you will walk it in My Name.”
Now, there is more to this story, as there is to every story. Pastor Mark walks now. And he is fiery believer of the Lord, along with his family. And all of this came at a cost. His family disowned him, he lost his inheritance. But out of it, he is in love with the Living God. And slowly, patiently he is sharing this with his people that used to be just like him, used to be in the same bondage. I have been blessed to hear along with Pastor’s story, many stories like it. God has a mark on each and every life. On mine, on yours, on every single one. And loves every single one, He just wants them to love Him back. But this is REAL. And this is HAPPENING all over the world. Jesus is fighting for these people who are lost, who are searching. Jesus is appearing to Muslims in dreams, speaking to them in visions.
I know, you are probably wondering how this pertains to me, to you. Is there anything I can do right now? Is there anything you can do thousands of miles away in America?
YES, PRAY.
Pray for our brothers and sisters who follow Christ at a huge cost.
ASK.
I have asked myself the question…”would I be able to do the same?” My faith has never cost me anything. And if a time came when it would? What then? These questions are hard to ask, and frankly are easier to not think about. But the reality is we have brothers and sisters who have to ask themselves “am I willing to pay the price?” every single day.
It’s not about me, it’s not about you, it’s not even about these brother and sisters I speak of.
It’s all about Jesus, the God man, who was, is, and is to come.
To hear even more about my month please go to my teammates blogs….
http://audreybazil.theworldrace.org/?filename=i-am-not-afraid-of-you
http://daniellebaker.theworldrace.org/?filename=snakes-jesus-and-deliverance
You will not be disappointed!
I have only $1,292 to raise before I am FULLY FUNDED! And I need it by March 1st or else I go home!
Please consider supporting me by going to my “Support Me” tab at the top of the page.
Enjoy some photos…
sleepy beauty at the children’s home.
one of God’s favorite littles and mine too!
some of the women we were blessed to serve this month!
love this photo of a beautiful woman of God, who used to be Hindu!
LOVE YOU ALL! GOD BLESS YOU!
