Growth, what I would describe this month in one word. This month there has been so much growth in me, growth in my team and so much growth happening in Malayasia.
This month was a surprise month for our team. Malaysia was not on our original route and before coming here I knew next to nothing of this nation. After arriving to this country we discovered that Malaysia is comprised of several culture groups which include: the Malaysians (Malay), Indians, Chinese and backpackers from various countries around the world. With this said there a number of religions practiced here as well. For example, the predominate religion in Malaysia is Islam. So if you are Malaysian or Malay you are automatically a considered a Muslim. Being a missionary in a predominate Islamic place; one had to be very cautious when interacting with Muslims. This is because; it is illegal to convert Muslim individuals to any other religion. Along with the Malay Muslims there are also the Hindu Indians and Chinese Buddhists. But amongst these differing religions there is also a growing amount of Christian believers in Malaysia and especially in Penang.
We had the privilege of attending PENHOP (Penang House of Prayer). This is a prayer room that allows believers in the area gather to worship and intercede for the city. It was amazing to see Christians in the area coming together as a body of believers and collectively pray for their city and for this nation. I do not doubt that the Lord hears their prayers. I believe that there is going to be a true revival in Penang and in Malaysia in the years to come.
This month our team worked alongside YWAM (youth with a mission). We had several ministries which meant we could not all work together this month. Some of our ministries included: working with LUMA, a Christian Media Production organization, praying for people at a local hospital, working at a coffee shop and serving at Kawan, the local homeless shelter. Everyone really enjoyed their ministries; however it was hard because we were not working a whole unit like we had in previous months. Early on we realized that it was really important to be intentional with our time spent as a team. Despite our differing ministries, the Lord still showed up and did amazing things in each one of us.
And finally there has been a tremendous amount of growth in myself. Going into this fourth month I was asked to become my team’s new team leader. With this came new responsibilities and new challenges. I was still leading my same team and I had no idea what to do. On the first day of my new responsibilities I was so overwhelmed that it forced me come to the Lord. For the first time in my life I had to relinquish my control and ask the Lord daily what to do. Though this I realized that I cannot do anything without Christ and by having Him direct my decisions I have been able to be a better team leader.
The Lord is so good and I cannot wait to see how he will show up in Cambodia!!
