Nothing short of a miracle is happening—good wifi and air conditioning—so you get 2 blogs today!
I didn’t know much about Malaysia before coming here, and I imagine many of you are in that same boat. So let’s learn about Malaysia together!
WHERE IS IT?
Malaysia is in Southeast Asia. It is a peninsula bordering Thailand to the north and the island of Borneo. The South China Sea and the strait of Malaysia are the main waterways around the land area. Malaysia is about the size of New Mexico.
BRIEF HISTORY OF MALAYSIA:
There is not a lot known about Malaysia in the years before Christ. From about 100 B.C. to 1400 A.D., Malaysia was visited by seamen and travelers primarily from Indonesia and India. Hinduism and Buddhism spread through the land, along with early Indian influence and culture. A trading port called Malacca came to control the whole west side of Peninsular Malaysia from about 1400 until 1511, when it was colonized by the Portuguese. During this time, the eastern spice trade was routed through Egypt. As such, the Egyptians allowed only Muslim trade ships, establishing what is now the most commonly practiced religion in Malalysia, Islam.
The Portuguese had control until 1641, when this much-desired port was captured by the Dutch. Until 1785, the Dutch ruled the port—and thus, the spice trade. Britain also had influence in the region, but the primary economic and trade power was controlled by the Dutch. During this time, the local Malay people, primarily Muslim, created several other trading ports. Regional fighting over one particular port between Malays stirred the British to intervene. In 1874, a treaty was signed that gave Britain significant control. They retained power until 1941, when Japan invaded. Between 1942-1945, Chinese migrants flooded into Malaysia. At the end of WWII, Britain regained partial control over the government, but Malay sentiment was growing towards independence.
In 1957, Malaysia gained independence from Britain. “Malaysia” was officially named “Malaysia” in 1961 as a federal union. Because of the high amount of trade and immigration, many different races and cultures existed in Malaysia, making unification difficult. Since 1981, Mahathir bin Mohammed has been Prime Minister of Malaysia, and has focused on capital trade. Malaysia has undergone tremendous growth since becoming an independent nation. This is evidenced by their 90% literacy rate, strong infrastructure, and minimal poverty level.
SOME CULTURE:
Malaysia has three primary ethnic groups: the Malays, the Chinese, and the Indians. Each of these racial groups colors Malaysian culture. Food includes curry, fried rices, thin soups, and lots of chicken. Alcohol is not a common part of Malaysian culture. While there are over 145 languages spoken, the official language is “Malay”. The official religion is Islam, practiced by about 62% of people, followed by Buddhism (20%), Christianity (9%) and Hinduism (6%). Ethnic groups tend to stay fairly separate, with little interracial marriage. The emphasis of shame / honor is strong here, though. “Maintaining face” by avoiding blaming/correction, insulting, challenging authority, or not being of your word is important, as is allowing others to get out of a situation with pride in-tact.
HOW TO PRAY:
–For Unreached people. There are many unreached immigrant people groups who call Malaysia home. Pray that this would provide an open door for the gospel.
-For Racial Reconciliation. While there is not much open hostility between races, there are significant chasms between the racial groups. Jesus’ blood conquers all racial divides.
-For Believers to be strengthened. Several states in Malaysia (including where I am staying) are fundamental-Islamic controlled. This poses significant challenges culturally, strategically, and emotionally for believers. Proselytizing is illegal. Pray for our brothers and sisters to be strengthened in the midst of persecution. Pray for perseverance and for government favor.
-For the Indigenous People. Pray for workers who are reaching the indigenous population. Pray for protection, anointing, and deep roots of the gospel.
For more prayer resources: http://www.operationworld.org/malc
