So here I am in Changlun, Malaysia, a small border town in the north close to Thailand. There are only about 1,500 people in Changlun. We are staying here helping support the calling God had on Pastor Thomas Life to come to this small town, which even many Malaysians would be likely to say “Changlun? Where is that?”
We had team changes this month, and there were some adjustments to the compilations of all of the teams, so I am now on a team called the Ambassadors, made up of one person from each of the seven original teams on our squad of 53. We are serving here with one other team besides ours.
This month we are working at an English kindergarten which was started by Pastor Thomas and his wife. This school is unique in that it blends the cultures of Malaysia. Where most schools will be specific to being only Chinese, Malay or Indian (from India), this school is working to unify the different nationalities that make up Malaysia by having them learn together at Fresh Start Kindergarten. We are supporting the teachers and really, just loving on the kids that attend here. I got to use my skills as a dental hygienist, speaking to the kids about their teeth and showing them how to brush their teeth properly, and even brushing with them! It is so amazing how my team has been able to use all of their skills at the school to contribute to our ministry here. We have women with previous teaching experience, experience in dental hygiene, diet and nutrition, photography skills, and some incredible creativity.
Other areas where we serve involve teaching English, evangelism with foreigners, and possibly doing some other community programs outside the kindergarten such as talking about nutrition, diet and oral health. It is so awesome to be putting the skills God gave us to use here. That we can bless the community by showing love to others and encourage Pastor Thomas and his family as they follow God's calling is a wonderful way to be spending our time here.
(all photos courtesy of MK Hill)
