In October 2011, I made my second visit to Malaysia. I was able to go back to the orphanage that team 7 visited the first time we were here. Pastor Johnson, the man who runs the orphanage, allowed me to stay a night with the children and film the events of a typical day.
Like many orphanages in the world, there is great need here. Approximately 50 children live here. Any age child is accepted, and they are allowed to live there as long as they like. Many of the children, after entering their 20s, have remained at the orphanage to take care of the younger ones.
I know the video is long. And I didn’t want to add any music, or different “scenes.” I just wanted to film Pastor Johnson giving a bit of an interview and then follow him as he provided a tour. The children have one main room where they do their homework, play games, eat their meals, and sleep. This room is an open room with a concrete floor.
As I understand it, there are many homes for orphans in Kuala Lumpur, but most are run by non-Christians. Some homes only take in children under the age of twelve, are Islamic homes, and are either all girl or all boy homes. The Stepping Stones Living Centre is a Christian orphanage that was started in 1998 and houses boys and girls, children of any age.
Pastor Johnson revealed to me that in the past, on different occasions, individuals have visited the orphanage, taken pictures and video to raise support for the home, and then he never heard from them again. On another occasion, he discovered that a group was using pictures and videos to exploit the children. The group was raising money and then keeping it. So the fact that Pastor Johnson allowed me to stay a night, and trusted me enough to allow me to take pictures really means a lot to me. I plan on returning to Malaysia on a regular basis every year. Hopefully, a few times a year. My hope is that when I return in March, I will be able to financially contribute to the ministry of the Stepping Stones Living Centre. They have no website to check, however, there is a group on Facebook if you would like to check that out.
Please pray for the children there. Pray for Pastor Johnson, and pray that children who need a safe place to live, meals to eat, clothing, and an education, will be sent there. If you would like to donate, send your donations to Lester Memorial United Methodist Church in Oneonta, AL. Let us know that your donation is for this orphanage. We will keep track of how much each person donates, and I promise you ALL DONATIONS WILL BE GIVEN TO THE STEPPING STONES LIVING CENTRE IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA.
After watching the video, if you have any questions or are seeking clarification, please contact me. I would be glad to take your questions. Finally, the video was shot on a little Cannon point and shoot. I do wish it were a nicer video.
Donations will be spent on:
School uniforms
School supplies and books
Shoes
Food, cooking utensils
Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, towels
Home repairs
Some will be saved since there are plans to build a new house.
Lester Memorial United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 626
108 3rd Ave. East
Oneonta, AL 35121
