After about two months of ministry in Thailand, we traveled back to Malaysia for our squad wide debrief. Debrief was held in Penang, Malaysia. One thing was certain going into debrief; we knew we weren’t going back to Thailand. But we were also unsure of exactly where our ministry team would be serving next. All we knew is that it would be somewhere in Malaysia.
During the week of debrief, we received our new ministry details and discovered we would be working in a home for orphans, underprivileged kids and elders. That’s where I will serve until March 1st. I initially had some qualms about coming back to Malaysia and leaving a ministry in Thailand which I thoroughly enjoyed. After all, I was attached to the people I was serving in Thailand. So it was difficult to be excited about diving into a new ministry and re-investing myself emotionally. But like usual, the Lord renewed me. God reminded me that with Him nothing can occur out of season or fall otherwise than at His appointed time. This reminder encouraged me to look ahead with anticipation. It only made sense that God would give me the strength to embrace this new ministry opportunity just as He has done consistently during my World Race experience. With the right mindset of putting things in God’s hands and trusting His timing, I am confident that I will end up loving this ministry, too.
The home is a gated community/living center called Desa Amal Jireh. It has several apartment style housing arrangements. The founders of this center are Christ followers and have instilled their beliefs into the young kids in the nursery and the teens in the shelter. This is the first time on the race I have been in a location where the people speak fluent English. Therefore, there is no language barrier and I can more effectively share the Gospel and empower young believers. Hearing the stories from the girls of how they ended up here is heartbreaking. Many of them were rejected, unloved, abandoned and simply “dropped off” here. While living at the center is difficult for them at times, it’s also inspiring to see the strength and resilience they’ve gained despite their set-backs and misfortunes. Through the Desa Amal Jireh center, they are able to learn about God and many have chosen to follow Him. I’ve heard many of them say, “Today I am sad, but God is good and he never stops taking care of me.” They know, regardless of the heartbreak and rejection, their Heavenly Father never stops pursuing them.
Ministry specifics:
We do some light manual labor and cleaning around the grounds but mostly we spend time interacting with the kids (teaching, devotion time, and game time). One specific opportunity I have here is being able to work one on one with a few of the teen aged girls. It’s been a blessing to apply what I’ve learned in college during my counseling sessions with them. Those skills along with praying and reading scripture along side of them has created a safe and comfortable environment which has allowed the girls who are really struggling to open up to me. Many of our conversations focus on effective conflict resolution strategies.
This ministry can be draining both physically and mentally. It’s a change from the normal language barrier I was growing accustomed to in Guatemala and Thailand because there’s so much more interaction here. I see my time here as a huge blessing. When I return to the U.S., I want to have the same mindset I have here. I’m passionate about this type of ministry (empowerment/discipleship) and want to continue doing it… wherever I am. Hence my title to the blog, “You Can’t Give Another Person Something That You Don’t Have.” In order for me to use the abilities the Lord has given me, I have to dive into His living truth non-stop. He’s the one that gives me grace, stability, joy, love, wisdom and peace. How can I properly speak life into others and show them what these things are if I’m not seeking the things I need from God? I have to keep calling on Him to fill me up, so then I can give away something valuable that I actually possess. If my giving isn’t based His truth then it’s meaningless. So while I had some misgivings when we first arrived here, I am now very thankful that we are able to spend our last month in Malaysia.
Other random facts about my life:
Rice still tastes good everyday, twice a day.
It’s really hot here, sweating is not optional.
I’ve been blessed with a new teammate (Josh switched over to our team).
Cheese Naan is awesome!
I’m back to not liking bananas.
I get to see my mom in Africa very soon!
