“Always invite people to the party of Jesus.”
These words were passed on to us by the team of ladies that worked with our current host before we arrived.
What it means is this: The Good News is reason enough to celebrate, and God’s kingdom is the most inclusive festival the universe has ever known. I know it’s easy to get lost in the deep theology and Christianese, but at the end of the day, it’s all about welcoming everyone into our wild mishmash blowout celebration of life with Jesus.
And let me tell you, Malaysia is a good place to celebrate freedom found in Jesus.
As the race has progressed, we’ve ventured into territory where it’s not only frowned upon to be a believer, but it carries extreme risk.
I was first exposed to this level of persecution in India. I learned more about the unspeakable violence against church planting nationals and local missionaries working to advance the Gospel. Even those who aren’t working Christian jobs face excommunication from their families, loss of government benefits, and threats of violence when they convert. This isn’t simply a rough time for them, it’s life.
My American comfort bubble was shattered when I heard first-hand stories about what people deal with for choosing to follow Jesus. The testimonies of their lives beg the question: Why would they suffer this way for Jesus? We complain about waking up early on Sunday to attend church while people around the world are rejoicing in that privilege.
Peering into this has changed my heart. How could I possibly walk through life like Jesus isn’t worth a cartwheels and backflips, live music in the backyard, strung lights on a summer night, invite-the-whole-world kind of party.
Maybe we’ve moved countries, but the risk remains for our friends on this side of the world. This month, my team has the honor and privilege of praying and interceding for this country. We are focusing our prayers on revival in the Church, justice, and the spread of the Gospel.
In this country, it is illegal for some people to convert to a different religion. This offense carries such a heavy weight – one that could end in the death penalty. Yet there are an estimated 500,000 to 1 million underground Christians within these borders.
Learning about the spiritual climate here revealed how thankful I am to be a part of this grandiose Jesus party and how much I want others to be here too.
Here’s my why: no matter what this world throws at you, no matter how dark the clouds are over your head, no matter how big the crowd holding stones may seem, Jesus is worth it.
It’s worth it to inherit the promises of God.
It’s worth it to know deeply that you are accepted and loved.
It’s worth it to know that you are not alone.
It’s worth it to finally understand that God knows first hand what it is to suffer. Your obedience brings him glory, just as Jesus brought glory to the Father in his.
It’s worth it to know you’ll see him one day, face to face, and he will wipe your tears once and for all.
Jesus is worth it. He is worth every song we can sing. He is worth every word we can speak. He is worth abandoning comfort and security if it means welcoming others into his family, into his party.
I challenge you to take a risk for God today. Listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and invite your atheist coworker to church. Strike up intentional conversation with a stranger at Starbucks. Act like Jesus and go to margins of society where the religious people wouldn’t dare enter. Be risky. Live out your worship and invite everyone to the party of Jesus.
It is an honor to be a part of God’s family. It’s time we act like it and show others what an awesome life journey it is.
Speaking of invitations, I’m asking you to join me in this praying party this month (and beyond):
- Pray for protection and freedom for the persecuted Church here in Malaysia.
- Pray for a spirit of abandonment for those who want to follow Jesus, but are burdened with fear of losing a lot.
- Pray for justice, especially with regard to the upcoming general election here.
- Pray for revival in America. We have seen our local friends carry such a zeal for their nation to know Jesus, and it’s poured over to me and my team. Our desire is to see the States come alive in knowledge of how loved we are by the one true God.
Love and blessings,
McKenzie
p.s. I would love to read why Jesus is worth it to you! Feel free to comment on this blog to share. I think it’s important to declare these things publicly, especially as we live with the privilege of being open with our faith in the States. Thanks for reading and supporting me, from near or far, I love you!
