We Broke the Law—here’s how
Last month (May) we where in Malaysia—the part highlighted in red.
So apparently there is a (huge) difference between Penang and Pahang Malaysia.
The difference is the spelling and the location. So here is what happened: The first week of Malaysia our Squad held debrief in Penang, an island off the north western tip of Malaysia. After 4 days of debrief, each team prayed about where we were led to impact for the rest of the month as a team. We had just traveled 18 hours on a train from Thailand to Malaysia, so my team was hoping for a break from long travels. We looked into ministry options in the city we were already in, but they all fell through. Then we remembered that an Alumni had talked about their time in Malaysia, and we all felt good about the mission field they described. We booked the hostel, started praying about the ministry and only then questioning, “it was in Penang, right?”… Nope! Not even close! … 11 hours away, complete opposite side of Malaysia.
Even though we could have changed it, we decided that it happened for a reason, and the distance didn’t change how we felt about the opportunity. So… another long journey ahead… we left at 4:30 AM and arrived after 9:30 PM. After a 20 minute ferry, to a 3 hour train ride, to a 5 hour bus, to an hour long grab, we made it! Crazy to think about how all this transpired but actually we know Gods hands were all over this journey destination.
When we arrived to the cute cottage village in Cherating, Malaysia we couldn’t find a reception area or anyone to check us in – 10 pm and dark outside and monkeys rustling in the nearby trees. Later we learned so much about monkeys and how to avoid “Monkey Hour” where the monkeys would actually hunt you down if you had food or bags in your hand.
So here’s where we became rebels
Malaysia is a Muslim country and it is illegal to be a missionary. So, I guess I’m a lawbreaker! We travel legally as a “tourist”. We had the opportunity to learn more about the Islam religion and shared the unconditional relationship we have with Jesus through in our everyday interactions.
The whole month of May is Ramadan, in which Muslims fast during the daylight hours. The streets were mostly quiet during the day, and almost everything was closed in the entire town. There was only one restaurant and one cafe open. The more we explored we began to find a few locals who quickly became great friends. I would say that this month we made some of the closest friends on the race, and I know I will want to visit them again!
Every morning began at the coolest surf cafe down the street with fresh mango shakes and coffee. We became close with the owners and workers at the cafe (Ombok) as we were there all the time, and we were able to bless the owner by leaving an uplifting painted mural on the side of the building! This was a weeklong painting project which gave us the opportunity to meet everyone who came to the cafe. The ripples of our stay will remain both for the locals we built relationships with and each one of us. Every time the locals see the mural it will cause thoughtful recollections of many conversations.
I drew the outline and the whole team came together to breathe life in the mural!
We we had a blast getting messy too!
This month turned into one of my favorite places and experiences on the race! We lived across the street from this amazing beach, and helped with a major clean up effort with a program called Trash Hero to keep the beauty all around.
We had some time to reflect and play in the ocean during the day with new lifelong friends from England talking about life, God and religion. Lots of discussions, sharing opinions and Gods grace. What an honor to intentionally focus on loving people, to actually listen to them, genuinely care about the things they had to say and things they believe. Something so simple had a a much bigger impact than I imagined. I am starting to understand more about myself and open to what God can do through me.
We watched sunsets most nights from the beach often accompanied by guitars and worship on the sand.
Each day I was in awe of His majesty and grateful that we lived there for this mission time!
This country ends our 5 months together as a team – these women have truly been a gift from God to journey together in this Race for Hearts. They will forever have my heart.
Next stop debrief where new teams are announced and then we travel to Indonesia.
Peace out – DJ
