Turning another page in my story today. This month, my team and I have been searching for Unsung Heroes (people who trying to further the Kingdom of God with their ministries) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia We found 3 or 4, but I’m not here to talk about those today. I want to tell you about another portion of Unsung Heroes. We are told to love on people, get to know familiar people, and pray for all of the above. Loving on others is my favorite part of this month. Here’s a story of one of the many people I met and talked to.
Ahkim is a homeless man that came to one of the ministries we found. This particular ministry did a worship service with the homeless, and then provided a warm meal at the end. After the worship service, we broke into small groups and got to know some of the homeless men and women better. Ahkim was among them. He was tall, dark, was dirty from head to toe. He only spoke Cantonese, so he had to be translated when he spoke up. When asked if he believed in Jesus, he shook his head no, slouched in his chair, looked the other direction. He said, “I don’t know how to believe and trust in a God if I can’t believe in or trust myself.” That spoke measures to me. I instantly felt a connection. I also have struggled with that feeling.After small groups, we prayed for a couple of different people in the group, but I felt that I was supposed to talk to Ahkim.
I called a translator over, and asked her to translate for me. I told him a little about my story and a time where I also wasn’t sure how to trust and believe that God would take care of me. I told him how God instantly answered my call for help when I needed him most. I went on to explain that believing in yourself comes with the strength God provides. Tears began to form in his eyes and he spoke.The translator then began speaking really fast. I asked her what he said. She said that he wanted to believe, but he didn’t know how to take the first step, so she was sharing the gospel.
Next thing I know, she is speaking and he repeating after her. He was asking Jesus into his heart. I reached out and held both of his hands. He held on tight. I then prayed that God would give him strength even when he wanted to give up. It was beautiful to watch the expression change on his face. He started off the small group with his eyes downcast, and by the time I finished the prayer, his eyes were pouring out something heavenly. Jesus flooded his life at that very moment, and it was evident that he was beginning to believe and trust.
That night, I was walking home from dinner with Jordan and I saw Ahkim! I ran over to him, and he told me in broken English, “I’m happy… Jesus! Thank you!” Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around him. He seemed surprised, but welcomed the hug anyway. My heart was filled with our fathers love, and I believe his was too.
Please continue to pray for Ahkim in his spiritual walk with God.
