Malaysia was a pretty fun month for me and the team I was with. We partnered with a new World Race contact in Melaka, which is a World Heritage Site. We lived just down the road from the historical area and port and very near to the two largest malls in the area.
Our ministry during the month included the following: relational ministry (aka friendship evangelism or making friends with strangers and sharing if able about why we were there and sharing about the church we were working with), church and church events with Real Love Ministry, homeschooling three children (I never did this but most of my teammates loved it), and volunteering at a Salvation Army school for individuals with disabilities.
The street we lived on.
Malaysia is a closed country, but it is unique in that it is a blending of several cultures. It is a closed country as you cannot share the Christian faith with Malay Muslims. However, the country also has a predominance of Chinese Buddhists and Indian Hindus and it is not illegal to share your faith with them. We were all a bit uneasy at the knowledge that we were going to be doing “friendship evangelism” because it is not exactly our favorite type of ministry.
It can be very easy to grow lazy in it, and it is a bit unnerving to not feel as though you are pushing something on someone who is not even remotely ready for it. We kind of balked at the idea of it, especially as we tried to get more direction about what exactly was allowed or not allowed. Several squad mates with different contacts were much more limited in their work during the month and we felt adrift for the first week or so. As the month went along, we were definitely more confident in what we were doing there – simply living out God’s heart for his people. This time, just in Melaka.
Eventually we settled into a rhythm of spending time and frequenting the same stores, shops and restaurants. I still talk with some baristas from the mall on facebook now. We had a blast getting to hang out with them while simultaneously getting our caffeine and wifi fix.
I loved the time we spent at the Salvation Army school. We all spent time in various classrooms with the majority of the students there (both children and adults in a lifestyle program) have down syndrome, cerebral palsy or autism. The staff there are kind and devoted. I loved being able to spend time talking with them about their beliefs and encouraging them. They seemed to enjoy spending time talking with each one of us. I loved hanging out with the students at the school and always smile at the privilege I shared with Brette as we were able to dance it up on a Dance Class Friday. So fun!
One of my days at the school, God healed the knee pain of the teacher on the left and it was a really special moment for my race.
The church in Melaka that we stayed with during the month is one of my favorite from the race. I cannot describe how joyful and encouraging the church was. My teammate, Brette, wrote this blog about church and beautifully featured how RLM was truly the Church that month. Being that it was month 10, with thoughts of home looming and a ministry that required a daily dose of motivation, the church and the time we were able to spend with the body there was integral to our energy and excitement for the month and integral to the health and growth we experienced individually and as a team. The pastors, elders, deacons and church members were always so welcoming, uplifting and simply put, very genuine and authentic. They are full of the Spirit and truly live within His heart. In a month when we were often tired, I am extremely thankful to have met and been a part of Real Love Ministries. I believe that God is using this body of believers to do mighty mighty things for His Kingdom.
Things about Malaysia:
Dress is fairly conservative. Dress reflects the ethnicity and culture of each person.
McDonalds and Pizza hut were often go-to places for a meal in malls, but only when there were special deals. McDonalds ice cream is always a special deal. We left Pizza Hut one time when the meal deal ended.
Another month of squatty potties, but they were nice. They flushed 🙂
Malaysia is fairly well developed country, so cars and buses were the main modes of transportation. We walked most places but never once had to take a tuk tuk or coombi.
Because of the blending of cultures, English is the common language and we never once really struggled to navigate our way around. Praise the Lamb.
Kuala Lumpur has one of the most annoying metro systems ever. A different company runs most of the lines, so each transfer requires buying another ticket.
We attended a seminar at the local hospital to support one of the church members. I took notes like I was back in nursing school. The seminar was on in vitro fertilization. Awkward for my teammates. The nerd in me loved it.
Malaysia Ringgit was the name of the currency. Roughly 3 RM equaled $1 USD.
Roti, one of my favorite meals in Thailand, was available down the street for 3 RM.
Malaysian food is spicy and yummy. And you could also get the best of Chinese, Thai and Indian foods pretty easily.
We stayed in a top floor office apartment. The room was equipped with AC (Praise) and plenty of space. We had a hot water heater to make ramen and oatmeal and ate out for several meals.
Most people travel through Melaka for a day or two when sightseeing. People were often confused that we were staying for a month.
We learned some sign language during a church sponsored sign language class. The church reaches out to the deaf community and one of the pastors and a church member are a singing duo that incorporates sign language into their work and performances. Go Ed and Pae!
One of the main focuses of the church is reaching out to the Gay, Lesbian and Transgender community. Pastor Ed and several of the other church members come from a background of sexual brokenness and have a passion for loving people like Christ loves them while providing counseling and a family to those that struggle with a history of sexual abuse, or sexual identity questions.
For several reasons during the month, we saw how God perfectly orchestrated that the team sent to Melaka was our team that month. Several of us have experience working with individuals with disabilities and or have a heart for reaching out to the GLTB community. Our team was able to relax in our own space and had several opportunities to create fun and lasting memories with each other and the church family we now have in Malaysia.
Thank you RLM for loving us so well and for being the Church. Thank you for an amazing Easter experience too. SO blessed to have shared this month with you all.
