This past weekend, my team and I got the opportunity to work with a church in a nearby town and attend their Christmas programs. And oh boy let me tell you, my heart was so filled…and for reasons that had nothing to do with Christmas.
Well okay, maybe a little bit had to do with the festivities of Christmas.
We attended not one but two Christmas programs with their church. The first was with the entire congregation. We ate dinner, a traditional and delicious Malay dish, while meeting people of the congregation and hearing their stories. Each one of them unique in how God specifically called them to Malaysia, and to that church. From there, we went indoors where decorations filled the large room. We played games (and I mean us visitors were actually was called up onto the stage to participate), we worshiped, watched a dance performance by some of the younger girls, and heard a message. It was amazing. The second night was a party for the 20 year olds of the church — much like the first just a lot smaller and a little more goofy.
And while it may just seem like a regular weekend at church during the holidays, it was so much more than that.
Since being in Malaysia, I had met exactly 9 other believers (My host family making up 5 of those numbers). Our host this month is the pastor of the church my team is living in and his amazing family. So to go from one other family attending church to a Christmas get together with at least 100 people was incredible.
On the first night of the Christmas celebrations, I got to talk with a man from South Korea who moved to Malaysia 18 years ago. (funny side note, his family moved to Indiana for three of those years and only lived 1 hour away from my hometown!) He shared with me many stories and facts just about the way of life there, what is and isn’t allowed, and a ton of the struggles that they face. (I can’t really get into the details of it all on this blogging platform but if you want to know more, just reach out personally!) And although he was talking about some really hard situations– like decisions I can’t even imagine having to choose between and struggles that were happening to all the people I have met in this country so far –I didn’t feel as sad as I felt in awe.
Hopefully and wonderfully in awe of how small I am and how big God is.
Because amidst all the hardships, amidst everything in their lives being against the people in this country believing in the Lord, people still are.
When we were in Thailand, we held a secret church one night. And it was difficult to wrap my mind around it since I was still able to detach from it. I had never been immersed into a society where anything like a secret church would actually need to take place. But now I have. You look around here and don’t even know who is living with the Lord because it would cost them everything to share that information. And so they keep it a secret.
And sure I can just casually write that out, but it’s not like it’s just a casual secret. It’s their identity. I literally cannot imagine being able to/even having to keep my life with the Lord a secret. I mean, that’s why I left my home and family and friends and traditional ways of our society — so I could share that passion of knowing Christ and to love others through it.
And while listening to this man talk about how basically every single odd is against every single person from being there to celebrate the birth of their savior, I was in goosebumps. For I was surrounded by people who loved the Lord, both old and young, all brought together by their desire to worship as a community. And I couldn’t help but feel and see something totally opposite from what the man was saying aloud — That God is alive, and he is at work. Within all of this, God is present in this country; within the hearts and lives of many here. He is fulfilling the promise and work he declared finished on the cross. He has a plan and loves all of his people, leaving no one forgotten.
And at this moment, He has asked me (and you!) to be His co-workers through it all. He has great things planned for your lifetime. Seek Him, stay close to Him, and He will share those great things with you. For me, I’m realizing that sometimes that great moment is being overcome with awe for the God I serve. Other times the great moment is seeing someone else start a relationship with Christ. And then great moments could also be as simple as love and joy shared with another.
No matter what it is or how it makes you feel, it is great because God shared it with you.
And wow I can’t wait to share in so many more of those moments — not only on the World Race but for a lifetime.
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Prayer Requests:
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For Friday Morning (or your Thursday Night). We have spent this past month preparing and planning a Christmas program for kids in the area. Some of these kids may not come from a family of believers and may be hearing about Jesus for the first time in their life. Opportunities to share in this way do not come around often in this community. Pray for high attendance, that it will be a fun and memorable night for the kids, and that the Christmas message will be well received by all in attendance.
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For Saturday Afternoon (or your Friday afternoon): We are going door to door Christmas Caroling! While some doors are decided in advance, many times, other doors will open and offer them to sing for their household as well. Because of complicated reasons, many families have started to distance themselves from the church. But we will be showing up at their doors anyway. Please pray for open doors that will lead to bridged relationships, good conversations, and uplifted spirits!
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After caroling, we will be going to a children’s hospital to give cards and balloon animals to the children. Pray that they will feel so loved.
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Just for big things in general. That God will work outside of our limited expectations.
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For my host family and pastor of the church. His sister has recently passed away and his family is in the middle of making very large decisions about their future. Please pray that God will bring them comfort and lead them to the right opportunities moving forward.
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Thank you so much for everyone who continues to read these blogs. It has shown me so much continued support and encouragement! I pray for you all and wish you a wonderful Christmas!
