(Pre-jungle dinner…rice, curry, honey chicken and cabbage…for only $1.50)
We came from America, Indonesia, Singapore, India, and Malaysia but tonight we sat shoulder to shoulder as the sound of rain fell on the blue tarps above our heads. Though we came from many different countries, we all ended up on this night in this jungle to worship the same God….the one true God. Lightning flashed on the distant horizon and thunder rolled in the near fields. We listened as Lindsay shared about her experiences hearing God’s voice and as Dex preached on Faith, Hope, Love and Grace.
It was then that I said to myself….THIS is the World Race. This is why I signed up and left behind my family and friends, the comforts of my home, my bed, and everyday life in the States.
Tonight we had the opportunity to journey into the jungles of Malaysia and minister to men who lived working the fields. These are not just any men, these are illegal, Indonesian men who have left there families behind, and have moved to Malaysia. They have come to live in squalor conditions in order to work on farms so they can send their money home to family and loved ones. Janet, our contact, told us that many of these men have been here for a few years, they are able to return home on occasion but not that often. They farm during the day and return to their living quarters after work. They do not stray far from their place of living because if they do they risk the chance of getting caught. If caught they will most likely be deported. They only leave when in dire need of food. Most of what they eat, they grow in the fields or their boss will give them rice on occasion.
I could not stop thinking of the struggles these men must face. They have left their homes to work long hours only to send most of that money home to their families. They live in close quarters with other men in the same situation. They are pressured to stay near home or risk being caught.
Then I thought of what they Lord was saying to me at this moment……
This past week has been a tough one for me, possibly the hardest so far on this race. I was discouraged, hurt, homesick, exhausted, lonely, and just seemed to have lost hope. I lost sight of why I was on this race. I guess you could say I hit the “wall” everyone talks about.
But last night it really all turned around for me. The Lord always seems to know when I need encouragement or hope. Last night He gave it to me. Spending time with these men, seeing the excitement in their eyes as they listened to Dex, the eagerness they showed of being here surrounded by fellow Christians listening to the promises the Lord has given us. I was reminded of the reason I am here. I am here to spread the love of Christ with my words and by my actions. It is about going to the places no one else will go. It is about showing people they are LOVED beyond human comprehension.
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13
Until Next Time
Annalisa
