What a week! Team “Just Love” has spent exactly one week in Malaysia, and in true World Race fashion, our ministry this month has looked NOTHING like anything we’ve done up to this point. With no actual schedule or agenda having been set by our ministry contact we’ve been left to our own (or rather, to God’s) devices, and that process has proved both challenging and rewarding. Here’s a recap, just to keep you updated:
Sunday, Dec. 2:
We arrived at bus station in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, along with two other teams and three of our Squad Leaders, after approximately 24 hours of travel. Cool. Our traveling partners had further to go, so we said quick goodbyes, and “Just Love” was left on our own. No phone. No Malaysian currency. No worries. Shelli and I set out to procure some cash and a phone card in order to call Edwin, our contact, and with only a few minor bumps (i.e. losing my personal debit card to a greedy ATM machine) we figured out where to go, hailed a van-sized cab and pulled up in front of Hotel Sentral.
Seven jaws dropped in unison at the fleeting thought that we would be spending even one night in a place like this. Likewise, seven minds seemed to hear, “NO EXPECTATIONS!” and for good reason. Edwin met us a few moments later and walked us 50 yards up the street, to PODs Backpackers’ Home. Now that’s more like it!
Exhausted, most of the team crashed HARD for the next few hours and eventually we awoke to spend an afternoon just hanging together, growing the awesomeness that is Team “Just Love!” Coffee houses were included. So was Dominos Pizza.
Monday, Dec. 3:
Our contact, Edwin, and his family are currently in the process of moving! Who better to help pack up a house than seven women?!? Some of us wrapped dishes, some cleaned out the refrigerator, and we all filled boxes to take to the new house across town. Then we piled into the borrowed Church van with Edwin, and his kids, Josh and Jessie, and delivered lots of their things to their new home.
Tuesday, Dec. 4:
Edwin had to make a quick trip to Thailand (good luck with the quick part) so he left Shanti in charge of our tasks for this day. We eagerly returned to help with more packing, a little cleaning, and some “special” projects. Liz, Karen and I were drafted to help create Jessie’s vision of a “Charlie Brown” Christmas Tree. After a month of chopping down Thai jungle, we have dubbed ourselves experts with machetes, so Shanti handed us a meat cleaver and instructed us to cut down a branch to suffice as their Christmas Tree this season. THIS IS PERHAPS MY GREATEST MINISTRY PROJECT TO DATE!!!
Wednesday, Dec. 5:
With Edwin still gone, we were instructed to take a day off, spend some time in prayer and fellowship with one another, and see where the Lord led us in Kuala Lumpur. As a team, we chose to take a “Morning of Silence” (see Spooning with Jesus to learn more about how I spent my morning) in order to better hear from and listen to things God had to tell each of us. I highly recommend this practice – once a week or more often if you can get it – as it truly lets you channel out of all distractions and get right to the point. God is so good and He wants to speak intimately with each of His children!
After silence, a few of us joined forces with one of our Alumni Squad Leaders, Chelsea, and one of our newly raised up Squad Leaders, Robert, and set off on an adventure to a nearby mall. My only concern – THEY HAVE A WENDY’S!!! After lunch, Chelsea whisked me away from some “pouring into,” and we got to spend time chatting about the culture of Malaysia. Money is clearly such a comfort and safety net here. Everywhere we looked, people seemed to be seeking monetary affirmation. Definitely gave us something to pray about – that we would be able to demonstrate that without those comforts, we are just as happy and content because of the peace we have through relationships with Christ.
Thursday, Dec. 6:
We opted to ATL (Ask the Lord) about His vision for us and our purposes throughout the day and even throughout the month in Malaysia. We spent time in prayer, writing down any words, concepts or images God gave to each of us. Some of the things we got were:
*Stop for the One
*Feed my Sheep
*Be Foolish for God
*Train station
*Park
Somewhere in the mix, God inspired me to make a “Free Prayer” sign and stand in the middle of the nearby train station. Bare in mind, this is a Muslim country, and proselytizing is punishable by imprisonment. Read Elizabeth Cloutier’s blog to get an account of what happened…
Friday, Dec. 7:
Back to the grind – Monica, Elizabeth and I helped Edwin and his family with moving most of their larger furniture pieces, while Karen, Kirby, Laura and Shelli worked to organize Edwin’s new office – he is soon to take over as Missions Director for his church, Tamil Methodist! He was thrilled with the result!!!
Saturday, Dec. 8:
DAY OFF! 😀 I loved getting to hang out with Liz and Becky (she and Erin finally made it to Kuala Lumpur!) at a nearby coffee shop, catching up, having girl talk and enjoying the blessing of friendship. Later, I had the chance to eat lunch with J Squad’s amazing team of Squad Leaders, gleaning every ounce of leadership wisdom they had to offer! Fun team time filled the afternoon, then a rare nap, and some great testimony time!!
WOW! Can’t wait to see what God has in store for the week to come! Monday we will be relocating to work with a pastor friend of Edwin's throughout the remainder of the month. We've heard rumors of Christmas caroling and working with the Children's Christmas Play… sounds like a blast to me!!!
Be Blessed,
Ashlee
