Life and ministry in Kuala Krai, Malaysia is different than anything I've experienced on the World Race so far. We are keeping very busy! Be careful what you wish for, I guess. It's already overwhelmingly evident this will be a challenging and stretching month. Pastor Yesu must never sleep. Our days start before 7 a.m. and we usually don't wrap up until around 10 p.m. Last night we got home after midnight. I'm already exhausted. But it's a good exhaustion, the kind where you can hit the bed feeling good about a long day's work.
This month is crazy and busy and exciting and frustrating, all at the same time. I am definitely learning patience and flexibility, as our schedule seems to change everyday. We're making a lot of home visits, as well as preaching at different churches. We're also teaching English, leading Bible studies and Children's Church, helping with feeding programs, and doing outreach among the Indian, Malay (Muslim) and Chinese populations.
Posing for a photo outside the infamous red van, after a sweaty, two-hour prayer drive. Pastor drove through the palm oil plantations and asked us to pray for different homes, schools and temples.
Here's a look at a day in the life of our ministry here in Malaysia:
Wednesday morning we rolled out of bed around 6:30 a.m. and trudged over to the plot of land where Pastor is building a new church. He doesn't have the money for it yet, but by faith he keeps ordering truckloads of dirt and sand. After being scolded for being late, we were immediately put to work moving bricks, shoveling mud out of a trench, and scooping water out of an area where it apparently wasn't supposed to be. My method was not cutting it I guess, so Pastor made me take off my shoes and wade in to the muddy water–video to come later in the month. He's certainly going to toughen up our all women's team this month.
After two hours of manual labor, followed by P90X with my teammates, we all piled back into the red van. Pastor took us over to the house of one of his church members, who had family in town honoring the one year anniversary of her husband's death. We felt a little awkward just sitting there while they served us, but the food was definitely the best Indian food I've ever had! It was spicy as could be though and we were all dripping in sweat by the end of the meal. I looked like Ben Stiller straight out of that scene in 'Along Came Polly.' At least it's good practice eating with our hands for when we get to India in Month 11.
After lunch we had an hour or two to try to squeeze in a nap or some alone time with Jesus, before Pastor expected us back at the land for another couple of hours of work. I lucked out and got to go to the church instead to help Sister Thiresa and Sister Glory clean and prepare for the next night's service. After we cleaned we all sat together and prayed for one another. They are the sweetest women! We finished praying and headed back to the house around 7:30, with just enough time for a quick shower before Pastor was back to pick us up and take us to the night market. We got home around 9:30p.m., and collapsed into the chairs in our living room to do feedback. As a part of World Race culture, every night we sit down as a team to give each other feedback from the day. It's an opportunity to encourage one another and to bring up any concerns or constructive feedback. Not the easiest thing to do after such a long day, but calling each other up to be more Christ-like is one of the best (and sometimes most painful) parts of living in community.
My beautiful teammates with our squad leader, Leah.
Thursday night I had the opportunity to share a short sermon at Pastor's church. The scripture I preached from was John 13:3-8. Jesus is washing the disciples' feet, when Peter pulls back and asks "Lord, why are you washing my feet? You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answers him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." If we want a relationship with Christ, we must also allow Him to wash our sins away. Like Peter, we may not feel worthy, but if we humbly give our sin to God He will gently scrub it away from our life. He wants to purify us so that we can fully enjoy all the blessings of being in God's presence.
Pastor Yesu translating my sermon into Tamil for the Indian congregation.
Team Arise with our three squad leaders: Jamie, Joshua and Leah. We were so blessed to have them spend the week pouring into us and joining us in ministry in Kuala Krai.
We are living above a Chinese Presbyterian Church. I was really excited when I found out we'd be getting to work with the Chinese this month, and they have not disappointed. Tuesdays and Fridays are quickly becoming my favorite days here because we get to do ministry with these amazing people. Yesterday Dura and I were able to teach Children's Church there. We sang several songs, did a skit about Daniel in the lion's den and an arts and crafts project with the kids. They fed us lunch and then filled our fridge upstairs with all the amazing leftovers.
So those are just a few of the highlights of our first week in Malaysia. Lots to blog about, but very limited Internet access. I'll try to keep you updated as much as possible! Thank you for your continued prayers and support. My final fundraising deadline is in three weeks and I'm still in need of about $800 to be fully funded in order to stay on the World Race. If you have enjoyed reading my blogs, here's an excellent opportunity for you to partner with me in this ministry. You can donate by clicking on the 'Support Me' link on the left hand side of the page. THANK YOU!
