Here I am again apologizing for my lack of blogging.
However, I tend to get in these writer’s block moods when I just plain don’t
know what to say. So let me tell you about one of my last weeks in Malaysia . .
The good Lord knew we might (possibly) lose it if we were
working on the farm for a straight month and consistently bathing in muddy
water, so in His faithful provision we headed to the beach for a week. In the beach town of Terengganu, we swapped with Team Pnuema who would then take our place at the farm for the week. During our time in Terengganu, we had the awesome opportunity to
be surrounded by a church family like none I have even seen before, as well as
take real showers and eat something other than Ramen noodles. This church
family truly exemplifies the love of Christ through service, hospitality, and
faith. We were immensely blessed to be the recipients of these things during
our week in Terengganu. Although I would like to say this was more than a
holiday for us, it still might sound that way. We had the only objective of clearing
out a church building that was no longer needed, and Team Pneuma had already
completed most of that work for us. The majority of our week consisted of
spending much needed time alone, together as a team, time with the Lord, time
catching up with friends and family back home, and time with this awesome church
family.
Amanda, Cassie, Alex and I doing serious damage in carpet removal.
Something I became very fond of and plan to enforce in my
home someday is “tea time”. Yes, kind of like your typical little girl
gatherings with cups of tea, coffee, and treats. This is a Malaysian tradition I have become very fond of. The family had us over numerous times for “tea”, which not only introduced us to great Malaysian treats, but provided great conversations that have truly impacted my walk with the
Lord as well. During this week we were also involved in prayer meetings and had the opportunity to
attend church services at Life Assembly.
Not waiting for the others to arrive before beginning tea time.
Auntie Liza with course five or so.
Even just through interacting with these people, of whom I virtually
know nothing about, I somehow felt close to them. Their faith in God intrigues me and makes me desire a faith as deep as theirs. Listening to their passionate
cries in praying for a revival in their city and country brings me to tears. They
truly are prayer warriors with hearts that break at the thought of injustice. Seeing how they
serve complete strangers, such as my teammates and I, convicts me. Our prayers for monetary provision
were even answered by these people whom we had never met before. They fed us
when we were over budget without us doing nothing more than praying. They
welcomed us into their homes daily, going out of their way to make sure we had
even more than we needed. They felt the need to take care of us solely because that’s
what we are called to do as Christians.
Our last lunch with Doctor and Auntie Grace, after church.
A traditional Malaysian dinner.
Out to dinner with some of the family for Alex’s birthday.
In my near twenty-four years of life growing up in various
churches in America, I had never met people like this. I don’t say this to
offend any of those amazing people who have pushed me along in my walk with the
Lord, some of which may even be reading this. I do say this though as a challenge, and even as a form of encouragement. Know I am speaking this is to myself as well. No
matter where I am in the World, I want to live a life like these people do. I
want to be a blessing to others, helping them in trying times, loving the body
of believers as my own family, and believing God can do the impossible. God can
and will use you as a blessing in the lives of people in need in even the
smallest ways, if you’re willing. All you have to do is walk in this. Live in
such a way that makes other people want to be better . . to be different.
Challenge others solely by your actions and your faith. Would you have an eternal impact on someone’s life if they spent a week with you? It can happen, because
I have experienced it.
Uncle Harry and Auntie Liza
These are just a group of the many people I have been so blessed to meet during my six months on the race. Although we had to leave these awesome people to head back to the
farm, join us in continual prayer, alongside our new family, for a revival in
Malaysia. That the light of this church would continue to shine brighter each
day and draw people in. The chains of Islamic beliefs can be broken, and I
believe these people will have a huge part in that.
Back to the farm . .
