One last update from our time at the farm . .
We were rested up from our time in Terengganu and missing our Bangladesh friends at the farm. Upon our arrival back at the farm, my team and I jumped back into the grind of carrying bamboo and clearing the hillside as we had previously done, plus new tasks which were even more strenuous. After a few days, it got old again. We were tired, and had nothing left in us. The days were passing by slowly but surely, and we seemed to be getting nowhere in sharing with the men. Manik, the one we were closest to even begun listening to Islamic teaching while we worked, making us feel both uneasy and discouraged. Nevertheless, we carried on working to our maximum ability, loving the men, and praying for them continuously.
Our last day of work came, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t glad to see it. However, we weren’t content about leaving just yet. We knew we still had unfinished business on the farm, and it sure didn’t involve picking up another piece of bamboo. Our team leader, Allan checked with our contact to see if it would be possible to go back one more day, but just to visit with the men over lunch. Yes we wanted to give them a small gift in return for all they had done for us, but we wanted to give them the ultimate gift as well, which is the gift of hearing the Gospel of Christ. So that’s what we did. We loaded up in the old van one more time and took the bumpy, windy trip to the farm (thankfully in “normal” clothes this time). As we walked up the drive, we saw the men cleaning the shed where we always rest and hang out. They had set out crates covered in newspaper, put away all the tools, and put on their best attire. In the middle of the hot workday they showered, had gotten dressed up, and intentionally prepared for our arrival. Seriously, it brought me to tears to see these men take such pride in this time. I haven’t felt this important in a long time, if ever.
The men in their dress clothes.
So there we were eating McDonald’s hamburgers and fries listening to Allan share the Gospel with these men through a local pastor. Not only did this allow it to be translated in a way the men could understand, but also to have someone whom they will be able to follow up with if they have future questions. It was amazing to see most of them listen attentively, even if others weren’t. Some asked questions, some looked off into space, some soaked it all up, and unfortunately some acted as if they didn’t want to be there. You know what though? That’s okay, because each of them walked away that day hearing the Truth, probably for the first time in their lives. Seeds were planted that day, and God will continue to water those. They can’t ignore what they heard, even if they were trying not to listen.
Enjoying hamburgers and fries. (See newspaper covered crates)
Allan with Pastor Erwin talking to the men.
We took countless pictures, said our thanks, goodbyes, and left. As we were driving away from the farm one of our squad leaders, Scotty, asked me, “So was that worth it?” Every sunburn, drop of sweat, sore muscle, leech bite, you name it, was worth that very lunch break. I never thought I would say it, but I would do it again and again with that ending.
Team Raised and some of Team Pnuema in one last photo with the men.
Please join us in prayer for our friends at the farm . . That God would put someone in their lives that tells them about Jesus’ love again and it clicks. That they would have dreams about Jesus, which leads many Muslims to convert to Christianity. We may never know the outcome, but they have heard the truth, so there is hope.
Goodbye Malaysia, Hello Cambodia!
Kaleem (one of my personal favorites).
