So for those of you reading who don’t know, which is
probably a lot of you, I actually have already been to Malaysia, and to even
better my own statement, I lived in Malaysia.
Growing up I was privileged enough to live in Southeast Asia
because of my Dad’s job as a construction manager. Our family moved back to the
States when I started school in the 7th grade, but my 4th,
5th, and 6th grade years were spent in Malaysia. Now I
know I was young then, but I was old enough to remember the country fairly
well, better than I remember any of the other countries I lived in growing up.
Coming back to Malaysia for me has been an interesting
experience. After we landed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia we had to take several
subways and Metrorail’s to get to our bus headed for Georgetown, Malaysia. The
crazy part of that debacle wasn’t jumping in and out of numerous trains while
my stomach felt like it was going to explode, but instead feeling like I was
right back in my childhood twelve years ago. I literally stood in places I
stood as a twelve-year-old boy and looked at the same buildings I saw with
twelve-year-old eyes. It felt a little bit like a dream, but I would have to
quickly snap out of it, as I had to head count and make sure I didn’t lose
anyone on my team as we scrambled onto the platforms. Talk about being torn in
two! Not to mention my heart racing because this is my LAST MONTH on the world
race. Basically there’s a lot going on up here in this little head of mine.
All the sights and sounds feel like home to me. This is the
only place on the race I’ve felt really comfortable. Even the calls to prayer
screaming from the three or four mosques near by give me a sense of comfort as
I heard that sound everyday growing up here. I actually realized that I like to
write music in minor keys and with a style very similar to the sound of the
Muslim calls to prayer. The style has stuck with me even though the songs I
write are for Christ. The people are just as I remembered too. To me it feels
like I’m home, and yet I know I don’t belong here anymore.
Our ministry here in Georgetown is working with a homeless
soup kitchen called Kawan, which means “friend” in Malay. We open our doors
around 10 AM and provide tea and breakfast along with an optional Bible study
and worship for those who are interested, which I was able to lead worship for
and give a message at yesterday. One of my favorite things about the race is
that you have to be open and available to act. Yesterday morning I was just
sweeping one of the rooms at Kawan and another worker there named Hannah asked
me to help lead worship for the Bible study. I told her I’d love to and so I
played a few songs as we started the study. She opened in prayer after that and
while praying she asked the Lord to lead me as I gave the message this morning.
WHAT!? This was the first I had heard about giving a message and I was about to
have to give one in 10 seconds when she finished praying! I asked the Lord
quickly to lead me, as I had no idea what to say. He of course took control and
gave me the words. I spoke on love and other issues related to it, basically
just telling them what Christ was teaching me. I spoke without pause for maybe
30 to 40 minutes. If we give our trust and put our faith in the Lord he will
guide us without any worries. So no worries mates!
Kawan also provides showers, a lunch, and places to sleep
later on in the day. The ministry is a lot of fun and we get to interact with a
lot of people. We also get a lot of opportunities to talk to the other
believers there and encourage and learn from each other. It’s a great last
ministry for me on the race. It’s not too hard, but is still pushing me in
boldness and love.
If you ever get the chance to come to Malaysia you have to
visit Georgetown. This place is so much fun, and the food and people are
amazing. Check out Kawan too, you won’t regret it!
Thanks for reading! I pray God blesses you and shows you his
love for you today. Seek his face. Love you guys!
