This month has been very different from other months for team Poaday. Rather than partnering alongside one ministry this month, our team’s task is to find new ministries for the world race to partner with in the future. In world race terms, we call this ministry unsung heroes (UH).
Let me introduce you to some of the unsung heroes we have encountered over the past few weeks. I wish you could meet our new friends in person. They are truly incredible people, and God is using them for His glory. Jesus is shining through these people daily, whether they know it or not.
1. Pastor Arul & Family: Revival Fire Church
We met pastor Arul in Taiping because he picked up the phone. He was the first person who was willing to meet with a bunch of Americans, with very little information as to what exactly we were doing. After the first meeting, he invited us for a New Year’s dinner in his home, and gave us a free place to stay. He made sure we had everything we needed and even helped us find other contacts. He welcomed us into his church family, and his immediate family. Even as we left Taiping, Pastor Arul continued to check in on us, often making sure we were eating well!
2. Jessica: Couzi Couji Boutique Hostel
Jessica used to be a flight attendant, but settled down to have a family, and most recently, open Couzi Couji in Penang. We originally booked 3 nights in her hostel, but continued to extend as we searched for contacts. We ended up staying an entire week. Jessica introduced us to her beautiful little girl, she took time to get to know us, and was always willing to help with whatever we needed. She even arranged transportation for us the day we left. I know many hostel owners love to do these things for their guests, but Jessica did it with such a beautiful heart. I don’t think she realized how well she served, and loved us.
3. Robert & Princess Amelia: Penang
We met Robert and his granddaughter, Princess Amelia, while wandering around a small part of Penang searching for Crystal Family Home. With vague directions, we ended up at the wrong (or maybe the right) church, where we met these two, about to pull out of the parking lot. When we asked which way we needed to go, he not only pointed us in the right direction, but offered to drive us there as well. He didn’t know us, but he showed us a little bit of Jesus during our short time together.
4. Pastor Esther: Crystal Family Home
Pastor Esther and her husband run Crystal Family Home. CFH is a home for children who need somewhere to go. There are many children there who have been abused, neglected, or raised by grandparents who are no longer able to take care of them. Pastor Esther recently lost many of her staff members, leaving her with much of the extra workload. She loves the children like her own, and simply wants the best for each of them. It was an honor to spend the afternoon in her home and get a glimpse into her beautiful heart.
5. Steven Ng: Penang
One of our last days on the island of Penang, I woke up asking God for an adventure; specifically and adventure full of new friends. God answered that prayer all day long, eventually putting us in the path of Steven Nga. We ran into Steven while he was touring the street art of Penang with a friend. We talked for at least 15 minutes before arranging to meet for coffee the following day. Steven is one of those people who makes friends in an instant, it is one of his gifts. In the short amount of time we spent with him, he fed us, helped us find lodging, encouraged us, and of course made sure we knew how much great food we missed out on in Penang…we would have eaten much better had we met him 5 days earlier.
These are just a few of the people the Lord has placed in our paths this month. It was honor to meet each of them, and we will continue praying for them as they journey through life.
