The town of Mersing, many foreigners come through, but never to stay longer than a day. Mersing is the town where people come to catch a ferry to the beautiful Tioman Island.
Day 2 of being in Mersing, people we had met the day before asked us why we where still here and not leaving for the island. My response, “because I like Mersing.”
Day 1, the Lord told me to stay in Mersing and not go to the island. I really wanted to go to the island and see the beautiful blue waters and enjoy the island life, but God had other plans for me. I stayed back with some people from the team I was with. Jessi and I went to grab breakfast and met an amazing woman whose name I don’t know how to spell but sounded like “PhePhe.” PhePhe had a contagious smile and laugh.
Day 2, people are wondering why we are still here. I have breakfast at a coffee shop and before I leave I meet a young man, he was maybe like 10 years old. I ask him his name, which I can’t remember now, and ask him, “how are you?” which he responds by looking down, thinks about it for a second, and says “yes.” I smiled and said “good.” My friend didn’t know very much English. I said goodbye and left. I venture out to see more of this beautiful town. Art is everywhere. The walls are covered with drawings and the benches are full of art as well. PhePhe is our server at the restaurant again. I learned that she moved to Mersing two years ago with her friend and all her family is still in Indonesia.
Day 3, the Lord asks me to do a prayer walk at 6am. This town is still beautiful in the early morning when it is still pitch black. On my walk, I found a Gotham city inspired bench and it had the bat signal in the sky, it was like a kiss from the Lord reminding me how much He loves me. (I’m a huge Batman fan) Once again PhePhe was our server and she greeted us with her beautiful smile and gentleness. Papa and I went on lots of walks on this day. I found these awesome swords holding up a crown and the structure just blew my mind. That evening I went to a cafe called Drum Cafe, before I went home for the night I had the privilege of taking selfies with the staff, it was so much fun.
Day 4, I said goodbye to PhePhe. My little friend from day 2, happened to be at the hotel I was at and I got to chat with him a little more, or at least attempt to talk to him. He was with a friend who he said doesn’t know English. I told him he could teach him English and he could teach us Malay. He asked if I knew Malay and I said the words i have learned so far. He was so encouraging, every word I said he would say, “good,” and shoot me an adorable smile. This little one stole my heart. He said goodbye and went on his way. We got our things and headed out. I didn’t want to go, but I felt the Lord saying it was time.
So many times we overlook the beauty of a place. I don’t know how many people have walked by Mersing without stopping to see and soak in this place. The first day the Lord asked me to stay, I asked Him to help me see this place through His eyes and man was I blessed by it. Mersing was no longer a small town with nothing to do. Mersing was now a place filled with beauty, people full of love, kindness, and generosity. I felt welcomed, loved, and accepted in this place.
Please pray for the people of Mersing, as we were there we noticed that it is a primarily Islamic town and I would love them to know Jesus. Being there and seeing how wonderful the people are, I was like, “Lord, if the people here knew you and lived for you, I can’t even imagine how much more attractive this place would be.” Papa opened my eyes and allowed me to see what this place has to offer the world. People full of love, who can love even more with Him. My heart is filled at the thought of this happening one day.
