The Muslim call to prayer sounds throughout the neighborhood and on the main street around 6 am while I’m on the porch praying and again at 7:30 pm. My head gets dizzy and my thoughts turn to those who are bowing down to Allah. As they bow down to their god, I’m praying to the living God.
It’s illegal to convert Muslims in this country, therefore we can’t talk about God or the ministry we are doing here which has made this month less than normal including the beginning to the month…
Malaysia began with a bang and a fast walk across the border to make it in 20 minutes before the border closed at midnight. Our amazing L squad, the men and several ladies helped us carry our body bags across the border of Thailand and Malaysia so that we could meet up with our ministry contact Thomas.
The same night we arrived at the location and were welcomed by 2 other teams on G squad as they ended their month! These brothers and sisters were so good to us. They shared their hearts with us, showed us around the town, and even stayed up until 4 am praying with us the night before they left. They inspired us to carry on the work they had been doing the past month. Thankful for this divine encounter with those beautiful people.
Since we aren’t allowed to share openly about Jesus in order to protect ourselves and the ministry here, the pastor had to get creative. He created a kindergarten with about 40 kids.
I’m in a classroom with 5 year olds…7 boys and 2 girls. Woahhh, I feel exhausted just saying that.
Don’t get me wrong…I love kids but being in a classroom with kindergarteners has never been my strength. It’s exhausting and overwhelming.
There are moments when I’m on the edge of breaking when I have to tell another boy to sit properly in his chair or to stop yelling. BUT it’s worth it. I already love the kids.
There are such sweet moments…moments like the surprised reaction and obedience from my little Chinese boys when I say a Chinese phrase that I learn from my squad mate Jackie.
Moments when one of my kids reads all the words on the page correctly and they couldn’t be more excited to get a high five.
Moments when the rowdiest kids calm down and just lay their heads on your lap.
Moments when they look at me with the most adorable smiles and I can’t help but melt.
Moments when they obey me!! Ah those are glorious.
I’m learning a lot and having the most amazing times with my Love. He’s revealing truths that I’m going to carry with me the rest of my life. The journey He has me on from doubt to incredible faith. The same journey that Hetook Habakkuk on.
“The just shall live by his faith” Habakkuk 1:4
This verse sparked the Protestant Reformation. “Shall live” means to flourish, enjoy life, to live and breathe.
Who wouldn’t want to live that life??
Cheers to kindergarteners, Habakkuk, faith, and obedient kids,
Jen
