Update: This may not be an exciting read, but it’s my ministry update, so if you’re interested in finding out what I’ve been doing….read ’em and weep!
This month, the entire 15 women of my squad are staying together at the YWAM base in Penang, Malaysia. We are on an island, so it’s been cool to see the different cultures here in this little area; it’s like a melting pot. On the first day of orientation, our host explained the Shariah Law.
On the island, there are Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and of course several others. The first three religions are under the Civil Law, and enables people to practice their religion as they deem appropriate. Under Shariah Law, there are stricter rules over religion. It is illegal to do the following: marry someone who is not a fellow Muslim, switch religions, have your kids not study the traditions.
I was very shocked to hear some of the cultural differences between religions. It opened my eyes to see why western culture is looked at so negatively according to eastern culture. Even how we worship can make someone uncomfortable, depending how charismatic you get =)
We have many different opportunities this month to try new things. Currently, we are helping at the Kawan Center. Kawan means ‘Friend’ here on the island. At the Kawan center, some of my squad mates help serve as the cooks in the kitchen and prepare meals for the homeless. Some help serve breakfast and lunch to those individuals who come in to the Kawan Center and offer a place for people to relax and find fellowship. One of my teammates is able to use her gift of cutting hair to bless several of the individuals who come in to the center.
Some of us are in the hospitality group, where we serve and chat with some of the people who come in to sit and rest in community. Fortunately, this month it’s been easier to communicate to the locals here because most people speak conversational English. Lucky we are on a melting pot of an island!
With YWAM we have been able to partner with and attend PenHop (Penang House of Prayer). While there we intercede for this nation and the work that is being done in Malaysia.
We attend church that is held at the Kawan Center on Saturdays. Several members of my squad have shared their testimonies during the service.
My group has also had the opportunity to get to go to Penang mainland and participate in a prayer walk. Our host feels that another Kawan Center is needed to be opened on the mainland to reach others that cannot commute. He explained his desire to help more main-landers and wanted to bring us into the process. During our prayer walk, we specifically prayed for a building. He would like a building, with keys in his hand, by the end of June.
- Prayer Warriors, I’m speaking to you on this one. Please pray for my host, Ed, and his desire to help those on Penang mainland. Pray for discernment and clarity on whether to pursue this desire. Pray that if it’s God’s will, He will literally open up doors and provide keys to a building by the end of June. Pray for this ministry and the Kawan Center. For people that come in to feel God’s presence, love, and pursuit.
Side note: During our prayer walk on Penang mainland, we rode the ferry from the island to get to the mainland! On the way back, some of us were able to meet this beautiful little girl who sang us a song. Penang has some beautiful people!
