Saturday, December 15, the team travelled to Rawang, a one hour train ride from Tanjung Malim. We were invited to speak at Full Gospel Assembly Church. Because they have a service beginning at 8am, we travelled Saturday night to alleviate having to travel super early Sunday morning.
Saturday afternoon, we sat down as a team to discuss roles and who would be doing what during the two services. We were asked to share two testimonies during the 8am Tamil service; lead worship, share one testimony and preach during the 11am English service.
After Ashlee told us what was expected of us, we prayed to ask the Lord which position we should fill. Every position was filled without objection — Kirby and I would share a testimony during the Tamil service; Shelli and Monica would lead worship, Laura would share a testimony, and Elizabeth would preach during the English service. Everything was settled within a few minutes.
I didn't think about what I wanted to share until 7am Sunday morning! For once in my life, I didn't over-prepare and I wasn't nervous to get up in front of a group!
During the 5 minutes I spent preparing, I was reminded of a quote: "Your testimony is powerful. A man with an experience is NEVER at the mercy of a man with an argument." Instantly I knew I wanted to implement this into my testimony.
When the time came for me to speak, I walked to the stage barefoot and grabbed ahold of the microphone.
I greeted the congregation of roughly 30 people and thanked the Lord for sending us to Malaysia, to this church, on this very day – it was no mistake that we were there and it was no mistake our route changed, sending us to Malaysia instead of some other Asian country. I thanked them for allowing us the opportunity to worship the Lord with them; it was obvious that they loved Jesus by the way they worshiped him!
Before I began sharing my life story, I encouraged the congregation that they too have a testimony and their testimonies are powerful!
I CHALLENGED them to share their story with each other, with family, friends and coworkers – through sharing their stories, lives will be changed!
I transitioned into my story, beginning with how I grew up. I was born and raised in a Christian family; one that went to church every Sunday. I committed my life to the Lord at an early age but lacked a personal relationship with the Lord.
During high school, I began to turn away from God. In the process, I began to live according to the world; instead of looking to God for identity, purpose, and acceptance (the only one who can show us our true selves), I looked to the world.
The Word warns us in Romans 12:2 "not to copy the behaviors and customs of this world, but to let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think, which good and pleasing and perfect".
After continuing down this lonely path for several years, (one that leads to death, brokenness, hurt, pain, the list goes on and on) I realized the need to change. I turned back to God by recommitting my life to Jesus; he instantly began filling the hole in my heart as only he can.
He was faithful to his word – he transformed me into a new person. I fixed my eyes on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith, and sought identity, purpose and acceptance from him.
Jesus warns us in Revelation 3:15-16 to be either hot or cold. "I know all the things you do that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!"
For much of my life, I was lukewarm – if we're not for him we are against him – but I don't want to live a mediocre existence. I want to live on fire for Jesus!
I then concluded by CHALLENGING the congregation once again. I challenged them to get fired up for Jesus too, not accepting a lukewarm faith, to look to Jesus for their true identity and purpose in life! And to share their stories.
I quickly returned to my seat and tuned out for the next several minutes.
When I finally regained focused, I realized what had taken place after I shared ….. THE CHURCH ACCEPTED MY CHALLENGE!!!
One by one, person after person walked to the front and shared, each testifying to God's goodness and faithfulness!
When I made the challenge, I hadn't intended for them to respond immediately; rather I expected it to happen at a later date! God apparently had other plans in mind! He was poking, prodding, and stirring hearts and people responded!
