Being in Malaysia has been a very different experience. Malaysia is a semi-closed country. This means that, as a Christian, I can talk about my beliefs but it is illegal talk to the indigenous population in a way that could seem like I’m trying to convert them. I can’t openly mention the name of Jesus and I can’t mention my real reasons for being here until I’ve talked with someone for awhile, just to be sure I don’t disrespect them. It’s been very restricting, which can be challenging, but it has also made me so thankful.
Since Christianity is a minority, I have been able to see the people of other religions in ways I never have before. I have seen people offering food and gifts to shrines more times than I can count. I have seen and heard stories of people sacrificing whatever material items they can in hope that their god will look their way and bless them. I’ve heard of people ringing gongs in attempt to wake up their god so that maybe he’ll hear them. Walking the streets I’ve seen the hopelessness in the peoples’ eyes. I have emotionally felt their sadness and brokenness. I have physically felt the weight of the darkness surrounding this place.
That’s when I realized how grateful I am that God doesn’t need me. He doesn’t need me to give Him food or gifts. He doesn’t need me to wake Him up. He doesn’t need me to beg and plead for His attention or blessings. He doesn’t need my affection. Which is what makes it so incredible that He intimately desires my love. He WANTS to bless me and give me His best. I don’t have to offer up everything I can get my hands on, I just simply have to receive. He is always waiting, always ready to listen and encourage me. He is my everlasting hope. He is the healing power for my brokenness. He fills my heart and soul until they are overflowing with His love and joy. He wants me to give Him my burdens and problems. He wants to fight for me. He wants to give me the victory that He has already won.
Not because He needs me to love Him. Not because He needs my food or sacrifices. Just simply because He loves me with an unconditional and unfailing love. This is why I’m here. Although I can’t always mention the name of Jesus or talk about what I believe, I can show people through my actions the love of my Savior. I can show people what a heart that has been changed forever looks like. I can show them where real life lies. I am so thankful for such a good God.
Prayer Request: The heaviness of this country has affected everyone on my team. We’ve been praying over the country and ourselves. We’ve been praying that God’s light shines through the darkness and for His angel armies to fight off all the evil and darkness that has been attacking us since we’ve arrived here. We have already felt the burdens lifting and His love covering us. Please join us in prayer. This country desperately needs to know real love and hope. They need light and joy. Pray that God can use us to bring it to them.
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