Penang, Malaysia is known for their wonderful street food, incredible street art, and island beauty. It is an Island where many movies have been filmed, dreams have been dreamed, and people have lost their hearts.
What they don’t tell you, is that Penang is also filled with the homeless. There are people who sleep on the streets every night, praying that they aren’t picked up by the cops (because it’s illegal to sleep on the street) even though, in some cases, they are out of a job because of their government. Many can’t get a job now that they’re homeless because they don’t have access to clean clothing, don’t have an address to write down for their identification cards, and are too old to begin working again.
They are the people others don’t want to love. They are the people that rely on others’ kindness even though there is nothing they can give in return. They are the people crying out to some made-up god every single night for protection. They are the people many don’t even see when they walk by. But these very people are the same ones that God loves. He doesn’t see them as invisible. He sees them as His children. He made sure that we did, too.
They are the people that God broke our hearts for this month.
My team and I spent a lot of time ministering to some of the homeless people we met on the streets while in Penang. Many of them got to hear the Gospel. We were able to give Bibles to some of them. And all of our hearts were changed by several we met. These four are just a handful of the people that captured our hearts.
- Thum
Thum is a 74 year old homeless man who radiates joy. His job was taken from him by the government, he constantly worries about his safety while he sleeps on the streets, and his possessions include one hat, some newspapers, and a tarp. Despite how horrible the world has treated him, Thum has reminded me that joy from the Lord is constant and does not depend on circumstance.
- Alex
When I first met Alex he invited me to sit with him and then offered me and my 3 teammates each a piece of candy, which happened to be the only food he had. This man, who I did not know, showed a selflessness I rarely do. I cannot count how many times I told someone I didn’t have any gum, when in reality I had one piece left that I was saving for myself. He had nothing, with no idea of when he might get more, and still chose to bless others with it.
- Michael
I didn’t get to know this particular man as well as some other teammates, but he is inspiring. After meeting him and giving him food for the first time, Katie asked if she could bring him food tomorrow. His response was, “I only let people give me something once.” This man chooses not to take advantage of other peoples’ kindness. He chooses, instead, to be grateful, recommending we give it to someone else who needed it.
- Adam
For a man who has gotten very little from this world, he gives a lot back. Not only does Adam have the responsibility of finding food and clothing for himself, but he also takes care of several others. He has a kind, caring, and loving heart. He is willing to work hard so others know they are taken care of. On top of all that, he bought bus tickets for himself and several other “family” members so they could show the seven American girls Penang’s National Park.
Financial Update: I am only $2,004 away from being fully-funded! My next deadline is to have at least $900 by February 18th.
