Hello again!
This time, I’m sitting in a nice little Starbucks on my day off. And while I have no commitments for today, I decided to sit down and write a blog. (You should be proud!)
Ha.
Ha.
Here’s my (late) New Month update:
Currently I’m living in Penang, Malaysia. We’re staying at a “Budget” hotel…more like a hostel than a hotel, but wonderful just the same. It’s located in Little India – and i love it. I recognize most of the food thanks to growing up in an Indian-food-loving family! It’s wonderful. Most people here in the area speak a minimum of 3 languages – english being one of them! Do you know what this means? It means that I can strike up a conversation with almost anyone. Almost anyone.
Anyhow.
Ministry this month looks like this:
We’re partnering with YWAM this month – literally across the street from the base! We’re serving some wonderful people at the Kawan Center – Kawan means “friend” in Malay. This ministry is a reach out to the street community. These are people anywhere from late 20’s to 80’s or older who don’t have a home. The center is open 3 days a week offering breakfast and lunch, a safe place to take a nap, as well as a place to shower and wash their clothes or even get new clothes if they need them. More importantly though, it’s a place where these people who are widely ignored or mistreated by the general public can come and find some rest in a safe, loving place. Through the handful of conversations I’ve already had with some individuals, I am convinced that they are drawn to Kawan because they know they are safe there. Just last month, one regular at the Kawan center was murdered in a brutal and senseless attack – it breaks my heart that these people, who really have beautiful hearts and have wisdom that will change your life can be treated in this way. But God is using this place to further His kingdom, and even just this week I’ve SEEN an advancement of His kingdom with my own eyes. I have a feeling I’ll have a lot of stories to share this month.
Outside of the Kawan Center is a city of hurting people. So in the afternoons we often prayer-walk the city. Which is forcing a shift in my perspectives. God’s helping me to realize that there is HUGE power in prayer…even if you can’t feel it. He’s pushing me to pour my whole heart in to the prayer walks…and it’s been great so far.
We get to be part of a place called PenHOP (ever heard of the International House Of Prayer in Kansas City? This is a similar place) and it’s really refreshing getting to meet people who are really chasing after the Lord. They’re fighting for the city and for the nation, as well as the nations of the world – it’s humbling and beautiful to see their hearts break for the world. It’s encouraging being able to get to know them and share the month with them.
We’re also getting to serve at a hospital! We’ll be helping raise funds for families who can’t otherwise afford necessary medical procedures. We’ll start this ministry this coming week. Hopefully I’ll have more details later on 🙂
This month is wonderful so far. We’ve got an amazing contact and have made countless friends who want nothing other than a greater faith in the Lord and a life that honors Him in every way.
I have begun to feel my heart break slowly as I hear stories from people who have nothing but memories in their minds and burdens in their hearts…God is doing something here in Penang and it is a HUGE blessing that my team and I get to be a part of it.
Thank you for all your love, support, and prayers. None of it goes unnoticed. I miss you and would love to hear from you!
