Herald: “a sign that something will happen; one that conveys news or proclaims”
The night was warm, with a cool breeze kissing our sweaty faces as we drove around in an old van or walked narrow alleys. We stopped at prearranged houses, a large group of Americans (and one Canadian) packing into living rooms. Our bare feet shifted on the cool tile, our smiles grew wide as we waited for the first strum of the guitar. As one, our voices rang out in song; sometimes an English carol, other times well-practiced songs in Malay or Tamil. Then our contact, P.T., and his friend, both pastors, shared the Good News to the family in each house. Each house received prayer, both a prayer in Tamil, and the silent, earnest prayers said by the World Racers. Then with a final “Merry Christmas!” we strode off to the next house.
Last night, we caroled at around 6-7 houses. This may not seem like many, but for us, this was nothing short of miraculous. See, we are currently in Northern Malaysia, where sharing your faith is illegal. Normally, two pastors and 12 foreigners would never receive an invitation to enter a home, much less enter and share the Gospel to the family inside. But our God is greater than that. Not only did we have the opportunity to share the Good News and pray over the houses, we also caroled at two very important houses. One of them belonged to a family P.T. has been trying to reach out to for awhile. He has never been allowed inside the house. Last night was the first time he has crossed the threshold, and he was permitted to share the Gospel and to pray over the family. The other house belonged to the head of the Hindu temple here in town. He invited P.T. to bring us, and he and his family listened to the Gospel message and also allowed prayer to be spoken over the family.
Wow.
How amazing is our God? In a country where it is illegal to share your faith, we preached the Gospel. We shared the true meaning of Christmas. We prayed over houses and families in this community. In one night, we were able to sow a lot of Kingdom seeds.
Today, as I think of all the family traditions I’m missing, and fighting homesickness, I am encouraged by how incredible my Savior is. He came to earth dressed in human form, so that he could die for our sins. He loves us beyond measure, and calls us to show His love to others. Last night, we did just that. We followed God’s call and shared His Good News. And so today, I rest in the assurance that His Word does not return void. Seeds were planted and will be watered. One day, a harvest will come from this city, this country! And that makes for a pretty amazing Christmas present.
