My heart is very full as I sit here writing this post to you all. We have officialy reached the half-way point of this crazy journey some call the World Race. I debated writing a thoughtful blog about all the amazing things I’ve learned from my first 5.5 months, but instead I’m just going to celebrate. I’ve seen 6 different countries now, been on two teams, and built more incredible relationships than I can number. All I can say is thank you Papa for this amazing adventure. My main intention of coming on the Race may have originally been to serve but I’ve been filled far more than I have filled those around me. Isn’t that always the way? I have a full understanding of what alumni mean by this year is like a pressure cooker. The growth in this year is supposed to be the equivalent of 10 years and there is a lot of truth in that statement.
Cheers to the half-way mark!!
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In addition to celebrating the half-way point, I wanted to share a little bit about our ministry in Malaysia as well as the spiritual climate here. We are living in George Town which is a port city. It is rich with culture and our residence is the YWAM Penang base that opens out into a bustling street. We are extremely fortunate to have ample space in our lodging as well as AC. More interesting than that is the breakdown of the cultural groups. Under the umbrella term of Malaysian are three major groups: 50% Malay, 20% Chinese, and 8% Indian. The Orangi Asli are a very poor indigenous group that make up a small percentage. There are two law systems known as Civil Law and Shariah Law. Muslims are under the Shariah Law while everyone else such as Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists are under Civil Law. Everyone who has a Malaysian passport must also have their religion included. This is to ensure that any Muslim is following all of the Shariah Law rules. For example, during Ramadan, if the religious police go into a restaurant during the day they are entitled to ask for identification to ensure that anyone eating is not Muslim. If you aren’t, no trouble, but if you are a Muslim caught not participating in Ramadan it can get you in a world of trouble. Additionally, if someone chooses to convert to Islam, there is no turning back. They will always be dealt with under the Shariah Law. This is particularly problematic for the Orangi Asli because they are being tricked into Islam. The government will come in and say that electricity, food, improved shelter, and the like will be provided if everyone in the tribe converts. Some of the Muslim young men are even encouraged to go out and marry Christian women to get them to ultimately convert. There is lots of corruption and injustice not to mention the amount of human trafficking that goes on. We were giving about an hour and half orientation about all of this so I am by no means an expert, but it is absolutely heartbreaking. I can literally feel the spiritual tension in this place. The people are trapped into Islam.
With the complicated cultural dynamic, our ministry opportunities are diverse. The main thing that we have been taught is that it is illegal to evangelize to anyone who is Muslim. We are free to discuss our own testimonies but if there is even a hint of trying to convert someone to Christianity it can result in being tossed in prison. As such, we are being careful. Praying for meals in public feels like a delicious act of defiance in some way even though it’s perfectly acceptable. We will be helping in the Kawan (which means friend) Center which is a homeless shelter. Our job is to help prepare food, serve it, clean the place, and just generally interact with the people. I’ve seen more brokenness in Malaysia than in all of the other countries combined. Men sleeping on the street, people lacking limbs, people with significant deformities and so much more. I can feel my heart cracking over all of it.
Along with the Kawan Center, we helped for two days in the Kawan Shop which is a thrift store that receives clothing donations and the money that comes in goes to the Kawan Center. We have also helped at Door of Hope which is an after school kids’ program. There is some opportunity for street evangelism, singing carols at Christmas parties, and we’ve even been invited to a Chinese wedding. It helps that many people speak English here as well. This area has hosted World Race teams before which is a huge blessing because they have a more thorough understanding of what we are going through.
I’m excited to see what the Lord has for us for the rest of the month. We’ve gone from experiencing the fall weather of Japan to 80’s and humidity. Change is inevitable. A perk for us this month is that we are living in what is consider the food capital of Malaysia. That is no joke. The food is cheap and absolutely delicious. I got dumpling soup and spring rolls for 7 Ringgit, which is just over $2. We have eaten out every meal which makes it sound like we will double our body weights but it’s great food and healthy. Win, win.
If you are interested in specific prayer requests, I would ask for you to pray for opportunities to have conversations with the Muslim population specifically. If they asks questions about Christianity we are more than allowed to talk with them. Also, Christmas is on its way and while Malaysia is wonderful, it’s not Michigan. Please keep all of the Racers in your prayers (as we will keep all the family members in our prayers) during this holiday season.
