Welcome To Malaysia!

Travel Day

After a few long days, my team and I have safely arrived in Sungai Petani, Malaysia. It was definitely our most stressful travel day so far because we could not get on our flights until we had proof of a return flight leaving the country, but by the Lord’s grace He got us there just in time to board our flight before the gate closed. His hand truly was in the whole day and I could not believe His faithfulness in getting us through all of it. I wanted to give up when our third plan failed and we had 15 minutes to try one last idea, but God strengthened my logistics team and I to persevere and lean on Him in those challenging moments- because by my own strength I can do nothing- and we were able to figure it all out just in time. Not to mention we still had to go through security and get to our gate- but all that matters is somehow, someway, we made it!

A little bit about where I’m staying and what I’m doing in Malaysia

As I mentioned before, my team and I are staying in the small city of Sungai Pentani just off the coast of the peninsula part of Malaysia. We’re staying at a church connected with AIM and helping the pastor with all sorts of ministry opportunities he’s prepared for us. Some of the ministries we’ll get to be a part of include special needs ministry at a bakery, tutoring, kids “sunday school” classes but on fridays, sports ministry, church events, house churches, evangelism, and helping out different pastors in the community with a certain ministry focus they do. I’ll be very busy to say the least!

The pastor of our church’s name is Thomas but we all call him PT. He has done so much for us and I feel so grateful to be a part of his ministry.

PT prioritizes fun and wants all of us to step out of our comfort zones in every possible way. During orientation, he asked everyone who knew nothing about music and worship to raise their hands. He then proceeded to say that those are the ones who will be doing it from now on with the church. I bet you can guess that I’m in that group, as musically talented and Yund does not go hand in hand. We have lessons every night on a different instrument and it is honestly so fun! He picked a couple from the group to be the teachers. So he teaches them and they teach us. He calls it an example of discipleship- like that of which we are to do with Jesus. He’s so intentional!

PT also takes some of us out after church every night to go get food. They go from 12-2am… I’m not in that group, thankfully! I can barely keep my eyes open past 9, which is unfortunate when our main church service on Friday often goes till midnight.

This culture is very different from home. Nights are when everyone is out. Even families with little kids you’ll see at a restaurant at 1 in the morning! They prioritize a high standard of modesty. Many women in the church we’re in wear dresses with long sleeves and pants. Which is also our Friday church attire! You eat with your hands- no utensils. Feet are considered unclean so you take off your shoes in every building you go into and you NEVER point the bottom of your feet at someone- it’s like flipping them off but worse! Also, your head is the most sacred part of your body so you never touch someone’s head either, it’s very disgraceful!

The people groups here

There are three main religions found here. Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It has been so cool to have conversations of even just learning what the people here believe. To ask questions and gain a better understanding of their religion/culture.

We are also involved with the Rohingya people group, which is a bunch of refugees who fled Burma, a nearby country that’s been in a civil war for around 80 years. The Rohingya people are stereotyped as criminals and are often cheated out of jobs and money. They are a very persecuted people group! Some of the students my team will get to tutor will be from this group and so I’m so excited to see how God uses that time to encourage them and hopefully bring them to know and put their hope in the true Jesus!

I am so expectant for these next two months. I believe the Lord has great things for this country and I can not wait to be a part of it! It is so different from Swazi in literally every way, but I am slowly falling in love with it. I can’t wait to invite you all into this next chapter of my trip and continue to testify to what the Lord is doing.

Until then…  Semoga Tuhan merahmati kamu!