We've just finished the task we're set to do here in Malaysia. We attended and performed some skits at the Community Baptist Church this morning for Sunday Service and we're just about to prepare for our departure back to Manila.
The mission was first brought up last year but I didn't really think I will be able to join. It was an opportunity to experience what's it like to be a missionary and best of all, TRAVEL. I had my apprehensions knowing fully well that I'm not an actor, a singer or a performer since I'll be part of a christian performing arts group. But somehow God saw my willingness and desire to be used for His purpose and He gave me this opportunity.
The first day we went to Kawan outreach - "friend" in Malay - to reach out and help in the feeding and outreach program in some depressed areas near KL. It was very fulfilling and saddening at the same time when we were reaching out to these people. Some of the people there had nowhere to live and had nothing to eat. Some were stricken with AIDS. Even though we didn't understand each other, the language of love is universal. A smile of gratitude and relief is easily understood, bypassing the language barrier. I would say that a lot still needs to be done back in Manila but the ministry here somehow showed us the way on how we should do it.
In the evening, the group conducted a performance workshop in the CBC church. Its a small church who loves God and desires to reach out to its community. They're planning to raise some money to help out their unfortunate people who were flooded in some areas in Malaysia. The idea came from a teen malay girl who had a burden for them. They asked for the group's help to lend them some expertise in the performance arts. It was tiring but we all had fun. In a day, we experienced how missionary work is happy, sad, fun, and exhausting.
That evening, the exhaustion got the best of me, and I was down with fever. My body was feeling sore the whole evening and I thought that I would no longer be able to help out in the ministry work for the rest of our stay. The following day, they gave me medicine, got some massage, and prayed for me. Miraculously, I felt better. In fact, I was almost back in shape in time for our evening ministry work.
That evening was to become the climax of our work in Malaysia. We were sent to perform, along with YWAM Canada, to a group of drug rehabs. Majority are Muslims and haven't heard of the gospel. Only a few groups are privileged to perform and we're the third group to do it. We had mixed feelings of what we are about to do. We were warned not to try to convert them nor mention of the name Jesus. We prayed and let God move in our behalf. Evening came and we did our skits and songs. For them, it was just for entertainment; for God, that evening was groundbreaking! The seeds were planted - the rehab administrator, a Muslim, was so encouraged by the work we did that he was allowing, even encouraging, Bible studies, cell groups for the people in the rehabilitation program! We heard of the news the morning after. God is good! Everyone was so encouraged - no matter how inadequate we are and what we have, if we offer what we have in full, He will honor and multiply it according to His will and purpose.
This work is about to end, but we know His work is yet to be completed. There are a lot of people who are very much hungry for the gospel. We know that all of us who are part of this will never be the same way again. Though much we have given, much more we have received. Each of us who loves God should see through God's eyes. We have seen how much God loves us and desires to bring man back to His grace.
Until He comes, may we not fail to see through His eyes...
