God Burst My Bubble

Kona, Hawaii, 2017

When I first came to do a Discipleship Training School, I didn’t have in mind all the many things that God was going to do in my life in the next seasons. Outreach was way far from my imagination. Unconsciously I didn’t really believe that I could actually go to the South East Asia. Also, deep inside, I didn’t think I could be a blessing there because culturally they were so different. Going forward was truly challenging because of my fears, as it was all so new and unexpected.

To my surprise, our mission trip to Malaysia turned out to be one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve ever had with Jesus. I so enjoyed this diverse country, rich in culture, history , and beauty. Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other people groups coexist amicably. They are a mixture of wonderful people, with warm smiles full of kindness and expectation. The vibrant colors and exotic flavors completely captivated me.

The official religion in Malaysia is Islam, and although freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution, it is illegal to preach and/or evangelize to Muslims. If a person is caught, they are either imprisoned or, if a foreigner, kicked out of the country and placed on a no-return list. The Chinese population, (which makes up 23% of the country,) is mainly Buddhist, Taoist, and Christian. The Indians (7%) are generally Hindu, Muslim, and Christian.
The vast majority of Malaysians, particularly ethnic Malays, are Muslim, and many of the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak practice a mixture of Christianity, animism, and Islam. Malaysia is an ideal setting to disciple and equip Christians for ministry throughout Asia and beyond due to its ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity. China, India, and Indonesia contain more than 60% of the world’s unreached people. I’ve considered going back to that region, Lord willing, to continue a work that God started using art and creativity to disciple women from the Red Light District and with an anti-human trafficking organization. The main goal is to connect them to their purpose in life and to open up new work horizons.

The main part of our trip to Malaysia included Borneo and the islands of Sarawak. We visited five Penan indigenous peoples: the Uma Baka, Long Peran, Long Wat, Long Magan, and Long Malin. While there, we held programs for children and invited families to watch The Life of Jesus film. We preached, gave our testimonies, taught bible studies, did dance performances, led worship, played soccer, and swam together in the river. We also shared with and encouraged pastors and other missionaries we met.

During this time, God really touched my heart. I was able to experience Jesus among the most needy and experience His love for sinners as we read about in Mark 2:16-17. He did not come to call the righteous, but the lost. If you want to see Jesus more closely, go and share His love with the most vulnerable.

Another great experience was developing an art and creativity program at a homeless ministry called the Kawan Centre. My heart completely melted with the amount of love and tender care they offered to those most in need. We were able to see the love of Jesus in action as they patiently, without discrimination, washed the feet of those whom society had labeled as “transvestites, old people, foreigners, crazy street people, parents with homeless children, thieves, and delinquents,” all together!

My expectations of our cross-cultural mission trip were greatly exceeded. It’s like God burst my bubble once again. The truth is that I’m very affected, but in a good way. The fact that God continues to share what is burning in His heart is a privilege for me. He continues to expand His vision inside me and widens my heart. His love has no end.