Tuesday November 16, 2010

Jazz helps the KL Vision

Jazz vocalist Jamie Davis came to Malaysia to raise funds for the KL Vision of starting an international school in Kuala Lumpur. Jamie was well received and everyone enjoyed his music. Jamie grew up singing in a church that his father pastored. Now he sings jazz all over the world and works with the NAVS singing gospel in a prison ministry. He is about to release a gospel CD called “Free on the Inside.” Through Jamie’s concerts we raised about $30,000 (USD) for the school project and we made some significant contacts in the business community and with people in Government. 

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Deepavali in Malaysia

This Hindu holiday celebrated in Malaysia has ancient roots. The word Deepavali comes from the Sanskrit word that literally means "row of lights" and the holiday is commonly known as the Festival of Lights. The celebration marks the Hindu New Year and the triumph of good over evil, or light over darkness. Deepavali is a one-day public holiday in Malaysia celebrated mostly by the Hindu community who clean their homes and prepare themselves by cleansing their bodies and minds. Devout Hindus fast, observe a strict vegetarian diet, and spend time in prayer and meditation.
This holiday gives us the opportunity to share the ultimate triumph of good over evil, when the Son of God gave His life as a ransom for many. Pray for a harvest this season as we share with our Indian Malaysian friends. 

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Transformation Story

Heena grew up in a stanch Hindu family . Her parents were kind and hardworking, but there was something missing in their home. A family moved into the neighborhood and started a Bible study which grew into a church. Heena's brother was the first to get involved and she saw a change in him. Heena was drawn to this faith community that was full of love and compassion and she became a believer. Her testimony today is, "I want to make a difference in the community around me. God has done so much for me, I want to give back and enrich people’s lives. I struggle with some of the judgment I see in the believing community. People need compassion and friendship when they have been beaten up by the world. They need to see the believing community care for them." Sharla and I are honored to have friends in Malaysia like Heena!

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Thanksgiving Overseas

On Thanksgiving we honor God for His blessings and enjoy food and conversation with our family.  Last year I mentioned that Thanksgiving is a difficult holiday for Americans living overseas; We miss our family back home. We don’t have the familiar foods here, so we use substitutes. We are in a strange land among people who do not celebrate the holiday. Thank Him that through skype we will connect with our family on Thanksgiving. 

There is one people group in East Malaysian that worships a spirit who they believe dwells in the rice plant. They have activities, cultural celemonies and traditional games for their rice harvest festival.  May they know the truth about the One and Only who gives life and blessing from heaven.

Sharla and I will celebrate thanksgiving with gladness in our hearts! God has placed us in an amazing harvest field! We thank our Savior for life, for our children, and for you who pray for us and support us.  We are blessed to be serving the King of kings in Malaysia. 

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Conversational English Class

The conversational English class was postponed for a semester due to a complaint about the religious content of the curriculum. The language department of the college supports the Conversational English class 100%. Please pray for us as we work with the administration and staff of the college to prepare for the next course. It only takes one complaint to cancel an excellent program. Pray for wisdom as we consider how to move forward with a class next semester.

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Home Assignment 2010

We will be in the USA next summer June/July 2011 for home assignment.  Sharla and I would be honored to share at your church or study group to report on our ministry in Malaysia.  We are also available to speak to AWANA's clubs.  Please contact us to schedule a meeting.

Sarah graduates in June 2011 and will settle into college in the states.    

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