Only Two Days Left

Only two days left in our extraordinary time here in Malaysia. We have met so many wonderful and interesting people. Who knew I would fall in love with new friends that I can sometimes barely follow as they relate to me events of their day? (Obviously, they were at times experiencing the same thing judging by the blank stares I have received as I conversed with them.) These people have touched my life and heart and I will never be the same. We are so much the same in so many ways even as we are so different. They struggle with so many similar issues as I do. They love the Lord and yet fail Him just as I do. Relationships, parenting and personal issues touch each of them. They play with their grandbabies, like I do. They laugh at the same things I think are funny. They love the Lord and look to Him as they live their lives each day. They are kindred spirits living half a world away and I will miss them.

As I return to the states, I take with me a new understanding of the world and of its people. It is comforting to know that as we move from one continent or culture to another that we, as created beings, are the same. We may talk differently, dress differently, and experience different climates, plants, animals and foods. Our habits and ways of life differ. And though I will never have complete knowledge of all cultures and its peoples, I have found that where the Lord looks is basically the same: our hearts.

ALL people struggle. We struggle to know right. We struggle against the flesh that draws us to sin. We strive to live honorably only to, at times, fail miserably. We attempt to make wise decisions and to discover the truth that will enable us to do so. We seek to know ourselves and why we think and act the way we do. What are the best choices for us? What job or ministry best suits our talents and capabilities? Family is so important and providing not just necessities, but also the training and experiences that will help develop well-rounded and healthy individuals is so vital. Life comes and goes and like a vapor, it’s done. We have come to the end and wonder what has it profited?

My view of heaven has certainly expanded. For so many years, as I imagined the sea of believers standing before the throne of God, I saw mostly white faces. Never again. That view has been forever altered, expanded, really. God, it would seem, had a fantastic time in His creativity as he determined what differences there would be for our exteriors. But, it would seem, He was very simple when He formed the inside. We are the same. He gave us His heart to hold inside our bodies, and for some reason that makes me feel so precious to Him, and to my new found friends. We are different, but we are His.

Kajang Wet Market

Check out the new food pic link in the upper right corner

Putrajaya - Prince of Good Fortune

Because of the rapid growth of the city Kuala Lumpur, the last PM of Malaysian struck out on a bold new plan. KL had been the seat for the nations government offices as well as its largest city. Putrajaya was the bold new plan. A completely planned new development to house the federal government and all its offices and housing for all government workers along with everything necessary for a completely new self sufficient city. It is beautiful, even details like streetlights, designed especially for the new city, are not overlooked.

Out host for the day was Leng Leng, one of the students from Kajang, She was a tremendous guide for the day. We were able to see many impressive sights. I enjoyed seeing the thought that went into a planned community like Putrajaya.

From the Prime Minister's Offices to the Convention Center, to the Mosques or even the hotels everything was done with great quality and planning. Putrajaya is a point of pride with many Malaysians. Yet at the same time, many people are not happy with Putrajaya even with all of its spendor. For many it means either relocation from KL or a long commute everyday to the new government offices. Some believe the project to be a waste of resourse and that the money could have been spent better elsewhere. Still others seem to be quite apathetic to the whole thing.

I thought to myself how like the church Putrajaya seems to be. While some are blazing new territory for the kingdom of God. There are those who don't like the new changes. What's wrong with the old plan? How much is that going to cost.? You expect me to change what? What? Were you talking to me?

When God leads you clearly to the next step of faith in your life it sure is great to have fellow believers who understand and support you. But sometimes you don't have that luxury. Sometimes there is confusion, misunderstanding of motives, jealousy and even apathy. God is building some amazing in you. It was planned before the foundations of the earth were set into place. It is the work of God in you. Step out boldly into the life you always wanted to live. Be amazed and dazzled by God as you walk down a new path in life's journey.

Amazed in Malaysia

Jeff

Just Checking To See Who's Out There

We have no idea who may be checking in our little blogspot. Just for fun - how about leaving a comment on this post to let us see who's out there,
Thanks - Jeff

Life in Kajang

Sorry for the lack of updates, but Kajung comes with some internet challenges. We arrived in Kajang on Monday, late afternoon. Went straight to the host church and taught until 11 p.m.. The next day Robyn, Jeff and Nicole went on an adventure out into the market place.

It was back to teaching on Tuesday evening. The students in Kajang are very willing to learn. Like all student groups there can be challenges that we must struggle through. Though we all speak English, the accents can slow the communication down some. And then there is the culture difference. In one of the break out groups I was passionately trying to drive home a point, only to find my students snickering under their breath at me. While I was making my point, I was pointing with my finger - a big cultural no-no here. One should close the hand with thumb to the top to make a pointing gesture. I hope I remember not to do that in church while I'm preaching on Sunday.

Tonight the three amigo are going to leave Dr. Biles to do some instructor work while we go on what Nicole calls a "sleep over" and then into KL and China Town tomorrow. Some of our students will be our host to see yet another piece of Malaysia. Then it will be back to teaching Thursday evening.

The internet signal is not supporting the downloading of pics at this time so words will have to do.

We are not going hungry! Malaysian love to eat and they love to feed us and we don't to disappoint them so we eat and eat and eat! It's so different and so good. Kajung is known for its Satay. We had our fill last night with chicken, fish, mutton, duck, and beef. The spicy peanut dippy sauce (gravy - there word) was delightful (Nicole's word).

We may not be able to check in regularly until we get back to PJ on Saturday.

Love to all (especially Sheila whose young daughter keeps us laughing)

Jeff and Robyn

Preaching in Klang, Malaysia

We were picked up at 9:45 this morning to be driven about 40 k to the city of Klang. Our driver for the morning was a gracious young man named Alex. He was a delight to talk with on the ride to Klang. We have been blessed to be served and ministered to by the most loving and kind brothers and sisiters in Christ. Thank you Alex!

Klang is a coastal port city on the western side of Malaysia. It took us about 45 minutes to make the drive. When we arrived the Tamil service was just getting out. Tamil is the Indian language service. They ushered in to a little waiting roomwith air conditioned (air-con) and bottled water while they made the trasition. After about 10 minutes they came and picked us up and brought us into the service that was already in progress. The English Service (their title), was a congregation of about 600-700.

The Malaysians have a pretty expressive worship style regardless of which denomination you happen to be with. They use Prasie and Worship music, some familiar and some new to us. Two 9 year old boys got up and one recited The Lord's Prayer and the other recited Psalm 91 (check it out - can you do this), both from memory. I was told that if I don't preach at least 45 minutes to 1 hour they feel cheated. So for those of you who know me - this was no problem.

I was well received. I felt very comfortable and had freedom and clarity of mind. (I sincerely apologize for any comments that may have been offensive to anyone in my attempt to expressive my pleasure at the way I was warmly received at the Klang Church on an early revision of this post.) I feel like I was able to connect with the audience and could tell that they were responding to the Word. I let the Pastor handle the alter call were around 50 people came down to make decisions and for prayer.

After the service Nelson and Karen Coolray, took us out for lunch. We went to a Nyonya restruant, which is a Chinese-Malaysian-Portuguese blend cuisine. This is a very Klang style due the history of Klang port and the tin industry.

I continue to be amazed at the wonderful stories of God's grace that I find as I meet believers everywhere I go.

We our blessed to be here!

TA @ AOIC

How enjoyable it has been to interact with the students here at the Alpha Omega International College. They are so delightful and friendly. The language barrier barely slows us down as we talk together.

As we get to know them, it is amazing how, even as we live in different cultures, our lives are so similar. There are housewives, pastors, counselors, business people, lawyers and human resource representatives. They are German, Japanese, Indian and Chinese, all Malaysian, like we are all Americans.

They love the same God as me and desire to serve Him as I do. They speak of struggles in their Christian lives that reflect the struggles of my own as I learn and grow. Families, relationships, the workplace and church work are ready topics.

I relate so often to their struggles as they learn the skills of counseling. Their desire to learn and willingness to apply themselves are so very encouraging to me as we work together. Some are learning new skills in counseling; others are learning skills for the first time. They seek to take these skills back to their jobs, church, friends and families. They desire to be used in whatever capacity God chooses and want to be prepared and sharpened tools in His hands.

These wonderful people have goals and dreams, desires and needs, challenges and triumphs. We live in this world so differently and so very much the same. As the Lord looks to and fro on this planet He has created, He uses us all. He uses the Malaysian Christians while I sleep and uses me as they rest from their work. Who will benefit most from my trip to this foreign place? Only He can say, but I know my blessings will be everlasting.