Many have not heard....

~ 12/6/2014 ~

"50 years ago, I was seeking for spiritual truth. I wanted to go to a church at a nearby town but then…. Now I am a fervent worshipper of ……..” We were visiting this granny at a temporary housing and she was showing us some newspapers published by an organization that she frequently visiting and worshipping at. The above was her reply when I asked her how she became attached to this organization. In return she asked me how I became a Christian and I was able to share my testimony with her. How God revealed His love for me years ago and how He has showered me with His love ever since I accepted Him into my life.

What granny said saddened me! I was thinking if only there was a Christian near her at that time… if only she was brought to church…..if only she was given a chance to hear the Good News….. My mind was crowded with a lot of “if only” and “what if”.

On a similar note, I was chatting with an elderly man after a Christmas Concert last year where the Christmas Story was told. He told me this was the first time he heard the Christmas Story. All these while, he had always treated Christmas as one of the many festivals in Japan and celebrated by buying cakes and giving presents to family members. He was not the only one. Similar comments were heard among those attended the Concert. On that day, many heard the Christmas Story for the first time in their lives……..

Yes, many have not heard, many are seeking but have not found the truth, many are broken and wearied with challenges in life and in need of the truth, many are sick and need healing…..many…...

Romans 10: 14~15 - "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?”

As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Malaysia. A land for me to love, cherish and pray for....

~ 4/4/2014 ~

For almost a quarter of my life, I have been staying overseas due to various reasons.  Ironically it was during these periods of time when I was physically away from Malaysia that I realized how much I love my country.  It could be as the saying goes, “absence made the heart fonder”.  It could be because of the more frequent I declared “I am a Malaysian” (as I am frequently asked where I come from), the more I felt the patriotism and pride of being a Malaysian.

It is because of this love that I have so many mixed feelings for the past weeks since March 8^th.  Much sadness and grief when I heard about MH370.  Heartfelt gratitude when I heard of the many countries worldwide that raced to assist us in whatever ways to trace the missing plane.  But in the midst of all these, my heart ached every time I read online the accusations and negative comments that were hurled towards my country and fellow countrymen in their handling of the crisis. Especially so, when these criticisms came from my fellow Malaysians.  Isn’t it for such a time as this that we should be united in love and much prayer for our country?

I used to feel slightly discouraged whenever I was asked where Malaysia is, when I have to explain Malaysia is located north of Singapore or located south of Thailand (depends on which country the person knows. But they always seem to know either one of them but not us).  But now, I felt even worst when people’s response to me is “Oh, Malaysian Airlines…” when they heard Malaysia.  We have become famous for the wrong reason and it saddens me.  But it is when my heart ached the most that I re-affirm how much this country means to me. 

Regardless of where God calls me to be in the future, Malaysia will always be my most beloved country.  I thank the Lord for the land of Malaysia and for making me a citizen of this beautiful land during my brief journey on earth.  A land that I can call my own, to love, cherish and pray for.

2 Chronicles 7:14 : “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”