30 May 2013 by Adeline Lum CM-
‘Evangelism’ is a big word, painting the picture of a purposeful and solemn mission of sharing the gospel with lots of preparation. Kopitiam, on the other hand, depicts an open, spontaneous, unintimidating and relaxing pursuit.
When paired together with such contrasting notions, it is no wonder ‘kopitiam evangelism’ sounds rather amusing. Yet, they made so much sense!
And for that purpose, a group of Christians would gather for a frivolous way of evangelism under the roof of a kopitiam. Carrying a simple guitar, they sing joyous gospel songs to curious patrons, while enjoying their breakfast of coffee and milo panas with a packet of nasi lemak or a plate of yong tau foo.
“They sing until everyone’s happy!” exclaimed Madam Ho, veteran hawker of a Yong Tau Foo store for 13 years.
Dubbed as the ‘Hallelujah Group’ or ‘Bandar Sunway Prayer Group’, the group has been visiting kopitiams around Bandar Sunway for seven years now. You might think that the same group of people would turn up for this 8 to 9 am event. But every week, different people from all walks of life would show up to join the sing-and-eat fellowship.
So, for this week, believers joining the ‘Kopitiam evangelism’ were Pastor Jimmy Liew from KL Christian Chapel in Puchong; Pastor Daniel Kumar and wife Helen who are itinerant pastors; Pastor Joshua Low and wife from Hosannah Praise Assembly in Kajang; Pastor Joseph Selva and his wife Amy and daughter; Henry Chou, evangelist of an Indonesian ministry; and Julian Law and his son.
“At first, I felt quite uncomfortable because we are not caroling for Christmas, but we are singing to the public every Wednesday in the kopitiam,” chuckled Pastor Joshua.
But they did not labor in vain. After going to a particular kopitiam for a number of years, the boss returned to Christ and removed the idol altar in the restaurant. He also started playing Christian songs! Many older folks also came to know Christ, while backslidden Christians were reminded to visit their long-forgotten church.
“We’re proclaiming the hope in God, His Salvation and the song of Christ in a very relaxed and free manner. We’re not aggressive and simple,” said Pastor Jimmy.
“If you’re ashamed of Jesus, then Jesus will be ashamed of you too. A prayerful man must be as bold as a lion,” added Julian.
And so far, people were not hostile to say the least and welcomed their presence. In one accord, the group sang English, Hokkien and Malay gospel songs such as Dalam Yesus Kita Bersaudara, Everybody Ought to Know and Chin Chia Ho.
If you would like to try kopitiam evangelism with Christians from all walks in this unique and awesome fellowship, call Julian Law at 016-233-3613. It is truly an experience worth experiencing.
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If there'e one thing that people have in common irregardless of their different faiths, religion, background or profession, it's music that brings them together as one – what better than Gospel music that reaches lost souls with godly lyrics, healing hurts and pains with with soothing words and melodious sounds through voices and musical instruments, a great way to evangelise without fear of reprisal or authoritive intrusion from the law….the most and greatest feeling of joy felt is when they come to the Lord and desire to have more of Him in their lives and receive Him as God and Saviour, amen! God bless these fearless and humble leaders and pastors who take the extra step and go the extra mile for the Lord to go into the harvest fields and add souls into His kingdom, the Lord Jesus will repay you for all that you do for His Divine Glory. Having said that, if there is any room for one more to come and join this wonderful group to go and minister to the people, i would certainly be glad and honoured to be a part of this ministry! Keep up the great and good work, and great are your rewards stored in heaven -Shalom!