1 Aug 2013 by Adeline Lum CM-
On the 23 to 30 of July, eight short-term missionaries from Hong Kong spanning from 20 to 50 years old came to Malaysia led by Shelley, under the Cell Church Missions Network (CCMN).
For most of them, coming to Malaysia was their first short-term missionary trip. And while all of them were strangers before the trip, they found unity amidst the cross-cultural experience in Malaysia; one that was unforgettable- the Orang Asli’s in Cameron Highlands.
“At first, they didn't know what to expect at all from visiting the tribes!” said Shelley.
Growing up in a cosmopolitan, visiting the tribes in the forest can be daunting.
“They were worried that they would eat worms and plants, camp in the wild and also meet intimidating spear-hunting people,” said Shelley.
But far from their expectations, they stayed in a missionary house amidst Orang Asli’s who were friendly and warm.
“Although the time we had with them was short, they know that we are there to serve them. And I could see them participating with their whole hearts!” said Janis.
Indeed, love is a universal language that breaks all walls. Although the team did not know how to speak in Malay, they engaged a translator to communicate. At other times, they would also use the ‘no-word-book’ to share the gospel. In fact, Dakki had her first experience of leading someone to the sinner’s prayer amongst the Orang Asli.
“They had such simple faith and were so receptive to the gospel. I don't know what they went through in life, but I know that God plays a big role in sustaining and nurturing their spiritual life,” said Becky, for the higher the Orang Asli's stay in the mountain, the harder to reach them.
Together, the team also learned Malay and sang Malay gospel songs —Segala Puji Syukur, Hari Ini Ku Rasa Bahagia— with their newfound tribal family. And like Jesus who sat and ate with the people He loved, the team also sat and ate with their hands with the Orang Asli’s brothers and sisters.
“This is the first time I fried eggs for more than 30 people, Hong Kong style!” said the emboldened 23-year-old Kan who prepared a fiesta for the Orang Asli with the team.
Besides Cameron Highland, they also visited a funeral under the guidance of Senior Pastor Ezra Yew of Taman Midah Lutheran Church (TMLC), participated in street evangelism, did a prayer walk and also held an evangelical neighborhood campfire at TMLC.
“I feel that God’s plan for us is to unite and become really strong. And this is a very powerful testimony; we go pass our limitations together, work together, eat together, pray together and rejoice together!” said Shelley. All of the team members came from different churches of various denominations.
Indeed, many breakthroughs were experienced in this mission trip! Kan overcame his fear of looking at dead bodies, being at funerals for the first time. Calvin started journaling for the first time. Mandy overcame her uneasiness of using her hands to eat. And Janis became more approachable and open to hugging as a love language.
Together, they overcame personal hurdles as one church in Christ.
“Churches in Malaysia also really need this unity, to fulfill God’s will. We must help other people to succeed, not only ourselves,” said Shelley.
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