Malaysia Update

Malaysia has been such a gift in ways I didn’t expect. Every week here feels layered with purpose, joy, and small moments where God reminds me that He sees me deeply and personally.

One of the biggest highlights has been serving in a special needs ministry. My team and one other team have been going twice a week to a bakery that employs people with disabilities, and it has quickly become one of my favorite places. God has been showing me how much He cares about the desires of my heart through this ministry. Serving with people with disabilities has always been something so special to me, and being able to step into that here feels like such a personal gift from Him. One of the owners and her son who works there are Christian, and we often start our morning by having dance parties to upbeat worship music. What’s been the most beautiful is that it’s not just the Christians dancing. Every single person, regardless of religion joins in. Even if its just a 20 minute dance party, the unity in that space is so powerful. I’ve seen people who don’t even identify as a Christian raise their hands in worship and praise Jesus, and it’s been such a reminder that the Holy Spirit moves far beyond labels or expectations. In those moments, I’ve felt my understanding of God deepen. He is gentle, joyful, and wildly present, and He meets people exactly where they are. This has shaped my own spiritual formation, reminding me that my identity is rooted in joy, obedience, and trust rather than in outcomes.

Church in Malaysia has also been incredibly special. Church here happens every day, and teams rotate leading it. It’s been really beautiful watching people step into new roles, grow in confidence, speak, lead worship, and use gifts they maybe didn’t even know they had. I have felt so much gratitude watching how God is moving within our squad. Being a part of a community that is actively growing together has encouraged me so much and strengthened my own faith. 

Outside of ministry, we’ve had many opportunities to experience the city, which has been so different from Swazi. We’ve explored coffee shops, walked to nearby stores, and have just spent time getting to know the people around us. Those everyday interactions have been such a blessing. Occasionally, we get to pray for people, but often it’s just listening, learning, and building connections. Every time we leave the base, we take Grabs (Uber in Malaysia) and God has been so intentional with the drivers he places in our lives. We’ve had so many meaningful conversations, learning about what people believe, their families, and their culture. These moments have helped me grow in engaging relationally across cultures, not with an agenda, but with curiosity, respect, and love.

I’ve also been especially thankful for our leadership here. Our squad leaders have been so incredible and our hosts have been such a blessing. The pastor of the church we’re living in, Pastor Thomas, is amazing. He is hilarious, wise, and so welcoming. Watching him invite us into his ministry and trust us to help him has been such an honor. He doesn’t just speak life into his congregation, but he speaks life into us too, and that means more than he probably knows.

Malaysia, so far, has been a season of joy, growth, and deep gratitude. God is continually teaching me that ministry doesn’t always look big or loud. Sometimes it looks like dancing in a bakery, talking with a barista, or sitting in a Grab car having an honest conversation. And in all of it, He is present, moving, and so faithful.