Hey Family!
The past three weeks in Malaysia have been a whirlwind of joy, growth, and deep community. Each day has brought new lessons in trusting God, leaning into hope, and understanding more fully what it means to walk in His purpose. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is this: if God wants to use me, He will. It’s as simple as that.
To recap my last blog: our ministry here is focused on teaching refugee children and leading home churches weekly. Okay so now, let me share a little more about what my days have been like—because trust me, it’s been wild!
Ministry and Teaching!
Each morning here in Malaysia starts early—6:30 am to be exact. I’ve learned that starting my day with time with God is the best way to set the tone for what’s ahead. By 8:40 am, the sweet refugee children arrive for school. The joy these kids bring with them is contagious, and it’s a reminder of how blessed I am to be part of their lives.
I was assigned to teach an 11-year-old girl who is so smart and so eager to learn. She comes from a family of eight, and I’ve had the privilege of seeing two of her sisters also attend our school too. Our time together is a beautiful blend of learning and creativity. We typically focus on subjects like English and Math, but I also love when we take breaks to color, make origami, or play group games. These children have such bright futures, and every lesson feels like sowing seeds of hope and joy into their hearts, even though we can’t share the name of Jesus.
We then have the opportunity to also teach and play games at a Free Educational Center for the younger children from our church, starting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday nights!
House Church!
Now, leading a house church was something I wasn’t sure about at first. The idea of just me and two other girls leading a service in a new country—well, to be honest, it gave me some anxiety, lol. But you know what? God has continued to show me that when we step out in faith and do things in His name, He will bless them. And He has!
My house church family (usually) is small but so rewarding! It consists of a mother who just became a believer two months ago, along with her two seven-year-old twin daughters. This family is so precious to me, and I’m amazed by how much the mother has grown in her faith in such a short time. Please join us in praying for her husband, who is currently working far away and we’re unsure if he’s a believer yet! We’re also praying for their financial provision, as things have been a bit tight for them! (You all are amazing!)
Bethel Church and Fun Times!
To share a little more about our squad’s home here, (Bethel Church) has finally become more like a home for most of us! And let me tell you— the worship here is absolutely incredible! The energy, joy, and passion is kinda infectious, and it’s been such a blessing to be part of these vibrant, spirit-filled gatherings.
Picture this: a room full of people shouting (I think) “Malay/Tamil” songs, clapping, and dancing with all their energy. It’s so easy to get lost in the joy of it all. Two of our favorite songs here are “Yeshua” and “PRAISE”—and we sing them loud and proud.
But it hasn’t been all ministry and worship. We’ve also had some epic adventures together as a squad. Every Friday, we gather for lunch at a local food court, and it’s always a new and fun experience trying different cultural dishes. You never know what you’re going to get, and it’s kinda exciting and scary at the same time. XD
Speaking of adventures, we’ve done some random and last-minute things that have been unforgettable:
Indian Light Festival: We went to an Indian Light Festival fundraiser, where people were performing, and guess what? Our squad was asked to perform a skit! It was hilarious, so last minute, and honestly, it’s moments like these that I know this trip is gonna stick with me for life.
Pastor Jovel’s BBQ: One Saturday night, we were invited to Pastor Jovel’s house for a barbecue. Before eating, we spent time praying and singing in his living room, and then, of course, we lit off fireworks to celebrate!
Indian Wedding: We had the incredible experience of attending an Indian wedding. And, of course, we had to perform the church clap—because that’s just what you do when you’re part of a squad like this.
Light Festival on Oct. 31st: The light festival here is no joke. It’s like their version of Halloween (but it gives the 4th of July), with fireworks starting at midnight, food, and fellowship. We stayed up into the early hours of the morning, praying for the people around us, who might be using this night to celebrate other gods.
Music Video: We’ve been practicing a super fun dance routine for a music video that we’ll be recording soon for one of the pastors here. Don’t worry—I’ll share it with you all once it’s done! 😄
Late-Night Runs: And of course, some of my fondest memories have been those random trips to McDonald’s, Texas Chicken, and 7-Eleven with some of the squad and different church members! One night, (lol) I found myself at McDonald’s from midnight to 2 a. m., just chatting and getting apple pies (which are like 11/10 here!).
More to Come.
From teaching the children to leading house church to forming deeper bonds with my squad, God has truly been at work in my life, changing me for the better. I’m learning so much about His faithfulness, His provision, and His love.
There’s still so much more to come, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for the rest of our time here in Malaysia!
Also… did I mention that my team is heading to Chiang Mai, Thailand?!? We’ll be working with disabled children and possibly teaching English again! I also found out where I’ll be going in Eastern Europe.. I’m going to GREECE!!
Thank you all for your support! I’m so grateful to be at 90% of my fundraising goal! If you feel led to support me financially, it would truly mean so much to me as I continue on this journey. It means more than you know! ❤️
Thank you all for your prayers and your love! I can’t wait to share more with you!
Thanks for reading! 😄🙏
~Jaylynn K
