A Kadazan-Dusun brother shared with me some issues facing Christian youths from East Malaysia, he's been burdened to work with.
Culturally they are very communal, in the sense that their sense of identity and faith are wrapped up tightly with their relations. Many of them have come to West Malaysia to further their studies in local universities, so were uprooted from the circle of friends and family who provided that vital support.
When they stay in campus, loneliness and uncertainty set in. That's when a group of girls comes to provide much-needed fellowship. They were assimilated into the new social group in a 'kakak-adik' relationship, and soon were nudged into embracing another religion.
Yet another friend working in Sabah shared about how in the 'asrama' the teachers posted from West Malaysia were actively propagating amongst the students, pressuring some to convert too. I think somehow God has a purpose for him there for he courageously counselled and rescued some.
These stories remind me of how 'defending the faith' is not all rational arguments and logic. It cannot be extracted from that crucial personal/communal dimension that gives legitimacy to a worldview.
"See how they love one another!" That was the complaint of the critics concerning the early church.
Our Muslim friends have the freedom to believe, practice and propagate their beliefs, surely. Some level-playing field may be ideal, but... I think they got something right.
When was the last time a dakwah team knocked on your door to sell tracts?
Or invite you to an evangelistic meeting in Stadium Bukit Jalil?
The resources to do it are not a problem.
Perhaps, they know what "Campus Crusade" knew, that if you win the campus today, you win the world tomorrow.
So I'm thankful to God for people like my friends who make a difference right where they are, in the schools and churches. They are heroes of today, legends of tomorrow.
I also think of all the iBridge comrades who decided intentionally to stay in a more laid-back town/city so that they can mentor the youths. Jee Seng... Leslie... Alvin...
And all the FES workers who have invested their lives in the campus ministry while also trying to raise money to keep the ministry afloat.
Shouldn't God's workers be freed from fund-raising so that the ministry can flourish?
As the church, we need to be *intentional* in doing this, providing communal support (not necessarily cell groups) for displaced students who now study in a new, strange land.
Culturally they are very communal, in the sense that their sense of identity and faith are wrapped up tightly with their relations. Many of them have come to West Malaysia to further their studies in local universities, so were uprooted from the circle of friends and family who provided that vital support.
When they stay in campus, loneliness and uncertainty set in. That's when a group of girls comes to provide much-needed fellowship. They were assimilated into the new social group in a 'kakak-adik' relationship, and soon were nudged into embracing another religion.
Yet another friend working in Sabah shared about how in the 'asrama' the teachers posted from West Malaysia were actively propagating amongst the students, pressuring some to convert too. I think somehow God has a purpose for him there for he courageously counselled and rescued some.
These stories remind me of how 'defending the faith' is not all rational arguments and logic. It cannot be extracted from that crucial personal/communal dimension that gives legitimacy to a worldview.
"See how they love one another!" That was the complaint of the critics concerning the early church.
Our Muslim friends have the freedom to believe, practice and propagate their beliefs, surely. Some level-playing field may be ideal, but... I think they got something right.
When was the last time a dakwah team knocked on your door to sell tracts?
Or invite you to an evangelistic meeting in Stadium Bukit Jalil?
The resources to do it are not a problem.
Perhaps, they know what "Campus Crusade" knew, that if you win the campus today, you win the world tomorrow.
So I'm thankful to God for people like my friends who make a difference right where they are, in the schools and churches. They are heroes of today, legends of tomorrow.
I also think of all the iBridge comrades who decided intentionally to stay in a more laid-back town/city so that they can mentor the youths. Jee Seng... Leslie... Alvin...
And all the FES workers who have invested their lives in the campus ministry while also trying to raise money to keep the ministry afloat.
Shouldn't God's workers be freed from fund-raising so that the ministry can flourish?
As the church, we need to be *intentional* in doing this, providing communal support (not necessarily cell groups) for displaced students who now study in a new, strange land.
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