In a town in the Malaysian countryside, Reverend Kuang Kar Loong gathers the 60 people of his congregation for worship. During sharing and testimony, Brother Lee addresses the congregation. He looks around and begins with the words, Tonight we give thanks to the King of kings and Lord of lords who has allowed us to […]

In a town in the Malaysian countryside, Reverend Kuang Kar Loong gathers the 60 people of his congregation for worship. During sharing and testimony, Brother Lee addresses the congregation. He looks around and begins with the words, Tonight we give thanks to the King of kings and Lord of lords who has allowed us to gather together.

Brother Lee’s people, the Indigenous Orang Asli people of Malaysia, know what it is like to be a forgotten people.

Sixty years earlier he had attended an evening class run by visiting teachers who were in the area to share the gospel. Mystified by the presence of visitors to their village, Brother Lee and other locals were attracted to the class out of curiosity. No-one had previously shown any interest in the Orang Asli.

Brother Lee was comforted on that night 60 years ago. Brothers and sisters from far away countries had given witness to the fact that God never forgets or abandons anyone, not even the Orang Asli.

Later, Pastor Hans from Germany had visited and, because they were with a pastor, the small group of believers could venture out between 6.00pm and 9.00pm in the evenings, three nights a week. The group put benches in an old van and would encourage people wherever they stopped, to sit on the benches in the van and listen to the good news of Jesus. It was in these years that Pastor Hans gave the small church guidance to grow and become leaders. As Brother Lee says looking back, Thanks to God for these gatherings!’

Six decades on, many of the young believers have moved to the larger cities in Malaysia. But 60 people still form the heart of this church and Brother Lee reminds his family of believers that: ‘We must pass the gospel onto our children and persevere in bringing people to know Jesus.’

The Orang Asli are a humble people and a people who know hardships.

The church runs youth camps and has many of the children from the community attend, but more work needs to happen.

Brother Lee and his church face many of the same challenges our congregations in the LCA/NZ face, as well as many unique difficulties as an indigenous Christian people in a country with a Muslim-majority population.

Brother Lee asks that you pray for him and for his church. He especially requests your prayers for:

• hearts that are submissive to God so that they can carry out all that God has entrusted to them
• other shepherds for their town where Reverend Kuang Kar Loong is the only pastor
• building extensions, even though the government is not in favour of this
• more pastors in the Lutheran Church in Malaysia to serve in smaller rural villages.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Malaysia at http://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/malaysia-peninsula/