Reflections

Amazingly, it's almost our one-year anniversary in Malaysia already (we arrived on July 31st)! We will be celebrating by taking a one-week holiday to Cambodia to visit Tom's cousin and take in some of the sights (I've already been advised to avoid the deep-fried insects and other such crunchy morsels they might offer us).

So what have we learned? What do we enjoy? What do we miss? What next?

First, following up on my last blog, we learned a lot about the people of Malaysia during the recent elections. Many experienced identity as a "Malaysian" more strongly than ever before (rather than Malay/Chinese/Indian) and the turnout was incredible, more than 80%, with people returning from all over the world just to cast their vote! The results were disappointing. Many allegations have been made about foul play, returning the ruling party back in power. And yet I believe God did much in the hearts of Malaysians to help them know themselves better, recognizing both their own failings as well as a greater love for their country, their people and those who are marginalized. There is much to do before the next elections roll around in another 5 years. I found my love and respect for Malaysians growing through this whole process.

Group shot at the end of year Christian Fellowship meeting

But more personally, Tom has learned that he loves interacting with students. His classes and extracurricular activities give him great opportunities to get to know students, their dreams, their struggles, their take on life. Deadlines like grading at the end of semesters are a drag, but every job has its highs and lows. Besides his normal load of classes, he is actively involved in 3 student clubs, where he gets to know and encourage students weekly. He's pretty distinctive on campus as the only American--the old guy with the beard--and so more and more people, students and staff alike, give him a friendly wave as he walks around campus. He's pursuing more ideas that will give further interaction and help with students as well--creating opportunities to help with English writing, pronunciation, etc. It's much more than a job. It's a lifestyle of engaging with people with the love and respect that comes from the fact that they are made in God's image and have much potential as they take important life steps during this formative time of life.

Bonding at the church's Family Day

At church, Tom has gotten involved in a new covenant group that is studying "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality." The group shows a lot of promise already with 14 committed members who are sharing personally and looking at what it means to be changed by the gospel in their day to day lives. He's also getting involved with the church regarding plans for developing a more focused college ministry, which could include an English learning center if certain things come together over time. Right now, we're appreciative of an extra vehicle on loan for the summer which we fill with students joining us for church many Sundays. A number of them are studying Christianity Explored with us after church as well.

Looking over the past year, God has been faithful to Janet in her work in Biblical Counseling through both churches and individuals. There is growing excitement for what the CCEF curriculum offers. To date 35 people in Malaysia have taken CCEF online classes, some of them on their 2nd course now, all under Janet's supervision. How their new-learned skills can apply in their local churches will be the next question to pursue. In the meantime, other churches and denominations have begun asking more about Biblical Counseling, so the networks for CCEF are expanding. At the same time, Janet has been doing much more counseling. The variety of counseling challenges has taught her a lot, not least of which is what it means to rely on God's wisdom and Holy Spirit on a regular basis. It is a humbling yet exhilarating experience to see people's lives changing before you as you interact with them week by week.

Janet's Covenant Group

Janet's leadership of her church covenant group is another place where she gets involved in people's lives. This group of young woman has been studying the gospel of John and asking the question, what does it really mean to believe that Jesus is the Messiah? Who is he really, and what difference does it make in our daily lives? It's a group that cares deeply for one another, and it's both fun and a privilege to be part of.

So where does this lead us? Tom's been offered a 2-year renewal to his contract. This causes us to think about the opportunities God has given us here, but it also reminds us of those we miss from home. We love our skype calls and emails with people as a way to maintain the relationships we so value. Fourth of July certainly wasn't the same, and we lose track of time without seasons. Rain and cloudy skies bring welcome relief to the heat and humidity, a different perspective on weather from before. We find ourselves cooking more Western food at home, and leave the experimentation of other wonderful food to the restaurants and street vendors that do a much better job of it anyway! We greatly look forward to a visit home Dec. 21-Jan. 9 to see family and friends. But we also see God's hand and calling to accept this next 2-year opportunity, to continue what he has begun. So please be in prayer for us, and be patient with our continued absence from those of you who are far away.

With much love,
Tom & Janet