The most meaningful moments

My hearts desire is to spend just a few moments reflecting what has been so meaningful about our trip to Malaysia. It is surely in our encounters with others that are purposely pursuing living their lives to glorify God. Pure worship of God is such a benefit to the soul. We have enjoyed the daily chapel services in which the students prepare worship in song with voice and musical instruments and how they humbly pray and call upon us all to quiet our hearts and reflect on Jesus. One chapel each week is led by a guest speaker; one chapel is a time for the mission teams sent out in August to share their experiences; and one chapel for the students in the preaching class to practice preaching among their peers. When God is glorified, worship touches the soul and convicts me of my own shortcomings (there are many). Chapel begins at 10:00 and is invariably the highlight of the day.

The students at MBTS are very responsive and appreciative of our being here. The administrators are concerned about every detail of our comfort. For example, we do not have a car. Therefore, every morning and afternoon, someone is delegated with the task of picking us up at our condo and bringing us to the seminary and back home in the afternoon. This requires quite a bit of coordination and yet no one has made us feel as if it is too great a burden or inconvenience for them. Several students have spent their Saturday or other free time taking us to sites of interest that are not necessarily on the tourist's roster. We have enjoyed numerous meals with new friends and I must say Malasian hospitality not only fills your stomach but indelibly imprints their hearts in our memories of "times to cherish".

The seminary is involved in far reaching ministry. There is a passion here to equip the students for ministry with the understanding that ministry requires personel sacrifice, very likely financial loss, and persecution. Many of the students have left law, medical, and engineering professions because God has called them to prepare for reaching a lost and hurting world with the hope of Jesus Christ. The churches we have visited have vibrant services and outreach ministries. One pastor has developed three phenomenal games to help individuals reflect on how to find meaning in life; what the church is all about; and developing a world vision for missions.

We feel priveleged to be here and experience Malaysia in such a unique setting and purpose. I'm quite sure we have experienced the best of Malaysia as we have worked, worshipped and shared our lives with one another.

Forgot about our lunch guest

Today at lunch in an outdoor restaraunt, we had this snake right above us. The server wasn't worried at all, but it sure looked a little spooky to me. We moved over to another table nearby!

Twin Towers in KL

Just a quick pic of the twin towers in KL. Until a few years ago, the tallest buildings in the world. In Kuala Lumpur, Jeff taught a quick one credit course and BJ taught a one credit course in English as a Foreign Language. Jeff also preached at an English speaking church that Sunday. We go back again next weekend for another weekend.

Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary, KL Branch

Last weekend we taught at the seminary branch in Kuala Lumpur. This branch is less than a year old and reminds us alot about Jeff's office in Wasilla. They have three nice classrooms, a small library, a faculty office, and space for two or three administrative personnel. The students here are a little older than those on their main campus in Penang. Currently, classes are on Saturdays. I have a pic here of their three story building they just purchased in the middle of a shopping center with lots of shops and places to eat.

Also here is a picture of Jeff's first class in Penang. They have about 100 full time students as well as others who are part time. They have extensions of various sizes and degree offerings throughout Asia. This was the last day of class and most were still smiling!

Vision Camp

Last weekend the seminary sponsored a Vision Camp for those interested in theological education. Potential students of all ages came from all around the region to participate. They attended workshops, listened to preaching and testimonies from seminary students and staff. It was a lot of fun and it was encouraging to us. The event was a good way to connect the school with the local churches.

Friday, September 25

This picture is from the 9th floor of our condominium. Can you see the monitor lizard? We have had fun watching him from the balcony. He is very large - at least five feet. If you can zoom in, he even has beautiful circle markings on his body. We have seen him swimming, and sun-bathing, and waddling around. His waddle is pretty humorous. As you can see, we are easily entertained. We don't have a TV in our room, but we are enjoying reading, swimming, studying, napping, and walking.

The monkeys are a lot of fun to take pictures of, but they don't stand still very long.

This is a nice view from our balcony.

This is the dining room at the seminary. We have great fellowship around the tables.













Our meals at the seminary are very satisfying. There are always delicious stir-fried vegetables and savory meat or fish dishes. Everything is fresh and well prepared. We usually eat out for dinner, but I enjoy the seminary cooking the best.

One day we went shopping. It was a holiday. When we left, it was very hot outside and we had to wait quite a while before the bus came. When it arrived, it was packed with people. Jeff went to the front of the bus and paid the fare. I went to the back door to squeeze in. Jeff could barely squeeze in as we left the bus station. Fortunately, the bus was well air-conditioned and we were thankful to be there. Everyone was very nice and cordial.

Friday, September 18

You'll have to turn your head for this picture, but I just love the architecture of the buildings here.












This was a pretty large snail on the sidewalk and I thought its shell was beautiful.


















These green beans are at least two feet long and we enjoyed them at lunch today at the seminary.

This evening we noticed people lighting fires and incense on the side of the road. We were told they are lighting paper money and burning incense in some kind of ancester worship. Some of the piles were quite large.

This evening we ate at a restaurant called "Town Steamboat". There is a pot in the middle of the table with two sections with broth (one spicy, the other not). Then, you walk around the restaurant and fill your plate with all kinds of vegetables, meats, noodles, and seafood. Then you put it in the pot to cook. The base can also be used to grill (like a hibachi). It was all you can eat and cost about $5 per person. I won't loose any weight at these kinds of places. The food was delicious.

After a long morning of teaching, Jeff and a local man headed out (you know where). Jeff came home with a smile on his face and a bag full of small fish.