Faithful Forever - 4th Quarter Issue September - November 2019 - Malaysian CARE
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4th Quarter Issue
September – November 2019
PP 6833/08/2012(030482)
w w w. m a l a y s i a n c a r e . o r g
Trust in God our
Help and Hope
Faithful
Forever
TRANSFORMATION STORIES
– Job Coach for Young Adults—
Here Comes Zan!
– From Sushi to Nasi Lemak
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
– PAC 2019 Homecoming
– NYAR 2019
Partner with Us
Contact us to find out how you can make a change
www.malaysiancare.org
www.malaysiancare.org/contact-us/
+603 9212 0162
CONTENTS Malaysian Christian Association for Relief
(Malaysian CARE) is a local, non-profit Christian
organisation set up in 1979, committed to serving the
1-2 The LORD will Reign Forever
poor and needy.
to All Generations
Care Contact is a publication of Malaysian CARE
containing stories about the organisation.
3 PAC 2019 Homecoming It is published four times a year.
4 National Youth-At-Risk Publisher : Malaysian Christian Association for Relief
Consultation 2019 Editors : Elliot Tan and Susan Wong
Layout : Foo Kai Seong
Printer : Thumbprints Utd. Sdn. Bhd.
5 Christian Writing for Advocacy Lot 24, Jalan RP 3,
Workshop Rawang Perdana Industrial Estate,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
6-7 Education: Passport for Tomorrow Please direct enquiries regarding this newsletter to:
Malaysian CARE (Communications)
P.O. Box 13230, GPO Kuala Lumpur,
8 Taking a Step in Solidarity with
50804 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Refugees Tel: +603 9212 0162 Fax: +603 9058 4057
Email: www.malaysiancare.org/contact-us/
9 Jeffrey Cheah Foundation
Donations can be made via GIRO internet banking,
Community Scholarship bank transfer or ATM to:
Bank: Maybank Berhad
10-11 The Joy of Sports and Community Account Name: Malaysian Christian Association
for Relief
A/C No: 514057600134
12-13 Job Coach for Young Adults—
Here Comes Zan! Kindly log on to: www.malaysiancare.org and fill up the
Donation Form so that we can send you an official tax
exempt receipt.
14 From Sushi to Nasi Lemak Kindly take note:
All cheques to be made payable to “Malaysian CARE”.
15 Hopes and Concerns of: Young iPay88 INTERNET PAYMENT SERVICE
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by Wong Young Soon
The LORD will
Reign Forever
to All Generations
I
n my writing this year, I have delved life. Despite being a king, he was faced with
deeper into the rich teachings found numerous uncertainties. His family situation
in Psalm 146, the passage from which was in turmoil after two of his sons staged
CARE’s 40th Anniversary theme is coups against him and even tried to kill him.
derived. The passage reminds us not to place And Israel, although it was a rising regional
our trust in princes and their plans because power, (it would only be in Solomon’s time
Man is easily corrupted. Instead, we are to that Israel reached its peak power) still had
trust God, the Maker of heaven and earth many enemies to contend with and because
who has the power and resources to help of David’s family strife, there were internal
us. We can also trust Him because the God factions vying against each other for power.
of Jacob still reaches out to us even though David was worried for the future of his family,
we have so many flaws and weaknesses as the future of his country, and for the future
Jacob had. After 40 years of service, CARE’s generations of God’s Covenant people. He
vision and mission to the poor and needy is knew that when he died, their future would be
reaffirmed by the Psalmist’s description of beyond his control.
God who is just and compassionate towards
the oppressed and marginalised. The Psalmist When faced with such uncertainties, what
September
closes with a declaration of the LORD’s reign kept him from despair was that he was
March 2019
that will last forever. absolutely certain God reigns not only in
his lifetime but in the next generation, and
2018 || Care
At this point, it is not difficult to imagine that the next and forevermore. And because He
Care Contact
King David in writing this Psalm very much reigns forever, he knew that God’s plans will
Contact
needed to make such a declaration. He was ultimately be accomplished.
getting on in age and knew well the fragility of
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Uncertain Times In the uncertain and tumultuous
Like King David, people today are searching for certainty times that we live in, God is ever
in a time of much uncertainty. Both globally and locally, open to be found by those who
the political, economic, social and spiritual situation is in
a state of turmoil. Wars, trade wars, civil unrest, divisive
seek Him with all their heart.
politics, fundamentalist ideologies, disintegration of social
and moral precepts, inequality, environmental destruction ministry of caring, it is important that they are equipped
and global climate change converge in a confusing milieu with the necessary skills, schooled in the relevant
that makes people fearful and lose hope. As Christians, knowledge, rooted in Biblical truth, empowered by
these things do not surprise us because the Bible the Holy Spirit, and united by a common vision and
repeatedly reminds us that these are the signs of Christ’s mission. For this to happen, both the current and next
return drawing nearer. Nonetheless, it is normal to be generation of God’s people have their respective roles.
concerned for the future of our families, the future of our With the former, it is to provide the coaching, mentoring
country, and the future of the Church in the intervening and training that is needed, and then to release the
period. What should we do in such uncertain times? responsibility and authority that is required for them to
bring the work forward. Releasing responsibility and
Seek God authority is sometimes difficult for the current generation
In Jeremiah’s time, Judah disintegrated as a society and to do because we may have become too accustomed to
a nation because of their disobedience, immorality and the work that had been built up and nurtured for so long.
injustice. As the remnant population was exiled, God still However, when we believe that God is our help and hope
reached out to them and reassured them that when they from generation to generation, we realise that each of us
seek Him, they will find Him. play a distinct but small part in His overarching plan. So,
we can be confident then to release our part to the next
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with generation.
all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 ESV)
With the latter, it is to catch the vision and mission of
In the uncertain and tumultuous times that we live in, the ministry, receive the learning and responsibility,
God is ever open to be found by those who seek Him and boldly take it forward. It can be a daunting step
with all their heart. As His people in this land, we must to take, especially in the face of the uncertainties and
earnestly seek Him because we need His discerning challenges of the world today and in future. But when we
Spirit to help us navigate the issues of today and believe that God is sovereign and rules from generation
understand His opportune times to act. For the ministry to generation, we realise that even if the part we play
of CARE, the year 2020 marks the end of our current is small, it will fulfil a distinct need in His overarching
five-year plan. Over the past five years, God has enlarged plan for the extension of His Kingdom. So, we can be
our tent into Sabah and Sarawak to work alongside our confident that He is with us in all circumstances, faithful
fellow Orang Asal communities there to address poverty forever.
and other socio-economic issues. God has strengthened
our stakes through the integration of our services and Press On
spiritual formation to enable us to do the work more Amidst the turbulence of our times, one remains
effectively. The changed socio-political landscape presents steadfast and unchanging—God. David’s certainty of this
opportunities but also heightened challenges and charting fact gives him the confidence to press on. It is on this
out the path for the years ahead will require much basis that he can make his declaration and it is on this
September 2019 | Care Contact
seeking into God’s will and plans for the next generation basis that Malaysian CARE can press forward to the next
of staff, volunteers and supporters to bring to fruition. 40 years with confidence and courage.
The LORD will reign forever,
Equip the Next Generation your God, O Zion, to all generations.
As the next generation progressively takes over the Praise the LORD! (Psalm 146:10) n
Young Soon is Malaysian CARE’s Executive Director. His confidence is in the Lord to raise up the next generation to bring hope to the poor
and needy.
2
by Nicholas Goh
Homecoming
We are encouraged to be the catalyst of the
movement for the collective Christian voice, working
through a national council for prison works to address
issues and influence policymakers and authorities at the
national level to bring about significant reforms in prison
and restoration to those incarcerated.
Moving Forward
Nasi Lemak Royale and Laksa Lemak were the
two things on my mind during the five-
hour journey up to Alor Setar, Kedah for the Prison and
I was astounded by the conference speakers, with the
ever-spirited Rev Pax Tan, Dr William Kirwan, Mr Simon
Karunagaram from SUHAKAM, Inspector Larry John
Addiction Conference (PAC) from 27th – 30th June 2019. from the Prisons Department and Brother Pang Kwang
Being born and raised in Alor Setar before leaving at 18 Shing completing the formidable line-up. It was inspiring
for Kuala Lumpur, it was an emotional homecoming for to network with other participants, exchanging thoughts
me as I reconnected with old acquaintances and family and providing constructive solutions on issues relating to
members. the prison ministry, something which was foreign to me.
As for PAC, the opening evening transported me to an I was able to grasp better the heartbeat of God towards
atmosphere of celebration to commemorate 40 years the incarcerated through Matthew 25:35-40, hence I
of God’s faithfulness to Malaysian CARE, together find myself moving forward together with my fellow
with our newly found partner in the northern region, CARE colleagues and networks across the nation. We
Community Friends. It was a sight to behold people from are encouraged to be the catalyst of the movement for
across the nation and globe coming together—praising, the collective Christian voice, working through a national
worshipping, and thanking God for His unceasing council for prison works to address issues and influence
faithfulness. policymakers and authorities at the national level to bring
about significant reforms in prison and restoration to
We also commemorated the newly minted partnership those incarcerated.
with Community Friends and launched the conference
with a cake-cutting session by CARE’s Executive At the end of the conference, I can only marvel in awe
Director, Mr Wong Young Soon, and Pastor Kuilan and that our God is indeed moving through His people and
Brother Ooi Soo Kok from Community Friends. the best is yet to come for this ministry. n
This is Nicholas’ first ever PAC after five years with CARE and he looks forward to witnessing how God moves across the nation in this ministry.
September
March 2019
2018 || Care
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We are children of God!
Contact
(Photo credit: Shoma
Tani)
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September 2019 | Care Contact
4
by Ooi Kiah-Hui
Christian
Writing Eunice (right) taking in
her group members'
for Advocacy constructive feedback on
her writing exercise
(Photo credit: Ooi Kiah-Hui)
Workshop
Dr Miriam interacting
with participants during
writing labs
(Photo credit: Ooi
Kiah-Hui)
T
hirty-seven participants attended powerfully
inspiring sessions over two days in June with “How important it is to form
Dr Miriam Adeney and Dr Melba Maggay. Both a community of like-minded
illustrious women are social anthropologists,
writers so we can sharpen
internationally published authors, and dedicated
teachers, with over 45 years of writing and advocacy. and edify each other to be
Warmth emanated from the bond of their lifelong more effective.”
friendship. – Eunice Wong
Our participants reflected on their interactions with this
pair of great teachers:
and learnt what to look out for, and how to curate my
“I often feel that I am ‘bearing witness’ to suffering and writing to get the attention of the reader so that the
needs that the church might be unable to see. Hearing reader somehow stops short and gives more than a
from the speakers and fellow participants who have passing thought to the issues raised in my writing”.
gone through similar experiences was reassuring and
inspiring.” – Eunice Wong Providing a supportive environment is essential to
nurturing Christian writers, as Eunice Wong conveyed:
“Dr Melba’s reflective thoughts impressed me that “My two takeaways were 1) how important it is to
writing was a gift from God and I should be responsible nurture and exercise my ability to write; and 2) how
to use it, somewhat like the parable of the talents… My important it is to form a community of like-minded
writings should inherently reflect what should be God’s writers so we can sharpen and edify each other to be
values—‘a truly Christian sensibility’”. – Mary Vergis more effective.” Denise Ng agreed: “The establishment
of small groups following the workshop is a necessary
The sessions put equal emphasis on the internal step forward for those interested in further developing
orientation and skills of the writer. Denise Ng said their skills in Christian writing.”
September
she “learnt how to convey my Christian world view
March 2019
in a way that is captivating, organised and relevant to The workshop was jointly organised by Malaysian
my readers”. Mary Vergis added that she “thoroughly CARE, Community Transformation Initiative and Council
2018 || Care
enjoyed the practical sessions conducted by Dr Miriam of Churches Malaysia, together with Micah Global. n
Care Contact
Contact
Kiah-Hui sees Christians bringing the realisation of the Kingdom of God in Malaysia by simply doing what they are good at, together with others.
She heads Malaysian CARE’s Policy, Advocacy and Research Department.
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by Hallan Hashim
Education:
Passport for Tomorrow
Child Empowerment
First day to school (Photo credit: Daniel Ming)
M
y heart was uneasy, seeing children not in week as a carpenter at various construction sites. We
school. Each time I drove past the low-cost lived in a makeshift home next to the site. Our lives
housing area in Miri, I saw children playing by depended on what my father could bring home. During
the roadside under the hot sun. I asked myself, “Why rainy days, he was unable to go to work as the work
are they not in school?” was dangerous and roads were slippery.
I gathered my courage to meet them and asked their Every weekend, I would follow my father to work
mother, “Why are they not in school at this hour?” for extra pocket money. Working under the hot sun,
climbing up the roof and carrying wood and hot metal
“Kami tidak mampu bayar tambang bas sekolah dan is not an easy job for a 12-year-old. Working in a
sekolah terlalu jauh dari rumah,” she answered. construction site was not easy by any means. When I
almost died from a fall from the roof while working, it
There were also some children who were facing woke me up and pushed me to work hard in my studies
documentation issues and deemed ‘stateless’, adding because I did not want to work under the sun again.
to the complications of their situation.
When I saw these children who were not in school, it
Memories of the Past—A Wake Up Call made me think about their future. What is my duty as a
I asked myself, “What is life without education and Christian? Should I keep silent and let it go? Or should
personal identification in the 21st century? How I just pray without doing anything to try and save the
can they live and support their family when they are children’s future?
September 2019 | Care Contact
jobless because of their lack of education and identity
documents, e.g., no identity card?” I asked the children, “If you were given a chance to go
to school, do you want to?”
It reminded me of my own childhood when my family
lived from hand to mouth. My father worked six days a They replied, “Yes!”
Hallan is a staff at Pusat CARE Miri and plays the sape.
6
The Beginning of Child Empowerment Work Hope for the Future
God has impressed upon my heart to serve these I believe it is only through education that people are
underprivileged children and youth. I began meeting able to end the poverty cycle. Education brought me
the District Education Officer to seek advice on the to a new level in knowing myself and the community
procedures to get these children into schools. It while changing my worldview. I see the need for all
required persistence, patience and surrendering to children to be educated.
God that the application process will go smoothly and
the application will be approved. I believe there are still many
children in our community
Once their application was approved by the Pejabat without documentation, who
Pendidikan Daerah, I brought the good news to their have been denied education
home and they received it with joy. I could see their and are unable to afford
smiles and eagerness as they tried on their new education. They need us to be
school uniforms. I thought to myself, “There is hope their voice and helping hands
in changing this family’s life”. On their first day of in order to build themselves
school, I was glad to see them returning to where up and have a chance to
they belong—learning in school, not playing by the better live their lives. Let us
roadside. bring them hope for their
future. n Trying on school uniform.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and Does this fit me? Do I look
good? (Photo credit: Hallan
do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven
Hashim)
belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14 NIV).
Many young people are denied the opportunity to
play like other children due to poverty causing them
to be involved in vice activities. This year, through the
Child Empowerment work of Pusat CARE Miri, we
organised the World Play Day in partnership with a
local church to reach out to more community children,
with plans to start the Bumblebee programme in the
local community soon. Seeing the children’s happy
God has impressed upon my heart
reaction playing with new friends touched my heart to serve these underprivileged
and I remembered how Jesus Himself loves them children and youth.
and how precious they are in God’s eyes.
September
March 2019
2018 || Care
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Contact
One for the album: First World Play Day in Miri, Sarawak (Photo credit: Lovinna Merang)
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by Elliot Tan (assisted by MCKL A-Level students)
Taking a Step in Solidarity
with Refugees
Happy people commemorating
Setapak World Refugee Day 2019
(Photo credit: Elliot Tan)
E
very minute of every day, 20 people leave In June, a group of students from the Diploma in
their homes and everything they have behind Social Work course in the Methodist College Kuala
to escape war, persecution, and terror (see Lumpur organised an event to commemorate World
“Figures at a Glance”, https://www.unhcr.org/en- Refugee Day 2019 in Setapak. Along with Malaysian
my/figures-at-a-glance.html). According to the UN CARE, community members from Myanmar tribes,
Refugee Agency, the number of forcibly displaced various churches and NGOs came to participate in
people has surpassed 70 million across the world. recognition of the strength of will and determination
Can you imagine leaving all that you have behind for a that refugees hold. In Cheras, a few days later, another
dangerous journey to a foreign land? For the 175,000 event organised by churches there was held with
refugees in Malaysia, that has been their reality—a refugees from Myanmar, Somalia and Pakistan as well
reality of uncertainty and fear in a search for safety. as different groups working with refugees.
Asylum seekers and refugees in Malaysia have an These are events where we can get to know them.
average wait of more than five years before they But do not let that be our only form of support—have
are resettled in another country. Here in Malaysia, a conversation on the street or at the coffee shop.
a country that is not a signatory of the UN Refugee Ask what you can do for the foreigner in your land
Convention, this wait is made more difficult by the to make them more at home. Open yourself up to
fact that refugees have no rights to employment or new experiences. Volunteer at the many schools and
education or housing. It is important for us Malaysians communities and organisations working with refugees.
to accept and acknowledge the refugees and asylum And discover that these are people like you with lives
seekers in our country. Our God is a God who watches just as rich and varied as any other, and who have been
September 2019 | Care Contact
over the foreigner, Psalm 146:9 tells us—and as His caught in a deeply uncomfortable situation. n
servants, we too should follow in His footsteps. It
requires empathy and courage to advocate for the Our God is a God who watches over
people in the margins of society. the foreigner, Psalm 146:9 tells us…
Elliot's life has been enriched through his work with refugees in Setapak. He only hopes to have done the same in return.
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SEP
Prayer Points SEP – NOV 2019
Policy, Advocacy & Research
WEEK 1 Sep 1-8, 2019
1. We thank God for Kathlyn Lee who served as a PAR 4. Pray for refugee individuals and families to have the heart
Coordinator. We were blessed by her presence and and boldness to take the step of faith to return home,
contribution. Pray for God’s grace, strength and guidance impact and rebuild their nation.
upon her. 5. Pray for unity among Malaysian youth against prejudice and
2. For Santha Oorjitham to have a meaningful and useful that they rise up as future leaders with godly character that
placement with the Yellow Ribbon Project in Singapore in will make a positive change in the nation.
September.
Youth helping one another
3. Pray for the Orang Asli land protection project team. Three
(Photo credit: Anonymous)
of them will be visiting PACOS and JOAS in September to
learn about community mobilisation towards indigenous
people’s rights.
4. For successful implementation of the prison reform action
plan, presented by the CSO Platform for Reform cluster
group to the Reform and Governance Caucus, chaired by
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
5. For Saluji, an Orang Asli author and illustrator, as he
ventures into drawing his second children's book depicting Child Empowerment
the wondrous world of his native customary land. (Special Needs & Bumblebee)
6. For God to bring in a suitable new team member for PAR. WEEK 3 Sep 16-22, 2019
(https://www.malaysiancare.org/career/)
1. Pray for our family support group for young adults with
disabilities in Setapak as programme stakeholders come
together, providing avenues for our young adults to develop
their fullest potential.
2. Pray for God’s favour upon all our families who have
children and young adult with disabilities that they
experience love, joy and peace on a daily basis.
3. Pray for our team that is involved in disability work.
May they always handle cases with God’s wisdom and
CSO Platform Access to Justice, Rule & Law Cluster met prompting.
the bipartisan Caucus on Reform & Governance, chaired by 4. Pray for wisdom and guidance for the staff as they plan
Datuk Seri Anwar (Photo credit: Anonymous) for monthly Bumblebee programmes for the children
and teens in Flat Danau Kota, Setapak and Taman Putra,
Ampang.
5. Pray for more volunteers and partners to avail themselves
Setapak Community & Youth
to collaborate with the Bumblebee staff team as they reach
WEEK 2 Sep 9-15, 2019 out to children in the community.
1. Pray for wisdom, divine health and the covering of God to
be upon the community staff as they commit their time
and effort to the different communities in Setapak.
2. Pray for God to open more doors into the families in
Setapak, that they will be more open and receptive to our
presence and services in the community.
3. Pray for wisdom and guidance as staff look into developing
and conducting economic-related programmes that enable
empowerment of community livelihood. Bermain sambil belajar (Photo credit: Nicholas Goh)OCT
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Prison Work PC Kampar
Clients/Volunteers/Prison WEEK 1 Oct 1-6, 2019
WEEK 4 Sep 23-30, 2019 1. Pray for the construction and preparation of Ladang CARE’s
1. Pray for PKPA students who will soon be released to chicken coop to go on smoothly. Pray for staff’s protection
choose the path of recovery and subsequent reconciliation throughout the construction process in Ladang CARE
of relationship with the people around them. 2. Pray for the children to grow in knowledge and skills
2. Pray for the inmates to respond to God’s calling to a as they attend Deek Penaniy. May their health be
purposeful life upon release, thus leaving the bad habits strengthened as many are sick due to the hot weather.
and starting new hopeful ones. 3. Pray for wisdom and guidance for the teachers at Tibang
3. Pray for inmate U who is waiting for her parole to be and Sungai Cincin as they grow in the Lord; heeding God’s
approved. Pray for God’s favour to be upon her as she calling to guide and nurture the younger generation.
strives to make her way to RK. 4. Pray for unity, love and peace among the committee
4. Pray for the next batch of prison permit submissions. May members of the Cooperative in their work on land rights of
the processing be smooth and fast so that many more respective villages. Pray they will work with His love and
volunteers can continue to serve in prison. grace.
5. Pray for all the participants who have attended the Prison & 5. Pray for the projects of the Cooperative (rubber trading,
Addiction Conference that they will continue to be fired-up handicraft and pinang project) to be guided and executed
as they serve those incarcerated. according to His ways.
Chicken coop construction in progress
(Photo credit: Ita Bah Nan)
Service Development
WEEK 2 Oct 7-13, 2019
1. Pray for good relationship and partnership between CARE,
the Jabatan Penjara Malaysia and CARE's prison ministry
partners, that they effectively implement the post-release
services for ex-prisoners.
2. Wisdom and discernment to prioritise from the wide scope
in economic and livelihood empowerment, especially
in engaging and encouraging more partners to minister
among the communities at their vicinities.
3. Pray for the wholistic wellness of CARE's staff team as we
serve in this helping profession. Pray that as we obey His
calling on our lives, we will also be enriched and refreshed
through His work in our lives.
4. Pray for volunteer C to be strengthened physically and
mentally in the midst of seeking medical treatment. May
God reduces C's pain with His daily comfort and strength.
5. Pray for the team that will be conducting an upcoming
education needs survey in Setapak. Pray for fruitful
Financial Literacy Training alongside Community response from the community and wisdom to implement
Development staff in Klang! (Photo credit: Frederick Foo) intervention based on findings.pullout
NOV
Communications PC Miri
WEEK 3 Oct 14-20, 2019 WEEK 1 Nov 1-10, 2019
1. Thanks and praise to God for the 40th Anniversary 1. Pray for the smooth organisation of the first National Youth-
Thanksgiving and Fundraising Dinner in August. In Him, we at-Risk Consultation on 7th–9th November 2019. Pray for the
are grateful for the people who made it possible. organisers, volunteers, speakers and participants as they
2. By His grace, we have come to the last issue of Care anticipate this event.
Contact for 2019. As we remain grateful, we pray for His 2. Pray for the three villages in Belaga undertaking the
continued inspiration and help for the upcoming issues. Inclusive Financial Program. Pray for PC Miri and
3. Praise God for calling Premalatha Ponniah to CARE. May Service Development as we translate materials and
His blessing be upon her as she takes up the role of for the commitment of all participants to learn financial
Corporate Relations Staff. management.
4. Praise God for Wendy Chin who serves faithfully in 3. Pray for the team as they continue to work with partners
Church Relations. May God bless her new role in Service and volunteers to set up the Bumblebee Mobile Resource
Development. Pray that God will continue to uphold Church Centre in urban poor communities.
Relations work and may His purpose be accomplished. 4. Continue to pray for staff well-being as we travel and work
5. Pray for thoughtful and clear plans as the team wraps up in different communities in urban and rural Sarawak. Pray
year end work such as database entry, donor and church for team unity and God’s favour as we strive to be God’s
engagements, among others. testimony.
5. Pray for the families in Baram as they begin planting fruit
trees as part of their income generation project. Pray for
PC Kota Kinabalu & Kota Marudu the soil as well as sustainability and fruitfulness of the
crops.
WEEK 4 Oct 21-31, 2019 6. Pray for the various community clients, especially OA
1. Thank God for the recent Financial Literacy Programme school children and youth. Pray for their safety and positive
training (FLP) conducted with students of Sabah experiences as they engage in education, employment and
Theological Seminary. Pray that the vision of FLP a healthy lifestyle.
is captured and applied in respective churches and
communities.
2. Pray for wisdom and strength for PC KK & PC KM staff
in the ongoing work of community organisation and
facilitation. Pray that CARE’s vision is realised in the
different communities in Sabah whom we have engaged
with.
3. Pray for strength and wisdom for Hellekah Sapikin and
Joanna Andereas as they facilitate community project
and they are also in the midst of implementing Inclusive
Preschool Programme in Pitas. Any obstacle is easy when you do it together!
(Photo credit: Lovinna Merang)
4. Thank God for the safe delivery of Hwa Hui-En’s new born
baby. Pray for strength and wisdom as Hui-En embarks on
this new journey of parenthood.
5. Pray continuously for safety and protection for the Sabah
team as they travel to and fro different urban and rural
communities.
Sabah team in action for Inclusive Preschool Programme
works (Photo credit: Joanna Andereas)NOV
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Human Resources Executive Director’s Office
WEEK 2 Nov 11-17, 2019 WEEK 4 Nov 25-30, 2019
1. Pray for God's continuous favour to be upon our 1. Thank God for the MT& Coordinators Planning Retreat in
Executive Director, Wong Young Soon as he leads the October. .May the leaders continue to seek God for the
HR Department. Thank God for his commitment and next five-year plan. The current five-year plan is ending
dedication in doing God’s work. soon.
2. Pray for God’s moulding and blessings upon all new staff 2. Pray for the next echelon of leaders of Malaysian CARE,
who joined the HR team this year, that they will settle that God will raise up the right people for the future of the
down in their jobs, grow and serve God effectively. ministry.
3. Pray for God’s anointing and favour upon the HR team to 3. Thank God for all the 40th Anniversary events that have
have His foresight, skill, love and compassion when dealing taken place the last few months.
with people and work. 4. Thank God for the Youth-At-Risk Consultation in Miri this
4. Pray for all upcoming trainings and trainers. November, a part of our 40th Anniversary commemoration.
5. Thank God for His unconditional and everlasting love in 5. Pray for new and younger Board members to join the
refreshing and renewing all staff every day. ministry of Malaysian CARE.
Finance & Admin
WEEK 3 Nov 18-24, 2019
1. Thank God for His faithfulness in providing for His ministry
through CARE for these 40 years! Pray for a more steady
flow of new donors to support the ongoing expansion of
Representatives from CARE visited the leadership of Chinese
the ministry. Annual Conference, The Methodist Church in Malaysia to
2. Thank God for granting the Finance & Admin team explore potential partnership (Photo credit: Rev Dr Ezra Kok)
strength to cope with increasing tasks in the course of the
expansion! Pray for God to raise a God-fearing person to
join the team.
3. Pray for good health, protection, strength and wisdom for
the team in the course of daily work.
4. Pray for good stewardship and maintenance of office
vehicles and office equipments that they will be in good
and running operations.
5. Pray for the security of all our premises in the Klang Valley,
ReconRe (Seremban), Ladang CARE (Kampar), Kota
Kinabalu, Kota Marudu and Miri.September 2019 | Care Contact
9by Esther Krishnan
The Joy of Sports
and Community
All eyes on the
ball—playing
captain ball with
refugee youth in
Setapak
(Photo credit:
Esther Krishnan)
“
In a gentle way you can shake the Currently, we play captain ball on Wednesdays
world.” Mahatma Gandhi in Flat Danau Kota, where a majority of the
locals reside and in Genting Court where
“The ball is passed to an opponent, the refugees live. In addition, we run a more
Fatin* swoops in and swats the structured captain ball programme once a
ball away which is then caught by month in Flat Danau Kota. We teach a specific
Nazim* and he shoots right into the hands of character value once a month and discuss
the captain! And GOALLLLL! The team breaks how the value can be applied when playing
out in cheers and jumps in excitement. Big sports as well as in their own homes and
smiles are plastered across all of their young schools. The same value is then emphasised
faces.” throughout the month as we connect with
them, individually and through sports.
It all began with the simple idea of
establishing relationships amongst the youth. It is stunning to me when I think about the
We felt that community sports was the best joy that the youth experience when playing
option. However, we intended for an inclusive sports, especially when they score a difficult
game that did not sideline girls or the younger goal. It is indeed a beautiful sight to behold.
boys. The vision was to create a community Sometimes, all we need to do is stand back
of youth who could feel safe and grow; a and enjoy the smiles, the excitement and the
platform to connect with one another and enthusiasm that follow in anticipation of the
September 2019 | Care Contact
build meaningful friendships. We decided to next even better goal.
introduce captain ball in the community. In the
beginning, it was just the staff and volunteers I find that joy can be a catalyst for many
playing. Slowly, curious passersby stopped to other things. It can ignite something that
watch and we invited them to play. one thought one never had, bring different
Esther is a full-time staff at CARE. She loves receiving hugs from the children she works with.
10From tossing
a ball to
establishing
a sense of
community, it
is the simple
acts of love
that produce
meaningful
results.
(Photo credit: Esther Krishnan)
clusters of people together, and even give that, WOW Club acts as a platform to enable
one hope that he or she can actually reach them to connect with one another and find
his or her potential. We saw some of this confidence in taking on new responsibilities.
in Fatin after she joined us for captain ball. Fatin, with a little encouragement, volunteered
The first time I encountered Fatin, she came herself as President and was later elected
across as incredibly shy but also someone unanimously by the members! We have
who masks that with cheeky remarks and a seen how the children were able to bond
mischievous smile. It was difficult for her to over various tasks and activities or simply
socialise with other girls and she mostly kept by spending more time together in an
to herself. As the months passed, there was environment that facilitates positivity. The
a noticeable difference in her. She was more children took the initiative to plan a Hari Raya
polite and would greet us with a ‘salam’. She celebration, starting from coordinating the
became more confident as a player and she entire event to inviting the teachers. They
is now one of our best defenders. There was displayed tremendous togetherness and love
a significant increase in her social circle. She for one another.
showcased some leadership qualities that can
be enhanced. From tossing a ball to establishing a sense of
community, it is the simple acts of love that
Last March, the Children Empowerment team produce meaningful results. The entire world
began WOW Club as part of the initiative to might not have been shaken but our lives
September
help children from the Bumblebee programme were. We hope to provide opportunities for
March 2019
aged 10 to 13 years transition to the Youth many more children like Fatin to become the
Sports Programme. Some of these youth have best they can be. Until then, we will continue
2018 || Care
found it difficult to adjust to a new set of peers spreading the Joy of the Lord! n
Care Contact
and staff. In order to help them overcome
Contact
*Names have been changed to protect
identities.
13
11by Nicholas Goh
Job Coach for
Young Adults
—Here Comes Zan!
I Stand Corrected adults walked towards me and greeted me with
“There is absolutely no way those special young such warmth and sincerity. They put my initial
adults can ever work like us. It seems almost thoughts of them to shame. God helped take
impossible for them to even socialise, what away my clouds of prejudice towards people
more work,” I said to myself. I knew I was in for with learning disabilities through that experience
a journey full of surprises and disbeliefs when I and I finally stood corrected.
signed the letter of employment with Malaysian
CARE five years ago. I had always lived in Small Woman with a Big Heart
scepticism of the potential and capability of Ever tasted the smallest but spiciest cili padi?
people with learning disabilities until God opened It resembles Pauline Wong, a Senior Director
my eyes during CARE’s staff induction. of CARE. She may be small in size but she has
a big heart for people with learning disabilities.
I still remembered how my ex-colleagues Elaine, She first joined CARE in early 1993. Not too
Suan See, Grace and Yvonne would patiently and long after, a programme called The Bridge was
compassionately communicate and assist the established as an avenue to provide job coaching
young adults in CARE. I was awestruck during services to support young people with learning
my visit to Bloomers when one of the young disabilities in job placements. Since the inception
September 2019 | Care Contact
Pauline (right)
providing job support
to a young adult at
work
(Photo credit:
Rachel Yvonne)
Nicholas is a Leader in the Community Development Department and he is
currently taking his time enjoying the different challenges in CARE.
12of The Bridge, CARE has been providing its
job coaching services to young adults and “There is absolutely no way
supporting them with job placements in various those special young adults
companies and factories. Till today, job coaching can ever work like us. It seems
and support is still one of CARE’s substantial almost impossible for them
platforms in reaching out to young adults with to even socialise, what more
learning disabilities and after 26 years, Pauline
is still faithful in serving people with learning
work,” I said to myself.
disabilities.
Pauline shared that elements such as family working, I felt that I was the one who needed
support, comprehensive training and awareness to be job coached to remain in a job instead of
to understand the condition of the young adults job coaching others. In 2018, I was given the
are crucial to ensure that the young adults are opportunity to do so. I thought in my heart, “Is
able to manage in this competitive market and this a prank? Has my boss set me up?”
sustain themselves. For her, she takes joy in
seeing the young adults live independent and Here comes Zan*, a young man with learning
meaningful lives, for instance, taking public disabilities, who was to be assigned to me.
transport on their own, making friends and being With the little knowledge of job coaching that
happy. Such is the reward of sowing into their I had, I found having to speak at his pace and
lives. Pauline also believes that all the young understanding his actions and character, both
adults with learning disabilities can work to their taxing and difficult. Talking to his parents was
full potential. “When people have this belief, they also challenging as I needed to meet their
can find ways to support these young adults to expectations. In the midst of all the uncertainties
achieve their dreams,” she said. She also desires and fear, God provided help through Suan
for people to enjoy and have fun in their journey See and Yvonne. They taught and guided me
with the young adults, supporting them to reach patiently to be a better job coach while Pauline,
their God-given potential. an exemplary figure, helped to spur me on.
Today, Zan’s parents are grateful to CARE that
September
Here Comes Zan! the job coaching and support given to him has
March 2019
Never would I have imagined that I would be helped him become more independent and more
given the opportunity to job coach a young sociable.
2018 || Care
man with learning disabilities when my area All Glory be to God!
Care Contact
of service is for the poor and “typical” adults
Contact
in the community. Throughout my years of *Name has been altered to protect identity. n
13
13by Gan Siew Li and Tina Yap
From Sushi to
Nasi Lemak
Volunteers come and go, and this
was no different for Shoma Tani,
a Japanese student from a local
university who came to us in
February to volunteer with our
Policy, Advocacy and Research
Department. But his coming could
Shoma, not have been more timely as
though reserved by
nature, has his light we were starting to analyse our Shoma seen here interacting with an Orang Asli during his visit to
moments baseline study of over 50 prisoners Kampung Tibang (Photo credit: Rachel Shanti Kathiripillai)
(Photo credit:
Gan Siew Li) and ex-prisoners living with HIV. He
was God-sent; he provided great
help with the organisation of data, opportunity to discover his passion. He wants to harness
the analysis and the survey report. his writing skills so that he can express his thoughts
creatively. This is evident by the precious diary he carries
Malaysian CARE has definitely left an imprint on his around with him.
life. The staff’s friendliness made him feel welcome,
especially as a stranger in a foreign land. He felt Shoma holds true to this one thing; he feels strongly he
comfortable as the staff are easy-going. needs to help those who are facing adversities in their
lives. Coming from a blessed family of good parents and
So, what is his most memorable experience here? having access to tertiary education, volunteering is his
It was definitely his maiden trip to Kampung Tibang. way of giving back to society. Would he recommend his
Smiling widely, he described the village as ‘special’ Japanese friends to volunteer with us? Yes, for sure!
because it cannot be located on Google Map. He would like them to know about the social issues and
When asked about his love for Kampung Tibang, culture in Malaysia.
he acknowledged that the isolated location offered
tranquillity to his soul. We hope this fine young man, with his whole future
ahead of him, will introduce his favourite food, nasi
His four months here have been invaluable both to him lemak, to his friends and family. Jumpa lagi, Shoma! n
and Malaysian CARE. Asked how he has been impacted
by Malaysian CARE, his eyes immediately lit up as if he
had a moment of eureka. Without hesitation he said, His stay has given him the time and
“I now know what I want to do next. I like writing and opportunity to discover his passion.
logical thinking.” His stay has given him the time and
Siew Li was envisioning a trip to Japan someday; Tina Yap kept thinking of
September 2019 | Care Contact
inari sushi and cawanmushi for dinner, while working on this article.
12by Kharis Low
Hopes and
Concerns
of: Young
Orang Asli
Tini (in chequered top) and her group discuss Kawil (in pink) laughs at the answer given
questions during Hik Sengoi Sinui Bor session during Hik Sengoi Sinui Bor session
(Photo credit: Kharis Low) (Photo credit: Kharis Low)
“
Upholding the Rights of the Orang Asli” or in delinquency. She hopes that by being in the core team
Bahasa Malaysia “Memartabatkan Hak Orang of Hik Sengoi Sinui Bor project (Semai for “Our People
Asli” was the main topic throughout the Orang Living a Good Life”) alongside with Malaysian CARE
Asli Convention held on 22nd April 2019. Most of the and Koperasi Sengoi Pribumi Perak staff, she can reach
Orang Asli headmen of the Peninsula were present and out and empower young people to healthy living. Kawil
136 Resolutions were formed. With all their hopes and is a Christian and hopes that everyone in her village
dreams written in resolutions, what are the hopes of would accept Jesus in their hearts as she believes they
the younger generation of Orang Asli for themselves? can then be truly happy.
Kawil is a 24-year-old enthusiast for the transformation Kawil’s friend, Tini, aged 25, shares the same vision as
of her people but she honestly hopes she knows how her. She saw many of her younger friends quit school
to begin. She is Semai but her hope is for all Orang Asli at an early age of 12. Some started working while
in Peninsula. others wander around the village. She hopes that the
youth will be motivated to study, continue schooling
She has seen her village encroached upon and is not and excel in their studies so that they could make a
happy about it. She hopes that her community’s right better living in the village. Her hope for villagers is that
to their land is recognised and the land returned to they will be cooperative and work together in both
them. Kawil and her community usually live from hand- good and bad times and always be praying together for
to-mouth as they work odd jobs or if they still have it, the betterment of their village. n
tend to their land. She hopes that the young people are
given the opportunity to obtain a steady job and a fixed
salary so that they would not need to worry about their
next meal on a daily basis. With all their hopes and dreams written
in resolutions, what are the hopes of
Kawil expresses her disappointment when she the young Orang Asli for themselves?
sees the younger generation’s involvement in social
September 2019 | Care Contact
Kharis loves listening, especially to young people, as she does not talk much.
15Biblical
Reflection
Blessed are Those whose by Rev Renny Khoo
Hope is in the Lord
t is not difficult to read Psalm Reading Psalm 146 through this lens
I 146 and conclude it as a psalm
of praise. This is due to the
many times the word “praise”
is mentioned, both at the beginning
and at the ending of the psalm.
of it being written as a beatitude, one
realises the Psalmist is pronouncing a
blessing on those “whose help is the
God of Jacob”, “whose hope is in the
Lord their God”.
Encapsulated within these notes of
praise, the Psalmist seems to be When troubles beckon, is God our
extolling the many ways the Lord first port of call for help? Or is He an
has been good—to the oppressed, afterthought? When we consider our
the hungry, the blind, the foreigner, place and that of the society we live
the fatherless, and the widowed. But in, within the scope of the seemingly
whilst it is clear that “praise” is the uncertain and complex future, do we
overriding purpose here, are there face it with renewed focus and hope
other reflections the Psalmist could be in full anticipation of God? Or are we
singing to light? easily dismayed and distracted by the
seemingly ambiguous and volatile
I believe there could be another way of circumstances surrounding us?
understanding the Psalmist’s thoughts
and feelings, but one which would Whenever I am driving towards the
require us to read Psalm 146 as you foot of Mount Kinabalu, Psalm 121:1-2
would a beatitude. In fact, Psalm 146:5- never fails to find its way to saturate
6 is probably the last of the 26, (what my mind, “I lift up my eyes to the
I call) Old Testament Beatitudes. The hills—from where will my help come?
first is found in Psalm 1:1. Beatitudes, My help comes from the Lord, who
if you could recall from the Sermon made heaven and earth.” During one
on the Mount, typically start with the of my stay at the foot of Mt Kinabalu,
words “Blessed are”, followed by a one morning upon waking up, I found
September 2019 | Care Contact
proclamation of blessing to a people myself heading straight out of my
group, and lastly followed the naming room. Unbrushed teeth, ruffled hair, and
of their reward. An example would lines on my face, I was greeted by the
be “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for mountain’s majestic and raw beauty. In
theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. my early morning drowsiness, I blurted,
16Rev Renny Khoo currently
serves as the Pastor-in-charge
of Basel Christian Church of
Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu English
congregation. She is also
an Adjunct faculty of Sabah
“Thank you God for the hands of Your Theological Seminary.
work!” Almost immediately I realised
my mistake, “Oops sorry Lord, I meant
to say, Thank you God for the work
of Your hands!” To which I heard the
Creator’s still and gentle voice—“Yes,
these are the work of my hands. Yet my
hands are continually upon My work”.
Indeed, the Lord who creates also
sustains.
“Blessed are those
whose help is the
The Psalmist calls for wholehearted God of Jacob,
reliance on God through all
circumstances—past, present, and
whose hope is in the
future. As important as it is that we Lord their God. He is
continue to be of service to others, the Maker of heaven
as we volunteer and work alongside and earth, the sea,
those around us, we need to ensure
we are doing all this with God woven and everything in
into the very fabric of our design, that them—He remains
is, us being with Him. Being with Him faithful forever.”
entails relying upon Him and professing
our hope upon Him. He will transform,
Psalm 146:5-6 (NIV)
September 2019 | Care Contact
mould us into the person He wants us
to be. And to those who rely and hope
on God, what then is their reward?
Verse 6 names it—“He remains faithful
forever”. Praise the Lord! n
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