First of all, for those of you who donated to the Stepping Stones Living Centre, thank you so much. I feel as though "thank you" is such an inadequate response to your generosity. The story of what happened the day I gave the donation to Pastor Johnson is included in this blog.

I thought for this blog I'd give you a day-to-day account of this past trip to Malaysia. I truly wish I could reveal so much more to you about my time in Malaysia. There are a few dark stories that I simply can't share with you in a blog. Some of the stories I heard, after I know how they end, maybe I'll be able to relay them to you. As for now, some stories from my trip in October have taken a turn in a terrible direction. I hope I can explain it all, when the circumstances and information are clearer. I apologize if this blog seems a bit rushed or short on information. I assure you, this past visit shook me up quite a bit. I wish I could share it all.

On my flight from Atlanta to Korea, for some reason I started questioning what I was going to tell the people I met about the gospel. I instantly felt like what I was doing was wrong; to just show up for a few days and then leave for a few months before coming back again. I'm not sure where this line of questioning came from, but wow, it began to consume my thoughts. We're told to make disciples, not converts. My goal is not to lead someone in a prayer while I'm there. (Also, see Matthew 23:15. This was a huge conviction of mine.) So I started thinking, what can I truly do for these people I meet who are serious about Jesus? My contact Peter and I would later have a bit of an answer.

After a 15 hour flight, and a long layover in Korea, I flew 7 more hours until I arrived in Kuala Lumpur. Then I took a bus into the city, where my contact met me. I arrived on Saturday, March 3rd, in the 11:00pm hour. On the 4th, I went to church with Peter and Carol (my contacts). There was no ministry planned for that Sunday. Instead, I enjoyed time with my contacts and recovered from jet lag. Now, to address what can be accomplished through my convictions on the plane. 

That Sunday afternoon at a coffee shop, Peter and I discussed the possibility of me recording myself leading a few messages, or even a sermon series from AL. The plan is, I'll record myself speaking to the group that meets for church at the restaurant, and then Peter will lead a group discussion following the video. The relationships are already made between the restaurant staff and myself. And since the majority of the people who go to the restaurant church are staff members, it would be better for them to hear from me as often as possible and not just twice a year. Again, disciples, not converts. Perhaps I can disciple them from here. Or at least help.

On Monday the 5th, I worked all day in Peter and Carol's restaurant.

On Tuesday the 6th, I spoke at Brickfields Asia College. I first spoke there back in October and really enjoyed my time with the students. It was nice to see some of them again, and even meet a few new students. After our time together in the classroom, I joined them at a table as they ate lunch. A few of us keep in touch through Facebook. 

On Wednesday the 7th, I worked again in the restaurant. Liz Olson, a missionary from Thailand and dear friend of mine, arrived in KL to join me for a few days of ministry. She and I spoke that night to the group that meets at the restaurant for church. After that, we left for another all night worship service which lasted from 10:00pm-6:00am. This time though, instead of meeting in a school, we were going to meet in a man's house. If you read my blog Malaysia, Round 2, you'll remember what happened last time I went to this service. Well, as we pulled into the driveway of the house where we were about to get started, I began to notice my surroundings. When we entered the house, I was shocked. It was the same house of the taxi driver from the events in October. I couldn't believe it. I was back in his house! Then he approached me with a big smile on his face, and shook my hand. I was amazed! 

If you remember from last time, the man asked me to anoint his brother and pray for him. His brother, at that time, had recently suffered his second stroke. Before I flew out to KL this time, I made sure I had some anointing oil for just an occasion. You know, in case I'm ever asked to anoint someone, I'd be prepared. And what I thought was foolish thinking, I brought some extra tubes of oil just in case there was some way that I would cross paths with this man again. So as soon as I shook his hand, I said "I have something for you." Excited, I handed him the tube of anointing oil. Instantly, he and his wife, and sister, went back over to his brother, anointed him and prayed over him. The man told me that his brother has come a long way in the healing process. Now, he can sit up, has all of his senses, and is speaking again. Oh, what a moment!

On Thursday the 8th, I went back to Peter and Carol's home for a few hours of sleep, and then made it to the restaurant by noon to help with the lunch rush. After lunch, Liz and I made a visit to a doctor's office. She was having some discomfort with an ear. After visiting one doctor, we were sent to another one and ended up downtown. Unfortunately, this doctor wasn't there. It was now evening and she decided she'd wait until she was back in Thailand to have it examined further. So finally, we parted ways. She took the subway, and I caught a cab. The conversation with this taxi driver would prove to be memorable. 

For starters, every time I get into a taxi, the driver will ask "So what are you doing here?" And more times than not, I'll respond "I'm a Christian minister. Are you a Christian?" This usually opens or shuts the door for conversation. But on this day, the door was opened. He is a Muslim man but had no problem talking with me and comparing Christianity to Islam. I won't unpack the whole conversation, but I will tell you that he was asking me question after question about my faith. I felt like my answers were pretty solid. Both of us were calm; not arguing or condemning at all. I asked him some questions. Many of which, he had no response. I told him that God Himself says, concerning Jesus, "This is my Son." And that this happened twice. Both times, there were eye witnesses. (That night I emailed him the verses in the Bible where these words are recorded.) Before I got out of the car, I asked him if I could buy him a Bible. He was pleased with the idea. So I did. But later in the week, when we set a time for him to come and get it, he couldn't make it. So I left it with a missionary who gave it to him. 

On Friday the 9th, I worked in the restaurant again. 

On Saturday the 10th, Liz, Amy, and I went to Slim River to visit 3 village churches. This is the jungle team SE7EN visited. It was very strange being back without them. I don't know how to explain it. Just strange.

We spoke in two churches on that Saturday and then were invited to a home for dinner. As the guests, we were each given a little gift. One red and one white artificial flower complete with two boiled eggs.

On Sunday the 11th, we had one final service. Following all three services, I would show pictures on my computer from the last time I was with them...in April 2010. Some of them remembered team SE7EN. 

After the service ended on Sunday, three individuals stayed to talk with Amy and me. Hairi age 21, Ima age 18, and Maryana age 15. All three were in tears at first, crying only a little. Hairi said "It's tough to say goodbye." They each said that there was nothing for them there. No one to pour into them. No one to teach them. Then their tears increased. I watched as the tears fell onto their Bibles and thought, "If only we all cried because we wanted more of Jesus." Peter and I agreed that we will try our best to give them copies of the DVD's that I send of me speaking. Perhaps I can disciple them too from here, until I'm back with them.

On Monday the 12th, I took a taxi that morning to the restaurant like I do every day. The taxi driver that day mentioned to me that he and his family are "underground Christians"-his words. His mother's family has never known that his father is a Christian. His mother converted after marriage, however, her parents still don't know.

When I visited the Stepping Stones Living Centre this past October, Pastor Johnson mentioned to me that in the past, missionaries, Christian organizations, and secular organizations have promised to raise money for the orphanage. I was pretty angry when I discovered that those organizations and missionaries never gave the money to the orphanage. They simply exploited the children to raise money for themselves or their organization. So, in hopes that I could raise money for the children, I spent a night at the orphanage this past October and filmed the events of what a typical day looks like for them. You can watch the video in my blog Help If You Can. 

Peter and I headed to the orphanage that afternoon. I was almost shaking, I was so excited. I couldn't wait to hand Pastor Johnson the check for $3,000. That's $9,000 in their currency. After I handed him the check, he fought back the tears for as long as he could. He told me that the week before, they had run out of money completely. And that this was an answered prayer. He also told me that there are now 95 children living there.

I wish everyone could have experienced that moment with me. I could have stayed in that moment forever. I felt like I was in God's will. Thank you all so much for donating so that this could happen! You have changed so many lives, and have brought hope to many. This is great evidence for them, that they are not forgotten. One of the children asked if I was coming back in 2012. I told him that I'd be back around February of 2013. "2013? That's so far," he responded. Many of the kids remember our secret handshakes that we made up in October. They're a joy to be around. They really are. I hope to go back again soon. I'm sure I'll post about it when I do.

On Tuesday the 13th, I worked in the restaurant and had a meeting with a woman who runs a women's shelter.

On Wednesday the 14th, I worked yet again in the restaurant and then taught an English class that night. I sure wish you could've seen that!

On Thursday the 15th, I worked in the restaurant and later said my goodbyes as I left for the airport.

Even in this blog, though it is lengthy, I could not include every detail of the two weeks I spent in Malaysia. Every trip is life changing. There are dark and devastating lows, and then there are glimpses of Heaven on earth. Before I even leave for Malaysia, I always dread saying goodbye. It just hurts to leave. 

In October 2011, I made my second visit to Malaysia. I was able to go back to the orphanage that team 7 visited the first time we were here. Pastor Johnson, the man who runs the orphanage, allowed me to stay a night with the children and film the events of a typical day. 

Like many orphanages in the world, there is great need here. Approximately 50 children live here. Any age child is accepted, and they are allowed to live there as long as they like. Many of the children, after entering their 20s, have remained at the orphanage to take care of the younger ones. 

I know the video is long. And I didn't want to add any music, or different "scenes." I just wanted to film Pastor Johnson giving a bit of an interview and then follow him as he provided a tour. The children have one main room where they do their homework, play games, eat their meals, and sleep. This room is an open room with a concrete floor. 

As I understand it, there are many homes for orphans in Kuala Lumpur, but most are run by non-Christians. Some homes only take in children under the age of twelve, are Islamic homes, and are either all girl or all boy homes. The Stepping Stones Living Centre is a Christian orphanage that was started in 1998 and houses boys and girls, children of any age. 

Pastor Johnson revealed to me that in the past, on different occasions, individuals have visited the orphanage, taken pictures and video to raise support for the home, and then he never heard from them again. On another occasion, he discovered that a group was using pictures and videos to exploit the children. The group was raising money and then keeping it. So the fact that Pastor Johnson allowed me to stay a night, and trusted me enough to allow me to take pictures really means a lot to me. I plan on returning to Malaysia on a regular basis every year. Hopefully, a few times a year. My hope is that when I return in March, I will be able to financially contribute to the ministry of the Stepping Stones Living Centre. They have no website to check, however, there is a group on Facebook if you would like to check that out.

Please pray for the children there. Pray for Pastor Johnson, and pray that children who need a safe place to live, meals to eat, clothing, and an education, will be sent there. If you would like to donate, send your donations to Lester Memorial United Methodist Church in Oneonta, AL. Let us know that your donation is for this orphanage. We will keep track of how much each person donates, and I promise you ALL DONATIONS WILL BE GIVEN TO THE STEPPING STONES LIVING CENTRE IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA.

After watching the video, if you have any questions or are seeking clarification, please contact me. I would be glad to take your questions. Finally, the video was shot on a little Cannon point and shoot. I do wish it were a nicer video.

Donations will be spent on :

School uniforms

School supplies and books

Shoes

Food, cooking utensils

Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, towels

Home repairs

Some will be saved since there are plans to build a new house.

Lester Memorial United Methodist Church

P.O. Box 626

108 3rd Ave. East

Oneonta, AL 35121

A few weeks back I made my second trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Just like the first time I visited, it was a blessing. Team SE7EN members Jillian (J-bone) and Jenae were also there. Jenae is serving in the Philippines, and J-bone had just finished a month of ministry in India with her job. Also, another dear friend of mine and fellow World Racer Liz Olson visited. She is currently serving in Thailand.

After 38 hours of traveling, including a 14 hour flight followed by a 12 hour layover, it was nice to finally arrive in KL. I spent the first night upstairs above the restaurant in the same room where we stayed during the WR. With J-bone and Jenae there, I felt a bit sad to not have Jessica (who's married now), Jessi, and Trev with us. Everything reminded me of the race. The smells. The food. The heat. The showers. It took a day for me to get over the "I can't believe I'm back" mindset. But it felt right being there; with Peter and Carol again.

My whole purpose for going was to speak at a university. I also wanted to participate in as many ministries as I could. 

I arrived on Oct. 13th, and spoke at the university on the 14th. Before I spoke, we played charades, and had a time of worship and prayer. Then I spoke for about an hour. 

I spent some of the days working in the restaurant again. Peter and Carol have opened a second one called Kennedy's. It's an American themed restaurant with movie posters, and sports gear covering the walls. Also, there are pictures of past WR teams spread throughout the room. A few teams have there own booth. And team SE7EN is one of those teams!

One of the contacts Amy, or Snoop as we call her, asked me to go to a worship service that lasted from 11:00pm to 6:00am. I stayed for half of it and then took a taxi back to where we stayed. In the taxi though, the driver (who was also at the service) asked if I would go to his house and pray for his brother who had recently suffered his second stroke. I agreed to go. We arrived at the man's house where his brother, sister, and wife all lived together. His brother was lying on a hospital bed in an open room to my right as we entered the house. I approached his brother, and began to pray for him. As I prayed, the man's wife and sister asked if I would anoint him with oil. Again, I agreed, and held out my hand. Not knowing exactly what to do, or what they were expecting me to do, I then made the sign of a cross on his forehead and kept praying. The taxi driver then began to take pictures of me praying for his brother. After the Amen, he asked if I would pray over his sister and wife. This time no oil was used. However, he took pictures of this prayer as well. Then he handed me a bag with cookies, tea, and money in it and told me this was a gift for my prayers. 

When team SE7EN was here in April of 2010, we visited the Stepping Stones Living Centre Orphanage. On this past trip of mine, I was able to return and visit the children again. They enjoyed seeing pictures of themselves from the first time we all were together. Their living conditions are rough though. There is one main room where the children do their homework, play games, eat their meals, and sleep. Pastor Johnson, the man who runs the orphanage, gave me the opportunity to stay a night with them and film the events of a typical day. I was surprised to see exactly how they live. Not once did any of them complain about their situation. I hope to post a video blog sharing that experience with you.

I was asked to share the gospel with one of the Muslim staff members from the restaurant. For his safety, I won't reveal his name, but you must know his story.

I was getting ready to leave on Friday the 21st. On Thursday morning after I had just tied my apron and was preparing to wait some tables, I approached him and said, "I'm leaving to go home tomorrow, but before I do, I would like to share the Gospel about Jesus Christ with you." He said ok and we planned it for the same time the next day. You should know this. It's illegal to share the gospel with a Muslim. 

That next day, we met. I asked him about his family and religious background. His family lives in Pakistan and are all Muslim. I asked him who he believed Jesus was, and he replied "I don't know much about Jesus. Teach me." Carol later joined and helped interpret. From there, the door was open to share about Jesus. So I did. After some 30 minutes if not more, I asked him again the same question. "Who do you believe Jesus is?" His response, as he pointed one finger to the ceiling, "God's Son. Jesus is the Son of God." 

That's where our conversation ended. I didn't feel the need to go any further. We simply got up, and went to work. Hours later I boarded the plane and flew home.

On that next Monday, the 24th, I received a Skype call from Peter and Carol. It was in the 7:00am hour for me so it was in the 8:00pm hour for them. Carol told me that that morning, the young man of 21 came in to work like normal, and approached her. The news was truly life-changing. He had given his life to Christ. I teared up as they told me the news. I went into work that day happier than I ever had before. No better news could one receive. Well, that's my opinion. But this goes a bit deeper.

When the young man told his mother, her was response was this: "You can't come home." Now, I don't know if these words were spoken out of fear, or out of anger. He was told that the Taliban would kill him if he returned. So for now, he will remain in Malaysia. He chose Jesus over the possibility of never seeing his parents again; over the possibility of never seeing his family or friends again. He chose Jesus over his safety, his home, and everything that he has ever known. What a decision. What a Godly man. 

I wanted to keep this blog short and simple for a few reasons. 1) I can't go into a lot of details about the ministry for Peter and Carol's sake. 2) I understand you're all busy. So I'll simply provide a summary of the events. 

I plan on returning in March, so I'll try to post that experience as well. Thanks for reading. Take care.

Preparing for the 11:00pm-6:00am service.

Monica is a dear friend of mine from our squad. While we were in the Ukraine, she asked if I would baptize her. Honored and humbled, I did. This is her video.

                I feel like it's been a while since I've actually written a blog about our ministry. To some degree, it has. We're in Romania for a few more days and then we'll leave for our final country. It took us 3 days of traveling by train to get here from the Ukraine. This month has passed by quickly. A few more weeks and then we'll be home...

                We begin each morning with about 4 hours of construction; which by the way, our team has gotten used to by now. We've mixed, leveled, and poured concrete. We've shoveled wheel barrel after wheel barrel of rocks. We've plastered walls, ripped our shoes, and popped plenty of blisters. Team SE7EN has been blessed to have a role in the building of a few homes. We've laid the foundation of a home, and added porches and walkways around the others.

                While shoveling piles and piles and piles of rocks I constantly think of how this year has gone by. I think of the ministries of which we have been a part. Some of the ministries are like this month, simply laying a foundation. Other months, like in the Philippines, we were able to reap the benefits of someone else's labor. After we painted a few walls we watched as a woman and her family moved in to their new home. And still other months, we didn't lay the foundation or see the project reach completion. We were only there to keep the process going.

                The same is said spiritually. We have shared the Gospel with some people who heard it for the first time that day. We've also preached to those who are already believers. And then there are those days in which we are blessed to witness people come to Christ after years of having Godly men and women continually pouring into their lives. We saw a similar case in Maylasia...A woman who converted to Christianity from Islam wanted to be baptized. We only met with her a few times; however, she asked that our team be there for that special day.

                Now, back to our ministry here. We're living in an orphanage this month so every afternoon is spent with the children and teenagers playing soccer, watching movies, making crafts, and anything else they can think of. We have all built relationships with the kids and this will certainly be another difficult country to leave.

    There is a group from England staying with us this month as well. We went with them one day and visited a gypsy village to deliver food. It was heart breaking. The gypsy village is basically outside of the city. They live in homes made of scraps of whatever they can find. Honestly, it looks like a trash dump. These people are neglected from society and are often homeless and jobless. I wish we could've spent more time in that area. It's unbelievable.

    We have done a lot this month. But it never feels like enough. It seems like as soon as your heart breaks it's time to move to the next country. 

Trevor first began to feel sick on our 18 hour train ride in Ukraine from Kiev to Yalta on Sept. 6^th. On the train and the day we arrived, he had a headache, a fever, and was feeling dizzy. On the 8^th, (our first day of ministry) he stayed in his bed for most of the day. Trevor never missed a day of ministry before that day because he was feeling sick.

                On the 9^th, Trevor had a fever of 103.5. I stayed overnight with him in a hospital. At this hospital, he received a few shots and an occasional IV. The IVs at this hospital were very limited. They were more like a shot. The rooms were empty...no medical equipment...just a room with two twin beds. My bed sheets had what looked like blood stains on them. Who knows what it actually was? Also, no one spoke English, and at this point, we had no idea what Trevor was suffering from.

                Trevor and I rejoined the team on the 10^th. He felt a little better while the medication was still in his system, but naturally as it wore off his symptoms returned. He spent the rest of the late afternoon and evening in his bed. He was now beginning to feel a pain in his left side. Since it was Friday, the labs were closed, and we couldn't have a blood test done for him on a weekend.

At about 2:00am on the 11^th, he woke me up and asked for us to take him back to the hospital. Jenae went with him and stayed until morning. I switched with her a few hours later. When I arrived, Trevor was wrapped in blankets, cold, shivering (more so shaking), moaning, vomiting, and still running a fever. Later that afternoon he went into the bathroom to vomit. He would often go to his knees for he was getting weak. At 4:51pm I heard a fall. While trying to stand up, Trevor passed out. I ran into the bathroom and there was Trevor on the floor. I stood over him yelling his name and checking his pulse. I then retrieved the nurses. After 2 minutes he came to, and we got him to his bed. As soon as he sat on his bed he passed out again. This time in my arms. I laid him down while the nurses gave him an IV. When he came back to this time, his clothes were saturated from sweat. Trevor would never fall again without me being there to catch him. After this, our ministry contact and I rode with him in an ambulance to a hospital about 2 hours away in Simferopol.

The hospital in Simferopol provided better medication and more IVs for Trevor. However, since it was now the weekend, the labs were closed at this hospital as well. This hospital would not allow me to stay with Trevor.  I had to wait outside all day. The doors were locked with gates in front of them. I couldn't see Trevor at all. He was released at 6:00pm that evening, and the two of us took a taxi to the airport. The plan was to get him to Kiev on a short flight because there was no way that his body could handle an 18 hour train ride without any medication. We also hoped that the hospital in Kiev would be able to treat him.

On the 13^th, we arrived at the airport. Trevor did fine in the taxi, and was pretty stable at the airport. As we began to line up to board the plane, Trevor dropped his passport. As I began to put our bags down and grab it, he had already bent over and picked it up. After he straightened back up he started to stagger a bit. Seconds later he passed out. I caught him and then laid him on the ground. Most in the line watched. Some came and offered assistance. One checked his pulse. Some doctors and flight attendants checked him out to see if he could fly. They took our bags off of the plane and told us he couldn't. But God knew that we needed to be on that flight so when they checked him a few minutes later we were cleared to fly.

We boarded the plane, put our bags away, and took our seats. Trevor was doing fine at first. He wanted to rest and fall asleep. I kept watch on him while he slept. Minutes later I took a glance at him, and his eyes were open while he stared at nothing. He had passed out again. I called for the flight attendant, and she brought him an oxygen mask and tank. This time he was out for over 4 minutes. His mouth hung open, and his bottom lip was quivering. When he came to, his shirt was drenched with sweat. Altogether he passed out 4 times on the plane.

We were the last to get off of the plane when we landed in Kiev. The attendants handed our bags to us and arranged for another ambulance to carry Trevor to the airport hospital wing. We met up with our squad leader, Austin, and he rode with us. While walking from the ambulance to airport hospital wing, Trevor passed out again. And again, I caught him. The doctors rushed to him and waved a cotton ball with something on it that woke him up instantly. After they gave him some shots and a brief check up, we headed to a hospital. Austin and I stayed with him at the hospital until he was placed in a room. It was 4:00am on the morning of the 13^th before Austin and I went to sleep.

At 7:00am our phones began to ring with calls from the states. Exhausted, we headed to the hospital to see Trevor. When we arrived we were told that he was no longer there. They had moved him to another hospital without letting us know. Fortunately, we finally met a woman who spoke English. She said if Austin and I could wait 15 minutes until she was off work then she would drive us to him herself. She, along with a few others, became our translators. She was truly a blessing for us. After finally having a blood test done, the results revealed that Trevor had malaria. He was given medicine to treat the malaria and the malaria count began to decrease fairly quickly.

On the morning of the 14^th we were given some terrible news. Trevor had gotten worse.  The doctors told us that on a scale of 0-10 (10 being the worst) Trevor was at a 9.5. After talking with his family, and AIM, and other doctors in the U.S. it was best for us to try and fly him to a better facility by means of a medical jet. However, the doctors at this hospital said that if we tried to fly him out as he was, then he wouldn't make it.

Early in the afternoon, Trevor had surgery and his spleen, which had ruptured, was removed. So now, he was recovering from the malaria, but he also had to recover from the surgery. His father arrived that night. It was powerful to see a father come and care for his son.

For the next few days Trevor needed to make a strong enough recovery so that he could fly to London and then fly home. I am happy to report that he made that recovery. On the night of the 18^th, some of us Racers held candles and sang Christmas songs as Trevor and his father walked together for the first time in 9 months. They walked from Trevor's hospital room to an ambulance and were taken to the airport. Currently they are in London where Trevor says he is in the nicest hospital that he has ever seen. He hopes to have some fish and chips as soon as he is feeling better.

Trevor,

 

    Our month in Uganda has been a great one for our team. Our days have been filled with: leading Bible studies, preaching in churches, leading worship, praying for patients in the hospital, spending time with orphans, construction, visiting schools, and making home visits to pray for those who are sick. 

    Personally, I really enjoy visiting the schools. It’s loud, and the energy is awesome! We try our best to entertain the students by providing skits, songs, and a message. We conclude each session by allowing the students to ask any questions that they may have. Typically, the kids ask about the food in America. However, some have asked great questions concerning a few scriptures in the Bible.

    I hope these pictures help to show you what we have been blessed to be a part of this month.