In Malaysia
We had a “moment” going through immigration in Malaysia. Apparently, we had mistyped Teah’s passport number when applying for her arrival card. She couldn’t get through the gate! A very nice official looked at her passport and card and realized what had happened. He told her to step to the side and fill out the application again. It processed immediately, and she was allowed through. Whew! We gathered our suitcase, breezed through customs, and headed out to meet the Chins who had driven up earlier in the week. They were in the arrival hall but missed us coming out…and we couldn’t see them in the crowd. After about 15 minutes trying to find one another, we finally got together and headed into KL (the local’s way of saying Kuala Lumpur).
We went straight to the KK (Kota Kemuning) building where we met Willie and Sandra Ling and their daughter, Hayley (this is the Chin’s son and his family), Andy Ling (their other son) and some other members, too. They helped us set up for the Saturday workshop.
We had to work around the large sections on the wall where the projector shines, but we got set up in record time! After a delightful dinner with the Lees – some of our helpers - we went to our hotel.
On Friday, we were treated to sightseeing around KL. Eng Kim Leng – he’s one of the elders at KK – and his wife, Shirley showed us the Twin Towers and the “needle” (AKA Merdeka 118), a 118-story skyscraper, two sites visitors must see. They also took us to Chinatown and to the Central Market. They took us to lunch at a “Western” restaurant out of respect for our eating needs and returned us to the hotel. After some time studying and finalizing the slides for Saturday’s lessons, we enjoyed dinner with Willie and Sandra.
Saturday was the same format as the previous one. The morning was ladies’ day lessons on the theme Bloom Where You are Planted. April’s lesson, “In the Garden with God” – explored how women can bloom for God as new Christians, “middle-aged” Christians, and older Christians in good or difficult situations. Teah’s lesson, How Does Your Garden Grow – God’s Blossoms or Satan’s Weeds?” challenged us to properly prepare our garden (heart) and to grow the fruit of the Spirit. These lessons were each 1.5 hours; to protect our voices so they would last the whole day, Teah taught a short section during April’s lesson and April taught a short section during Teah’s lesson. We had never done that before, but it worked well. We did the q&a session together; we prefer it that way! About 65 ladies were with us that day!
The workshop that afternoon was only 3 hours long, but the response was incredible. Beyond the enthusiastic comments, one lady went home and made her own visual aid for her class the next morning! Wow! That's especially notable when you realize that the big screen with powerpoint is the main teaching tool for all these classes - even as young as toddlers!
On Sunday, we worshipped with the Klang congregation. The men left quickly and the women gathered for lunch. Afterward, we each taught one lesson. April’s was Life Stages (mostly the same as the previous) while Teah’s was The Next Step is Yours, a lesson about how to move on when you have had setbacks. We each expected a 45-min. lesson session followed by a 15 min. q&a. However, just a moment before we began, we were told of a change to the format. We each had a full hour! So, again adjustments had to be made on the fly – and then one q & a was held at the end, as always with a local moderator managing PigeonHole.
And of course, the day was not over until we had a picture of all the ladies who attended!
We returned to Singapore on Monday, flew to New York on Tuesday, and finished our trip home on Wednesday. Yes, we were tired. Yes, we’d do it all again in a second! Hopefully, that will happen in 2026. The brethren are already working on plans for us to speak at the lectures (in person this time!) and spend a couple other weeks teaching in both countries. Please pray that the Lord's will be done in this regard!
<p>We put so much time and energy into this trip. But like all mission workers, <em>we got more than we gave</em>...</p>
<p>We loved singing with these brethren. They sing with their whole hearts!</p>
<p>We were impressed with the maturity in the prayers the various ladies offered. No “vain repetitions” here. </p>
<p>The brethren filled us up with gifts, so much so that we had to buy a suitcase to get them home! (The broken portfolio stayed behind.)</p>
<p>The family of God is alive and active on the other side of His world - and made us feel like family.</p>
<p>We were shown such honor! It went way beyond respect.</p>
<p>The beginning of many new friendships - especially with the Chins whom we have learned to love and appreciate both personally and spiritually. From hosting us at our first real meal in Singapore to seeing us off to come home, they honored us with guidance, support, and fellowship.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>What will we be praying about for these churches - and hope you will, too?</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That the good work taking place will continue to bring glory to God</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That the preachers are held to proper esteem</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That Bible class teachers will move away from digital to more personal, effective teaching tools</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That young marrieds will have children to keep the church alive</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">That more women will find fulfillment as homemakers</p>
A few hours after completing our report, we received the latest newsletter from Four Seas. Printed below with their permission is the end of their article on our trip:
Their time with us was truly enriching. The lessons shared were both spiritually uplifting and deeply practical. The workshops, in particular, were eye-opening for many—both current and new teachers of children’s Bible classes. We are deeply grateful to have these devoted sisters share their wisdom, experience, and love for the Lord. Most importantly, our souls were nourished, and our faith was strengthened.
Now you have the news from both sides. For whatever good may have been done, we give God the glory. Thank you again for your financial support and fellowship - your joint participation - in this work. We love you and pray that God will bless you in every good work you do!