During the past two days, I have been blessed as I explore and learn more about a unique evangelism program set up in KK. (Kota Kinabula) The Grace Center is a special school for the children of undocumented immigrants (especially Indonesian and Phillps.) Since the children are technically unable to attend a government school, many of the children are forced to then work in shopping malls, resturants, and various other low income places to help provide for families or many of the chidren end up begging on the street sides or in various gangs. The Grace Center's mission is to prevent the spread of limited/ no education for children of undocumented immigrants. The first goal of the center is to provide a quality education to the children and the second is to show the love of Christ to the children. Many of the students come from very impoverished backgrounds and have gone most of their lives without knowing peace and love. The Grace Center offers the children not only a quality education that they would be unable to receive otherwise, but also they extend the love of Christ to the students. Students at government funded schools are not given a lunch meal, whereas students at the Grace Center are given lunch. The center was started in 1997 and has quickly grown as people hear via word of mouth about the education being offered. There are currently around 200 students attending and 50 of the 200 students are Muslim. Due to the governmental restrictions, it is illegal to pass out Bibles as well as to give open evangelism, because of this the teachers/workers are very up front and honest that Grace Center is a Christian organization. Many of the parents, even from Muslim backgrounds are grateful that a quality education is being offered to their children. Yet, it is still difficult. The teachers have small Bible studies, chapel services, and other special events around Christian holidays....their way of outreach is extremely and intentionally relational so they are not openly trying to convert...they are merely extending the love of Christ and offering valuable educational services to the students. The teachers and leaders of the center work to build relationships with each student and through extending the love of Christ and teaching them about the Bible and prayer, hope the student will then make their own choice to accept Christ.
Tuesday, I was scheduled to spend the day visiting the Center. One thing I've learned from international travel experience is always to expect the unexpected. Sometimes, plans change very quickly at the last second. This was the case on Tuesday. I was prepared to walk around the center, meet with the leaders, teachers, and observe and see the students...I ended up being gone from 8AM-3:30 AM. It was an unexpected adventure. A group from South Korea (missional choir) has been in town and invited a group of the musical students from the Grace Center to join them in a concert at a church in Kudat. I am travelling back to Kudat later this week to meet with pastors, but was not expecting this trip to occur on Tuesday. Despite the eight hours in a bus (four each way), it was a fantastic, long, day. The choir/ and group of musically students raised 10,000 dollars for the center. This trip also provided me with the opportunity to get to know some of the students and have amble time to speak with many of the teachers. Though I arrived back at STS, very late, the day was a blessings.
Some various prayer requests: for the church/ Grace Center in Malay. please pray for unity and for the government to lessen its persecution of Christians applying for jobs. One of the teachers I spoke with said that on all the job applications you must fill out your religion and Christians are discriminated against. Please pray for all the students at the Grace Center and for the teachers/ workers to continue to share the love of Christ and teach with patience and knowledge. Also, please continue to pray for safe travel for myself as well as health. I'm working hard to stay hydrated and well so I can fully participate and be present each day with each person I'm blessed to meet.
Thank you for your prayers. Much love in Christ.
Amanda :)
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