_____________________Monday, January 15, 2007__________________
Hi ECFers...hope you had a great holiday...
Lets continue praying for Malaysia, as we all heard about the flood there. We can refer to some prayer points for Malaysia in our blog several months ago. For this week, i shall upload a little more about Malaysia, especially Sabah... =)
One of the most fascinationg stories of Chinese emigration to Borneo involves the Reverend Wong Nai Siong leading several groups of Foochow Chinese Christian believers to settle in Sibu,central Sarawak, in 1901. They were fleeing persecution during the Boxer Rebellion. These Foochow established a dynamic Christian community in the heart of what was quite inhospitable terrain, and still today their influence throughout the state of Sarawak is immense.
Unfortunately, such communitites are not as Christian as they were when initially established. Over the years there has been a growing presence and influence of traditional Chinese religions and Buddhism. While half of Sarawak's Chinese population profess to be Christian today, there has been a resurgence of Buddhism and traditional Chinese religions. As you travel the rivers of Sarawak, the landscape is dotted with newly rebuilt, larger than ever, colourfully painted temples.
Prayer points:
-Pray for fresh revival to impact the Chinese Christian community of Sarawak, as it did during
John Sung's ministry in 1936 with consequent hundreds of conversions
-Pray for a new, and Holy Spirit-energized outreach to reach every Chinese with the Gospel
-Pray for a breaking of the enemy's strong control over the lives of these who have been
impacted by the enemy's strong control over the lives of these who have been impacted by the
intricate, binding, permeating influence of Buddhism and Chinese religions.
Have a fruitful week ahead as we number our days and live for the one who reigns forever...