Bridging the gap to bring God’s Word
Dear Friends,
We began our Bahasa Malaysia ministry in the year 1999. We put out a quarterly version and the response was simply overwhelming. It then evolved to a semi-annual and to the current annual edition. Apart from Pedoman Harian, we moved to develop other resources both in print and digital.
We made a lot of mistakes over the years. We did not fully understand the needs of our ethnic brothers and sisters; Iban, Dusun-Kadazan, Kayan and others. It is not what we think is good for them, but what are their greatest needs for Christian growth. Over the years we listened and learnt from so many – and we continue to hear their passions, heart’s cry and the myriad challenges – both within and outside the church.
This is where we are now by way of strategy. We see ourselves as coming alongside the local church in providing Christ-centered and biblically-sound resources in our national language. We see the need to partner with pastors, small group leaders, youth and young adult leaders, women’s fellowship and whoever else willing to work with us, who will avail themselves of what is being produced.
We’ve been working hard over the past months to prepare:
- Siri Perjalanan, a translation of the Journey Through Series devotional on Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Judges and Esther. These book-by-book studies aim to improve Biblical literacy so believers can be firmly rooted in God’s Word.
- Siri Pemuridan, the Discipleship Series booklets aimed at pastors, church leaders and teachers. Our hope is that believers there will be established in the faith and not be easily swayed by winds of doctrine.
- Seksualiti: Prinsip & Tujuan Tuhan, a book on sexuality targeted at young people. Our prayer is that Christian youths will walk in God’s purity and understand His plan regarding manhood, womanhood, love, marriage and sex.
- Kisah Tuhan yang Ajaib bagi Anda, a translation of God’s Big Story, a children’s book on God’s Love for everyone. It is targeted for use by Sunday School teachers and parents who wish to “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6)
- Building a Bridge 2.0, the second year of our nationwide campaign for churches to respond to God’s call and reach out to our ethnic brethren.
As such, we would appreciate your prayers for:
- A good response from churches, organisations and leaders who may wish to procure these materials for their Bahasa ministries.
- A smooth production process in translating, editing, printing, packing and shipping these materials into the homes and hands of believers.
- Protection against spiritual warfare, as some of these areas we intend to reach in East Malaysia are deeply rooted in traditional beliefs against God’s teachings and a spirit of nominalism.
If you wish to find out more of this ministry especially on how you may participate with us in prayer and support, do email us at malaysia@odb.org. We will be happy to talk to you.
If you wish to support what we are doing to provide Christ-centred and biblical resources here in Malaysia, kindly consider a gift to us.
