According to the Ministry of Human Resources, there are currently 2.5 million registered foreign workers in Malaysia. The number is expected to grow to 5 million by 2010. Even then, these figures do not include the unregistered/undocumented migrant workers.
These migrant workers come mainly from Indonesia, Nepal, India, Vietnam and Bangladesh but also from Myanmar, Pakistan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Thailand and other countries. Their presence has evoked different emotions among the Malaysian public. Some are fearful, others are indifferent. How should Christians respond?
We praise the Lord that many churches realize the great opportunities for evangelism at their doorstep and have started programmes specially tailored to reach out to these migrant workers.
Of special note is the O2F or Outreach to Foreign Workers Network under the auspices of the Malaysian Centre for Global Ministry. The O2F was birthed from the need to network together in reaching out to these workers as the task and opportunity was way beyond the ability of any individual local church. The networking has resulted in increased cooperation and commitment of local churches and agencies in establishing migrant church groups, compiling resources, leadership training, retreats, raising up of indigenous workers, and link-ups with churches in their home countries for continued discipleship.
Andrew Ng, Chairperson of O2F Network has this to say: “Malaysia has become an ideal place for international mission. Many of these workers come from difficult-access countries, especially from the 10/40 window. The many challenges that these workers face such as long working hours, harsh living conditions, and at times unfavourable hosts have made their hearts to be fertile soil for the Gospel to the preached to them.” Raj, who works among the migrants in Klang says: “We work among the migrants in many ways. One of the things we do is teach them English. Language is one of the biggest hindrances when they work here. We also teach them computers. We provide free medical services for them every 2nd and 4th Sundays. We do friendship evangelism through football and other activities through which we are reaching out to them and gaining their confidence.”
There are too many testimonies to report but here are several heart-warming ones in the words of the migrants themselves: “I grew closer to God in Malaysia.” “I came to earn money but found eternal life.” “I accepted Jesus in Malaysia and it changed my life.” It makes us really thank God for bringing the mission field to our doorstep.
But it doesn’t stop there. Andrew continues: “We not only lead them to Christ, we also disciple them and train them up in leadership. Many of them have gone back to their countries and witnessed to their families and their villages, and even planted churches. Some of these migrants are now pastoring churches or have become evangelists in their own areas.”
The question is how we can do more. Irene works among the Myanmarese workers says: “Every little bit counts. Every little action that we do helps them to go a long way and that is definitely doing the work that Jesus wants to do.” If each of us contributes a little, together we can reach out to many more.
Here’s a good place to start. This November 11 is the “Day of Prayer for Migrant Workers” initiated by the O2F. The O2F would like to encourage you, church leaders and churches to participate in this ministry among the foreign workers in Malaysia by dedicating a special day to praying for the migrant workers. Let’s pray that the Gospel will reach the 2.5 million migrant workers from over 20 nations. Pray that God will open their eyes to realize their spiritual need and also protect them from all forms of social threat.
For further information about the O2F Network,
please visit www.mcgm.net.my or
send an e-mail to migrants@goconx.com.
Those very interested are encouraged to contact Andrew Ng directly at andrewng.
teongsiew@gmail.com. |
