News From Sarawak

KUCHING TRIP May 19-22 The trip to Kuching was very informative and encouraging. I have much better picture of the work there and came away with a greater burden. I was personally uplifted and challenged to see our brothers and sisters giving themselves whole heartedly to the work of the Lord. The work was more impressive than I had imagined.

The plane encountered some technical problems on the way to Sibu and was delayed 1 ½ hours for repair work. As the plane touched down in Kuching, and as I walked out into the airport, my spirit quickened and I declared Sarawak for Jesus. It was incredible. I felt time had come for Sarawak.

Bro. Charles and Sis. Catherine met me at the airport and took me to Kg Sungai Risit. The first stop was the church building in progress. Thanks to financial support from various sources, and personal sacrifice of the pastor, the building is nearing completion. The cementing of the floor will follow as soon as the plastering work is done and extra money is available. They still need around RM2500 to complete the building. The church services are presently being held in the pastor's home, where a wall was knocked out to make a bigger space for the sanctuary.

The first service, Friday evening, was Mothers' Day special. Over 60 attended. Husbands showed up full force, to support their wives on this special day. The spirit of the Lord moved in such a sweet way during the worship service and not a single mother was dry eyed when the children went forward to sing a special song, "Mother, you are the queen of my heart." The service ended with a powerful move of God as we prayed a special blessing for each other, then for all the mothers and finally for the three ministers and their wives.

On Saturday, I met with the three ministers wives, Catherine, Pauline and Shirley, and had time of sharing, encouraging, imparting and praying. It was a time to unburden, to encourage and learn.

Sis. Catherine leads Ladies Prayer meeting every Friday evening and they combine with other two churches twice a month. The Lord moves miraculously in these meetings and in the most recent case, the village head's wife was brought to the ladies prayer meeting after every other effort had failed and the Lord delivered her. She now attends the church as a result and has asked to be baptized.

The evening was ladies only. After the lesson, we had a question/answer session. It was with much regret we brought the evening to a close (they didn't want to leave) as some of them had come from Kuching town and from Kg Sigok.

Sunday, a van and a car left for Kg Sigok for the combined service. Again, the worship was beautiful, with much liberty. Bro. Charles preached a moving message that challenged everyone. After a visit to a backslider, a lunch and a time with the Sunday School teachers, we went to Kuching to visit two families. One was healed of lung cancer recently as our people prayed for him and the other family also became interested as a result of healing ministry. Regular home Bible Study is to start immediately at these two homes.

In the evening, we returned to Kg Sigok for the final session -- lessons on prayer and intercession. Even though we had a full day, the Lord gave us much strength and enabled us to enter into a time of deep intercession. In addition to the present ladies prayer meetings, once a month combined intercessors session was promised.

As I left Sarawak early Monday morning, I came away with a deep assurance that the Lord will do a great work there but also with an acute sense of several needs. Many doors are opening and they also feel the need to start visiting all those who have left the church. There is a great need, like all other places, for laborers. New believers need to be nurtured into maturity. Sunday School teachers need training and resources. Bible seminars and leadership training programs are needed to equip the saints for the ministry. And finally, an assurance that a much larger part of the family of God is fully behind them in their battle will dispel any feelings of loneliness and discouragement.

May 26, 2000
Sis. Suk Clement
Sarawak, East Malaysia