New Music Program Impacts Christian Children in Malaysia
Open Doors local partners have been heavily involved in various discipleship programs for the youth and young adults in East Malaysia, but when they began to notice younger students wanting to be a part of the discipleship programs, they looked into ways to include the younger children in the teachings. Thus began the Music Program. A fun and engaging program, where children can pick up an instrument while learning about Jesus. So far, the program has been a win and many children are excited about the word of God.
Local partners had been working with the teenagers in this boarding school, facilitating various discipleship programs that have been so incredibly impactful for them. However, for the much younger children in the boarding school, mainly ages 9-12 years old, local partners thought it’d be delightful to facilitate a music program where they can learn a new instrument while singing praises to Jesus.
Anna*, one of the volunteers in this new program, shares, “The connection was almost immediate between us and the kids. They were excited to see the materials that we prepared – the new books and the musical instruments.”
The program lasted three days, and during those days, local partners were able to engage with children with a few Bible stories and some arts and crafts activities, aside from learning to play the ukulele, the musical instrument of choice this time around.
“I was amazed at how much of the Bible these kids knew. They could understand the concept of God’s love and in turn, are trying to love others in the same way,” Anna explained excitedly.
“Jesus went to the cross for us,” said one of the little girls in the group.
“God forgave us of our sins and has redeemed us,” shouted a boy from the back.
“God is our Father who is full of love!” said another child.
Learning to play the ukulele was a highlight for many of the children. Even though there weren’t enough ukuleles for each child. The students who didn’t have an instrument went and found some buckets to be used as drums, while others just used their hands. They were so happy to be a part of the program.
Anna shared about the dance some of the children performed before the program started, which brought tears to her eyes, “They performed a traditional dance. I was astonished by how graceful they moved at such a young age. Though the dance is beautiful, the culture is not always welcomed by the majority religion. Some dances are considered provocative, and some music is considered sinful. Some of these kids are forced to abandon their culture because of this notion. But being a native girl myself, I loved their performance.”
These types of programs are an important part of discipleship. The children are living in an area where the people are under constant pressure to convert to the majority religion. Teaching children to love Jesus at a young age is just one way to see a strong, faith-filled generation, rising up.
Please continue to pray for the children of this country.
- Please pray for the volunteers and local partners who are constantly coming up with ways to engage the younger generation to read their Bibles and pray.
- Pray for more partners in the ministry to help in volunteering for these programs.
- Pray for students to stay strong in faith as their families are still holding on to ancient practices (pagan & ancestral worship)
- Pray for the government to provide stable electricity & connection in the rural areas for all residents, and not just for those who are in the majority religion
