It started last year, when the children’s leaders of Nibong Tebal Indian Church in Penang bravely embraced a new opportunity under the guidance of Ms. Christine Tan, the dedicated PEM Children’s Ministries director. Despite their lack of experience and their concern about getting children to participate, the leaders decided to organize their inaugural Vacation Bible School (VBS) program, which took place from December 12 to 17, 2022. This marked the beginning of God’s providence in their faith journey. Firstly, an experienced volunteer from Penang Indian church joined and assisted them, and secondly, fifteen non-Adventist children enthusiastically participated in the VBS program. The unfolding of further blessings was yet to come.
Inspired by the children’s enthusiasm, the leaders embarked on their second VBS program from May 31 to June 3 of this year. Twenty children, aged four to twelve, including sixteen from Sunday church or Hindu backgrounds, attended the program themed “Jesus is My Superhero.” The children joyfully discovered that Jesus is their Superhero and that they can strive to be like Him through consistent prayer and Bible reading. Conducted in the Tamil language, the program’s activities were thoughtfully tailored to suit the needs of the participants.
The success of this second VBS program has motivated the CHM leaders to plan for the third session in six months’ time. As a result of the VBS programs, two boys are currently receiving Bible Studies from Pastor Petrik Andrew, the pastor of Nibong Tebal Indian Church.
Malaysian Indians constitute 6.6% of Malaysia’s population of approximately 34 million. Peninsular Malaysia is home to thirteen Malaysian Indian Adventist congregations with a combined membership of four hundred fifty-four individuals. We praise God for the children’s leaders who demonstrated a leap of faith and unwavering commitment in sharing the love of Jesus through their invaluable ministry to the children in their community, making superheroes for the kingdom one child at a time.
Based on reports by Christine Tan, Children’s Ministries Director, PEM.
29, June 2023, Thursday.