I would like to echo the sentiments of Daniel Chia in his testimony regarding his visit to Harvest Centre ,that he was “speechless,humbled, touched by the work done there” where 700 hardcore poor and stateless (refugee) children are cared for, given transportation, food and education.

We see from the history of Israel in the bible that time after time, they were warned by God thru the prophets, to look after the poor, the alien, widows, orphans because they kept forgetting them (mistreating them) everytime the nation prospered or when they were struggling in times of famine and lack. GOD warns in Micah Mal 3: 5 ” Then I will draw near to you for judgement and I will be a swift witness— against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan and against those who turn aside the alien and do not fear ME”.

As I reflect on this mysef, I remember how I have forgotten about them also just as Malaysia has (and biblical Israel) in our pursuit of wealth, success, possessions, titles and our everpresent fear of lack. However a nation’s blessings, prosperity, progress, depends very much, on how we treat these people, as God’s eye is always on them.

“In Malaysia between 2002 and 2008, more that 4,800 Myanmar refugees were whipped for immigration offences. In 2008, 812 Myanmar children were detained in immigration detention centres. Myammar refugees have difficulty finding jobs, due to their status. If they do get work, they are underpaid and vulnerable to abuse. Generations of uneducated refugees are being raised in Malaysian as they do not have access to education and due to their unrecognised status , refugees live in fear of raids, arrest and detention.” – THE SUN Friday Feb 19.

Let’s pray that ;

• All Christians , Malaysians (esp employers of foreign workers incl maids) do ” justice, love kindness, walk humbly with our God” Micah 5:8 in our treatment of refugees (60,000 Myanmar refugees registered with UNHCR and thousands more unregistered),and 1.2 million legal foreign workers and equal number illegal ones.
• Pray for harvest centre for favour from authorities, protection, wisdom, funds, help, volunteers, as they educate, look after these children.
• Pray that the government will care for refugee children in accordance with Conventions on the rights of the child (amnesty)(Malaysia does not recognise refugees and asylum seekers currently)
• Pray against the abuse, trafficking of refugees for prostitution,vice due to their no status plight.
• Pray that churches, christians will reach out to refugees, foreign labourers in kindness, good works (action) and in word (evangelism)

Weng Hong

Note: Weng Hong is currently leading the prayer team in RunNat2010, connecting and gathering Intercessors from various churches and denominations to come together as one in prayer to God for our nation.