The Women’s Care and Counselling Centre (WCCC) is a service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM). The staff involved with WCCC reach out to women who are in vulnerable situations. Here, Deaconess Elizabeth Gopal shares the stories of four women who God gifted the WCCC the opportunity to care for. Approximately three years […]

The Women’s Care and Counselling Centre (WCCC) is a service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM). The staff involved with WCCC reach out to women who are in vulnerable situations. Here, Deaconess Elizabeth Gopal shares the stories of four women who God gifted the WCCC the opportunity to care for.

Approximately three years ago, I received a call from Cynthia. She and her family had come to Malaysia from Pakistan under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees program. In a state of uncertainty, and trying to adjust to a foreign land, she reached out to whoever was willing to help her. Thankfully, an acquaintance from Good Samaritan Church told her to contact me. During our conversation, Cynthia explained that she needed financial assistance, as she and her husband could not secure jobs. We met in person, and I took the opportunity to minister and to pray for her. Before we parted, I provided some money and clothes and advised that she search for a simple job. Recently I received another call from Cynthia. She was in need of some work clothes for a job she had obtained as an event planner, organising events and functions for her Christian community. I thank God for how his compassion reaches into the lives of those who are struggling.

A few years ago, while on my way to visit one of my relatives, I came upon a roadside stall where a lady was selling food. As I enquired about food I could take to my relatives, we began to talk more about her business, and she told me of her struggles. Her husband was not well, and she could barely make ends meet. Often, the little she earned went toward her husband’s medical bills. When she couldn’t pay for her husband to go to medical appointments, where he would receive a script from the doctor, he was unable to get the medication he needed. I decided to travel to the Klang General Hospital where her husband received his medical treatment and speak to one of the medical officers. By the grace of God, I spoke with the person in charge of the welfare department. This lady’s husband is now able to regularly purchase his medication and is on his journey to recovery.

The Women’s Care and Counselling Centre is connected to those who are involved with supporting low-income families. It was through our connections that we were able to secure some financial support for the family of Ms Li Lian. With this generosity, she could pay her children’s school fees and buy essential items. As the Lord led me, I saw the opportunity to speak with Ms Li Lian about Christ and, praise the Lord, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Saviour. Ms Li Lian now attends a Lutheran church in Sri Subang where the pastor regularly visits her, and church members have rallied alongside her as she journeys with Christ. Recently she shared with me that her husband had passed away after his health took a bad turn. She needed help with the welfare paperwork, so I assisted where I could. She is thankful to God that she is now working a full-time job in a clinic. Every day there are needs to be met and our Lord Jesus is ever ready to meet those needs, no matter how small they are.

Late last year, I learned of a young student nurse who had become pregnant out of wedlock and could not continue her studies. Teenage pregnancies are a significant public health challenge for our nation, as many girls and their babies suffer with complications from early and unintended pregnancies. Strengthening female education, reproductive health, life skills training, as well as empowerment and awareness raising are urgently needed. I arranged to meet with this young woman and was able to provide some counselling. After a few counselling sessions and with the involvement of her parents, the young student nurse decided to have her baby and then give it for adoption. She will be giving birth in two months. Please pray the birth will go smoothly.

God our Heavenly Father has a heart for our sisters, our daughters, our mothers, ourselves… for those who are victims of violence, women who are raped, women sold or tricked into the sex trade, mothers whose children are taken away, children who are neglected and underprivileged, women trapped in destructive relationships, women and girls who are discriminated for their faith, and older women who are frail in body or mind. Thanks be to God that he opens possibilities for us to love these women with His love.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Malaysia at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/malaysia-peninsula/