Bruce and Daphne Cleaves, from Peace Kumbia Taabinga congregation in Queensland, were working full‑time in their small Speech Pathology practice when Bruce noticed (around 2019) on the LCA International Mission webpage a position available for a Speech Pathologist in Peninsular Malaysia. Having previously travelled to Malaysia, we were immediately interested and agreed to “file this […]

Bruce and Daphne Cleaves, from Peace Kumbia Taabinga congregation in Queensland, were working full‑time in their small Speech Pathology practice when Bruce noticed (around 2019) on the LCA International Mission webpage a position available for a Speech Pathologist in Peninsular Malaysia. Having previously travelled to Malaysia, we were immediately interested and agreed to “file this possibility away in our brains” for when we were finally free of our business responsibilities.

In early 2025, after retiring fully, we contacted LCA International Mission and had our first communication with their staff member, Erin Kerber, someone whom we have come to know and value over the years since. About 12 months later, with Erin quietly working behind the scenes and unbeknown to us, she identified a need in Kota Kinabalu (KK), the capital of Sabah State, within the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia Kota Kinabalu English (BCCM KK English). We were invited to consider a three‑week Exploratory Visit in KK. Daphne to support people with special needs, and Bruce to visit the church’s Basel Garden complex to assess how his plant pathology background might be of assistance.

This opportunity finally became a reality in January 2026 when we flew to KK and met our placement contact, Priscilla Chiu. We later met Dean Renny Khoo, Pastor Lo Yi Ping, and many other members of the congregation.

We thoroughly enjoyed our three weeks meeting the clients and their families, as well as the many volunteers from the Handprints programs, which include the Toy Library, the I’m Able baking program, and the Café. We were also stunned by the beauty of the scenery around Basel Garden; it resembled a more tropical version of our own South Burnett landscape.

Throughout our stay, we were very conscious of the presence of our Lord and the ways He continually cares for us. Being part of the proverbial “baby boomer” and “war effort” generations, we were aware of potential health hazards or dangers, and yet we returned home in one piece. Not a single band‑aid was required. Thank you, Lord.

We found the Malaysians we met from the three main language groups (Malay, Chinese, Kadazandusun) to be extremely friendly, helpful, generous, and polite. This included congregational members, the families we supported, church and agricultural staff at Basel Gardens, retail shop assistants, the security officer at Likas Square where we stayed, and the many “Grab” drivers who transported us around KK.

We are very grateful to Erin for taking the time and making the effort to travel from Adelaide to Kumbia in the South Burnett to be part of our Commissioning Service. Erin supported us continually through online contact, despite time differences and varying internet connections. Our online conversations then naturally turned into prayer for our time in KK and for our safe return home.

Where to from here? We are not sure, and we will leave that decision in the hands of our Triune God and in any feedback that Erin receives from BCCM KK English.

If you would like to consider the opportunity to serve as a volunteer in mission, serving in practical ways, teaching English, teaching in the seminaries and institutions of our partner churches, or in local churches, you are invited to phone LCA International Mission on (08) 8267 7317 or email lcaim@lca.org.au. For more information, go to https://www.lcamission.org.au/join-gods-mission/volunteer/

Read more stories about volunteering at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/join-gods-mission/volunteers/