I didn’t go to this rural area of Eastern Malaysia with undue expectations of what I might encounter. I’ve served overseas before, so any nervousness I had was more about whether I would serve effectively where God had sent me. I was acutely aware that I didn’t know the language, knew practically nothing about the […]

I didn’t go to this rural area of Eastern Malaysia with undue expectations of what I might encounter. I’ve served overseas before, so any nervousness I had was more about whether I would serve effectively where God had sent me. I was acutely aware that I didn’t know the language, knew practically nothing about the country, and would be the one needing to observe, learn and adapt.

Although library support was the expressed task given to me, I knew that this could cover a wide range of needs. And yes, the role really evolved once I was there. And that was okay.

It helped that I was shown a lengthy accreditation manual which the Seminary hopes to meet in due course. This gave me a focus as I prepared a report for the Protestant Church in Sabah (PCS) Luther Seminary and PCS church boards about what would be required for the library to go online.

I spent time researching what would work in a context where internet access isn’t always available and power outages are quite common. I looked at library management systems, investigated training opportunities for staff, and considered what equipment and facilities would be needed.

My practical bent meant that almost from day one I was unpacking donated books, reorganising shelves, handwriting new spine labels where Dewey numbers had faded, and creating shelf signage. I had also suggested that painting the library would give it a fresh look and that’s exactly what I ended up doing during my final weeks there.

Living on campus gave me the opportunity to see how PCS Luther Seminary serves both its students and the many people who come to learn outside the formal program. Yes, there are classes, but the staff are also there caring, guiding and walking alongside students. My coworker, for example, took sick students to the clinic and bought food for students to cook.

Despite the language barrier, I hoped my interactions with students would deepen over time as they practised speaking English with me and came to trust me. They were encouraged by the Principal to speak with me, and over the weeks they made that effort. Their initial reticence gradually disappeared as they became accustomed to my presence.

There is an English class at the Seminary, and students are encouraged to improve their English. This is becoming increasingly important as the Seminary works towards accreditation, with the expectation of more academic work being done in English. At present, however, lectures are in Bahasa Malay and many of the library books the students use are also in that language. I could see that helping students with their English (perhaps especially with their written assignments) may become a worthwhile aspect of the librarian’s role in the future.

There were advantages, I think, in being a “mother” type figure. I was called “Madam” and was always treated respectfully. Students could be quite inquisitive, and I sometimes found myself answering unexpected questions. Yet they also confided in me, and over time I became increasingly comfortable asking questions of my own.

If I was not always culturally correct from their point of view, they were gracious about my mistakes. I hope I was able to live out my faith appropriately and discern the difference between those things that are core Christian values that I wouldn’t budge on and those things that are simply culturally different and can be embraced.

Apart from their studies, the students’ Christian formation extends well beyond the classroom through practical tasks, worship, and involvement in local churches where many will one day serve. The library itself was something of a common room. It was the place where students printed assignments, spent time together and occasionally sought help. Our hope is that one day they will have access to an online catalogue, e-books and journals, and a library environment that is welcoming, practical and supportive of their learning and ministry formation.

I admired and was so grateful for my coworker, who had responsibility for the library despite having no formal library training. Her gracious hospitality towards me was heartwarming, especially considering she has a young family, serves the church, supports the students, and yet still found time to transport me offcampus to shops, take me on outings, to her church and to visit her family – mother and siblings, nephew and neighbours who dropped in, and would even arrive at my door on weekends with food.

Through our daily interactions we talked about our countries, our families, cultural differences, faith, life experiences and the many questions that arise when people from different backgrounds spend time together. In due course we could laugh and gently tease one another. I think we became genuinely concerned for each other’s wellbeing.

I was also able to communicate at quite deep levels with other staff members. One even thanked me for being a good listener. I became the recipient of their dreams, concerns and reflections. Perhaps it was my age that helped them trust me and open up.

Towards the end of my time there, I was humbled when I learned that communicating across languages required much more effort than I had realised. The experience reminded me that cross-cultural communication requires patience, humility and grace, and that true understanding can never be taken for granted. A dose of humour from both sides made with care also helps. “We all smile in the same language.”

Realistically, I came knowing that 90 days was not going to be enough to complete the library project objective. Yet I was blessed by the opportunity to come alongside the Christian community of PCS Luther Seminary, to be welcomed and cared for with such generosity, and to play a small part in a shared vision for theological education and ministry.

Through the relationships formed, the conversations shared and the encouragement given and received between us, I came away convinced that this was about far more than books. The vision for the library is now our vision. Leaning on the grace and provision of our Lord.

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/