In Malaysia, Adventists Spread Christmas Joy for Migrant Children

In a display of the Christmas spirit, several departments and ministries at Malaysia Union Mission (MAUM) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church recently joined forces for a charitable cause, brining joy to the children of the Children’s Future Education Centre, a school catering to Myanmar migrant workers and refugee children.

Representatives from MAUM headquarters traveled to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur in the early morning of December 13 for a day filled with activities for children from the Children’s Future Education Centre. Collaborating ministries included Adventist Community Services, Adventist Possibility Ministries, Children’s Ministries, and the Communication, Education, and Youth departments.

The day kicked off with a festive celebration at a local fast-food restaurant, setting the tone for the event. Forty-one students and four teachers from the center gathered just 15 minutes after the arrival of the MAUM team. The children were seated as the MAUM volunteers initiated the program with Christmas carols and a brief introduction to the day’s activities. After learning the names of all the volunteers, the children were organized into groups in preparation for the upcoming field trip.

The highlight of the morning unfolded as each student received a Christmas gift, setting off an atmosphere of excitement and gratitude. While unwrapping their presents, children enjoyed a party treat complete with sweet treats.

To enhance the party experience, volunteers organized games for the children. Smiles and laughter filled the air as the party concluded, and the children, in their designated groups, boarded the bus for the next segment of their adventure.

A short bus ride allowed the children to rest briefly before immersing themselves in a scientific educational experience at the National Science Centre. According to one of the teacher organizers, for many students, this marked their first field trip and their inaugural visit to the center. And they fully enjoyed the experience. “Despite their enthusiasm to explore galleries and engage in science-based activities, the children displayed commendable behavior throughout,” organizers reported. “They actively participated in robotics and digital games, making the most of this unique learning opportunity.”

After two enriching hours, it was time to bid farewell. Expressing their heartfelt thanks, the children said thanks to Malaysia Union Mission for sponsoring the field trip and organizing a memorable fellowship. The MAUM team reciprocated with prayers for the students, their families, teachers, and the school. “Each child returned home not only happy but also enriched by a newfound experience,” organizers reported.

MAUM church leaders said the church region welcomes individuals passionate about making a positive impact in underprivileged communities to join efforts in achieving the program’s primary goal. “Aligned with the church’s ‘I Will Go’ initiative, these ministries aim to establish a model for local missions by sharing the love of Jesus through total member involvement,” they said. The ministries seek to “reach out to immigrants and refugees in large cities, and [foster] intentional collaborations.”

The original version of this story was posted on the Malaysia Union Mission news site.