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Is GOD at work in Malaysia?

8 January 2010 marked a dark day in Malaysian history. I was shocked and sad having read about the senseless Friday morning arson attacks on four churches in Klang Valley.

(Pic Scource: Ortho Cuban)

Churches attacked:

1. Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati (Assemblies of God)
2. Church of Assumption in Petaling Jaya
3. Life Chapel Church in Section 17 Petaling Jaya (Brethren)
4. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Petaling Jaya (Lutheran)

Thankfully the attackers failed in the latter three attempts.

This series of concerted attacks was linked to the High Court’s decision on new year’s eve, to allow Herald (a local Catholic publication) to use the word ‘Allah’ in its Bahasa Malaysia section. This ruling has triggered outrage among Muslim groups who say the word ‘Allah’ refers to the Muslim God and must not be used among non-Muslims.

Pictures of scenes in Metro Tabernacle and Life Chapel (taken from The Star)

As Malaysians, we pride ourselves in being part of a peaceful multiracial society.We have learned the hard way, from the 1969 racial riot, and we promised ourselves never to allow such an atrocious event to repeat itself. But at the rate that the political situation has been playing out lately, many fear that it is beginning to gnaw at the very fabric of the nation’s social harmony.

A Blessing in Disguise?

The Christian Bible tells the story of Joseph, a man who was highly favored by God. In the story, Joseph was sold by his brothers into bondage. He served his master well, and being handsome and well-built, his master’s wife tried to seduce him.

But Joseph stood firm.

Despite this he was unjustly thrown in jail by his master. In jail he found favor and even rose to become Prime Minister of Egypt, saving the nation from 7 years of famine. Joseph later said to his brothers:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20

Thank God there were no casualties in the fire bombing. Moreover, take a look at the aftermath:
1. Malaysia’s Government slammed the arson attacks. The Church has found sympathy with political leaders. Key political figures visiting churches must come as a welcome surprise for Christian leaders.
2. Metro Tabernacle even found favour – it was offered the use of Dewan San Choon in Wisma MCA to hold itsSunday service. It is understood that Metro Tabernacle will also receive some RM500,000 in government assistance. This should come in handy for Metro Tabernacle to fund their new building.
3. Anwar Ibrahim is understood to have addressed Christian leaders yesterday. So both the Government and the Opposition are taking this seriously. Could this be a time of favour for Christians and the Church in Malaysia?

Metro Tabernacle’s RM23 million new building will be completed this year. The religious extremists are frustrated in their efforts even before they started.

Malaysia’s political balance has become more delicate in recent years. Christian votes can prove to be the swing factor in the next election indeed. So it pays for the government to take this matter seriously!

Here’s the zillion dollar question….

Will we see (in the near future) the opening up of Christian evangelism in Muslim Malaysia?

Right now, Christians are free to gather in worship as enshrined in the Constitution. But it is illegal for Christians to evangelize to the Muslim society.

How do we expect to see the success of 1Malaysia if if there is hatred between religious groups? As civilized individuals, we should not let incidents like this affect rational thought and send us spiralling into a flurry of racial and religious rage.

Malaysians are Peaceful People

This church bombing is the first of its kind in Malaysia as far as anyone can remember. While it is disturbing, non-Malaysians should be assured that Malaysians are friendly civilized people and not a nation of extremists. While we may be rude motorists from time to time on the average, it is a far cry from being religious fanatics.

The situation is extremely sensitive, as it is with all religious conflicts. Eyes are not only on the government but the opposition and the social community too. Will there be more church bombings to come?

I hope there will not be any retaliation on either side.

In Jordan, churches and mosques stand next to each other. Christians and Muslims live side by side in social and political harmony. Both parties treat each other with mutual respect and tolerance. Ultimately, all religions teach us to think and act with love and compassion.

Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Freethinkers…. is this not what we should all strive for?

Common scene in Jordan. (Picture by khaled Al-Bajjali)

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