The WDP (World Day of Prayer) Team comprising of Ms. Shakuntala Abraham, Ms. Mary Thomas, Ms. Josephine Daniel, Ms. Scholastica Ng, Ms. Omana Mathews and Rev. Elizabeth Enjut from Malaysia visited the WDP organization and other organizations in Germany from the 26th April to 7th May 2012. The main places of visit were Westfalen, Lippspringe in Soest, Neuendettelsau, Neunkirchen, Spalt, Schweinfurt in Bavaria.
In Westfalen, we were not only greeted with open arms but were housed in a beautiful Mission house which became our home for the next 6 days . We were then invited to the WDP women’s group to share our experiences as the writer country for the WDP 2012. We shared on how the theme was presented and accepted by the WDP international as well as the setting up of the writer’s committee and the numerous meetings that was held to write the liturgy and the worship. We also shared on the struggles and issues faced by Malaysian Christians on the whole as well as the positive steps taken to overcome certain issues. We continued to share the work of the Council of Churches of Malaysia and how it had addressed issues pertaining to religious freedom in the country as well as justice and social issues.
We also visited a shelter for abused women and an asparagus farm and many century old churches so rich in their history and their brilliant architecture. One of the hosts took us to her home where we had fellowship with her family and had a meal prepared by her mother.
One Sunday we were invited to a church in Lippspringe to attend a confirmation service and after the service we met the Council members and had a typical German lunch.
On the 1st of May we travelled to Bavaria where our stay was hosted by the Mission EineWelt (MEW), Neuendettelsau . The next day we met the Board members of the MEW as well as the General Secretary of WDP. On both these meetings we had a sharing and also answered many questions raised by them pertaining to the conditions in Malaysia , from social to religious issues. We also visited a theological seminary that evening.
We then went to Nuenkirchen where a group of women had gathered to greet us. There too we shared about our country and they were amazed as to the many denominations that were in Malaysia. For in most part of Germany there were only the Catholics and Lutherans with a small minority of Orthodox. We also visited a farm , and a place called Spaltz. We were given a guided tour of Spaltz which was so full of history. We were also treated with fresh sausages right from the butcher’s shop. Here too we were given a lavish meal. We ended the day by joining the WDP women committee for an evening devotion.
We continued our journey to Schweinfurt and visited a high school. This was an experience as the Principal along with students and a reporter from a local paper had gathered in a hall and we were asked to share about our country. We proudly presented Malaysia as a country where the people live in harmony even though we are multi culture, multi racial and multi religious.
On our way back to Malaysia we stayed in Frankfurt for one night hosted by Rev. Dr. Wolfgang and his wife who also gave us a good dinner and made arrangements for us to do some shopping.
Our experience in Germany was so enriching and most of all we wish to thank God for giving us the opportunity to visit Germany and to share our faith and our work with so many sisters in Christ.
The air of spring was everywhere with the blooming flowers so rich in colour and the freshness of the air reminded us of how true this bible verse was:
“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” Luke 12: 27
Truly, Germany was an experience, the hospitality of the people, their churches, their labour of love, their food, their fields of flowers and most of all their commitment to the World Day of Prayer will always stay in our hearts and in our minds forever.
If we may, on behalf of the WDP Malaysia Writer Committee, acknowledge that God was our source, our wisdom and our strength throughout the preparation of the worship order and through this experience it has taught us how an important a task the Lord had placed on us .
All Glory Be To God.
WDP Team, Malaysia
