Posted by Joshua San • Feb 11, 2023
As a volunteer, I got to know John (name concealed for privacy) at the Saturday Jalan Sultan Street Ministry (JSSM). John walked with draggy small steps due to stroke.
Every week, without fail, he would turn up at around noon, even though JSSM only started at 2pm. He always sat in front of the worship guitarist, waiting patiently for the two hours.
He was a quiet loner who seldom mingled with other street friends, but by God’s grace, he slowly opened up as time went by.
John is of Malaysian-Filipino descent from Sandakan, Sabah and came to Peninsula to work. When he reached 60, his company terminated him and he eventually ended up sleeping on the street for many years.
He wanted to go back to Sandakan. How wonderful it would be for John if this could be realised! But this was easier said than done without his family’s help!
“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:25-26)
The months passed on as he waited. There was no certainty if this was going to happen.
One night, while sleeping on the street, his wallet was stolen from his pants pocket. This unfortunate event put another stumbling block in his path to going back home. Without his IC, he couldn’t travel back!
When our God is big, our problems are small!
He sought help from the KL Urban Fellowship (KLUF) for the IC application fees. Amazingly, he also met an American lady who also helped street friends. She brought him to a nearby government department to apply for his new IC.
Another hurdle appeared when there was a delay in the collection of the IC, but the collection period was extended. He was so happy and relieved when he finally held it in his hand, flashing his new IC to me joyfully!
God’s timing is always perfect.
One Saturday when I arrived at JSSM, I noticed that his hair was cut and combed neatly. He looked clean and smart, smiling, unlike his usual sad face.
He told me excitedly “my niece looked for me for three weeks and found me! My brother already bought a one-way ticket for me. He is going to bring me home!” His emphasis on “one way ticket” made me smile. What joyful news! God had moved his family’s hearts to search for him.
Looking for street friends in KL is difficult, as they roam around from place to place. It was only by God’s grace that his niece was able to find him!
Praise the Lord for moving people and opening doors. John is very thankful for the JSSM lunch ministry, KLUF and everyone who had helped him.
What an awesome ending and a new beginning for John!
For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)