Dengar Doa Kami

In recent times, they've been an urgent call for believers and churches to arise in prayer be it for Malaysia or the world for that matter. It's clear. God is stirring something in our midst, something beyond the physical realm. With all that's been happening in our nation and in the world, there's a climate change in the spiritual. In Penang and in Gateway City Church, the message is clear - we need to intercede for the city and nation.

In line with what God has placed in our hearts, Run for the Nation has been initiated in Penang about two years ago. Since then, we've been challenging churches to be part of this prayer run event, believing that as people run through every street corner of Penang God will answer their prayers of blessing upon the city and nation. This year, as we see what God is doing, we decided to initiate Run for Penang - a prayer run event focussing on rallying churches in Penang to intercede specifically for this city that He has placed us in.

As part of the organising team, I was given the charge to oversee the overall running of the event. Hence, I didn't literally "run" with the participants. However, while driving and overseeing the event, 3 very simple yet essential truths came clear to me. 

1. We are His chosen people

Seeing the young and the old coming out as early as 3.30am just to pray for the city was mind-blowing! Not to mentioned the team from KL and RunNat Comm who came up to Penang just the night before to support us in prayer was awesome! It was truly an encouragement to me to see people of all ages heeding the call to pray. As I see these people run and pray, God just assured me 1 Peter 2: 8-10 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light". 

The time is now for us to arise in faith, young or old, God has chosen us to be the salt and light of this generation. We are His "special possession", warriors of His army!

2. The Light will come and darkness will be removed

Besides being known for the land of good food, Penang is also marked with numerous temples and idol worshippers. Driving through the different parts of Penang, passing through different temples and communities, it was evident that this city is plagued by darkness. The enemy is preying upon this land and its people. But God once again assured me that His light will shine through amidst the darkness - "... that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light". 

 

As runners ran through the streets and declare praises to God, I believe God was and is already in the process of exerting His wonderful light amongst the darkness that we see. He is causing a spiritual change in this city.

Run. Pray. Believe.

3. United as a Holy Nation

The beautiful sight of seeing different individuals from different churches coming together was an assurance that unity is crucial. 1 Pet 2: 8 says that we are his "holy nation" and the picture of a nation that comes to my mind is synonym to that of a united group of people coming together under a single government, and that's God. Should change happen in Penang we must first stand united as one body of Christ. 

Different churches represented by individuals praying together 

at the closing of RunPen in EPCC.

Standing united as one body of Christ.

Although RunPen has officially ended, let's continue to assume our role as His chosen people. A ripple of change is coming our way. Surely He listens to our prayer and His hand is moving in our midst. Let's keep pressing in, advancing forward with single-mindedness to glorify His name. Unity among brothers and sisters must be fostered. As we do that, darkness will flee and God's wonderful light will shine through upon this city and nation. 

RunPen organizing committee with the KL RunNat team.