Youth Conference in Malaysia

I was blessed with the opportunity to plan Youth Conference for the 2nd time in Malaysia. We had 38 youth (ages 14-18) attend this year. Our theme was service, along the trend of missionary service. Mark and Casey were able to attend this year with me. (Marcus stayed home with Jordan and Benjamin. They had a great weekend of video games!)

Our first service opportunity was at at Spastic Center. Here the youth cleaned the dormitories where the patients lived. It was a humbling opportunity to do this, and at times, a little scary! Some of the patients had to be restrained, but all were happy to see our youth and their smiles.

Our second service opportunity was at a native village (Orang Asli). The youth planned activites such as games, songs, magic tricks and snacks for the 30+ children in the village.

We had a LONG (1 hour +) and arduous trek just to get to the village, so we were tired when we got there, but our spirits and smiles were still intact! Above is the bridge we crossly fearlessly...

Malaysia is home to rubber tree plantations. Along our trek to the Orang Asli village we passed by some that had been tapped that morning. They produce about a cup of 'rubber' sap every-other day. They tap them by cutting and stripping the bark off. The sap doesn't smell very nice when you put your fingers in it like Mark is doing. : )

Along with service, we did an obstacle course, a flying fox and kayaking. The youth ditched the kayaks after about 30 minutes and ended up floating in the lake for the remaining 1 1/2 hours. All good, clean fun!



Mark 'warmed' them up before kayaking. I had started it, but my pump kept falling out of my swimsuit whilst trying to do jumping jacks - it was funny to see the looks on the kids faces! LOL