If we looked in the Bible, the Gospel is not just about personal salvation but is about the Kingdom of God. If the Gospel is only about personal salvation or eternal life, wouldn’t it be better to die quickly so that we can ascend to Heaven?
The Gospel has to be Good News now, not just after death. ‘I came that they may have life and have it abundantly,’ said Jesus. If we understand it as ‘now,’ we need to help them (the poor) experience the Good News now.
In fact, Jesus referred to the Gospel as the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:13-14; Matt 4:23; Luke 4:43). And understanding the Gospel as the Kingdom of God enlarges our perspective. The Kingdom of God is Good News to all, especially the poor and oppressed for God rules with justice and equity.
So, who does the Kingdom of God belongs to? The Kingdom of God belongs to those who identify with the poor, the hungry, the thirsty, the strangers, the naked, the sick, the captives (Matt 25:34-40) because that is where the heart of the Father is! Even Christ resounded the heart of the Father, by declaring His heart for the poor, brokenhearted, captives, blind, and oppressed (Luke 4:18-19).
Who are the poor in Malaysia? Where are the poor? If we want to find the poor, we must go to where they are. That is why the Great Commission says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19).” In other words, make disciples there or where they are.
The Orang Asli and natives of Sabah and Sarawak – the ‘Other Bumiputera’ account for 51% of poor households though they only make up 9% of the total households in Malaysia. God is bringing the Bumiputera church to the fore through the recent events in Malaysia. Firstly, in the context of Jubilee, their position as the original owners of the land is significant and the rest of the Church needs to stand with them in preserving or regaining their ancestral land. Secondly, they are the majority of the Christian community. Should we not care for our brothers and sisters in our household?
(JOYCE THONG, MALAYSIAN CARE)