Bakar’s Story

11 June 2017 / Day 16

Malaysia: Bakar’s Story

Bakar had everything in place to succeed in life in his home in Malaysia: a loving, stable, family with no financial worries. As the only son in the family he was showered with attention and was the apple of his father’s eye. He felt under pressure to make his family proud.

Bakar stumbled under the pressure and was drawn into drug addiction. He ended up living on the streets, eating out of rubbish bins and looking for ways to get the next fix. Family was farthest from his mind at that point in time, his relationship with them was strained to breaking point and the rest of society did not look too kindly on him, either. Despair and loneliness were his constant companions.

One day, his needle-scarred legs unable to hold him up, Bakar collapsed behind a dumpster. He was found by a group of young Christians who brought him to the hospital for treatment. He spent one night in the hospital before the doctor told the nurses to get rid of “this piece of trash.”

His new friends collected him, brought him to their home and showered him with care and love, providing him with shelter and a place to recuperate. Their living example of the Gospel spoke volumes to Bakar’s heart, as they prayed unceasingly for him.

Touched by the sheer amount of love shown, Bakar could not contain it any longer. He asked them, “Why are you showing me such love? Whatever you have deep down inside, I want it too!”

Heaven rejoiced as Bakar decided to follow Isa Al-Masih. Today, he is happily married with a family, is a doting grandfather, and has reconciled with the rest of his family, particularly his father with whom he has become the closest of friends.

How to Pray

• Malaysia is officially an Islamic State but it also guarantees freedom of religion. Just over 60% of the population practice Islam while the rest are a variety of other religions, with Christians making up 9% of the population. Pray for ongoing peace and stability in this diverse nation.
• Malaysia has a growing drug problem, despite tough laws. Pray for new efforts being made to help rehabilitate addicts.
• Pray for Christians to live the gospel message as in this story, and in that way, be a living testimony.