Mission Report: Malaysia: October 2010

Missionary Trip to Malaysia—Reported by Dr. Ligaya A. Acosta, August 10-15, 2011

This past August I returned to Kota Kinabalu for my third missionary trip to this beautiful city, which has equally beautiful people. Beneath the calm facade though, termites are eating the foundation, with IPPF, among others very actively promoting the culture of death. IPPF has a regional office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and slowly but surely, it has spread its tentacles all over Malaysia, which, unknown to many, has already approved abortion and freely dispenses “emergency contraception.”

Perhaps, as some attendees at my talks said, Malaysians are just a peace-loving and trusting people who don’t like to get involved in pro-life activism work, especially if it puts them in conflict with well-known organizations and individuals, much less the government, which has approved mandatory sex education in schools! Moreover, pro-lifers are usually busy taking care of their own families, and thus, they do not have much time to spare, or so they think. On my third trip, they promised to be more pro-active, and they publicly expressed guilt that they were not doing enough.

BACKGROUND

My previous mission trips to Kota Kinabalu were wonderful experiences, where thousands of students and youth took the vow of chastity and many Church leaders and parishioners attended my talks. Organization of a pro-life ministry in the diocese, in fact, has been an offshoot of HLI’s previous visits, fully supported by the two great bishops here, Archbishop John Lee and Co-Adjutor Bishop John Wong. Pro-life activism, however, is still wanting, although they have begun doing counseling.

As in my previous trips here, my coming was organized by the President of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, Anthony Lim, who, together with his ever smiling wife Celine, met me at the airport. Spending time in the home of what I call “the holy family” is always such a great pleasure. Celine is such a great cook and can whip up mouth-watering dishes in a second.

Ligaya conducting pro-life training for the diocese of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, August 2011.

Anthony and Celine and their family of five children are such wonderful Catholics, and each of them is involved in the different ministries of the Church. Their youngest, 11-year old Sheryll, whom two doctors they consulted when Celine was pregnant with her advised her to have the child aborted, as she was “abnormal” is now a great baker. The last time I came, she and her brother Daryll (who has aspired to becoming pope since he was very young!) topped the catechism class for children! Another daughter Elaine, who manages Anthony’s business when he is away doing business for God, produced a most wonderful pro-life video, inspired by their attendance at last year’s Asia-Pacific Congress that Human Life International held in Manila, Philippines. Elaine, who seemed to be a very shy young lady, is actually a youth leader in their church, and transforms when she sings beautifully in the church’s youth band. Of course with great parents like Anthony and Celine, who both lovingly dote on all their children, it is not surprising that the children would follow in their path towards God. If all families were like them, we would not have any problem in this world.

PRO-LIFE TRAINING

As before, my days and nights in Kota Kinabalu were packed. Anthony made sure, as he always does, that my time was maximized – conducting a two-day pro-life training in the daytime for clergy, religious, diocesan Church leaders and parishioners; and giving sessions for the general public and youth in the evenings. Each new session would washed away my fatigue, as the number of participants would always increase. Parents of the children even came to attend my sessions for the youth. The two bishops came in the morning of the first day, and the archbishop officiated the closing Mass. As always, Archbishop John Lee is very powerful at delivering pro-life homilies. With two very supportive bishops, it is not surprising that the Catholics of Kota Kinabalu would be loyal to the Church, and ready to serve at a short notice.

Participants at Ligaya’s session for the youth.

On the last day before I left, I was guest speaker at the 28th Anniversary of the Lord Jesus Covenant Community of about 300 women of Kota Kinabalu, which they call “Women’s Brunch”. Dubbed “Women of Grace,” the theme for this year’s celebration was “My Grace is sufficient for you,” about which I can indeed speak overwhelmingly from my heart. I have undergone years of purification after my conversion from being rabidly pro-choice to staunchly pro-life, and it was when I had nothing I found that when you have God in your life, you have found the pearl of great price for which you are willing to sell all your positions. It was when I had literally nothing after giving up my job at the Department of Health in the Philippines and my multi-million peso consultancies that I saw and experienced God’s most amazing goodness and glory.

When I entered the beautiful hotel where the activity was held, I felt my heart beat faster. All the women were in flowing gowns and dresses of purple – the color of gender feminists! In my home country, the Philippines, I have stopped wearing purple because recently, the pro-choice people launched a purple ribbon campaign encouraging everyone to wear purple as a sign of their support to the most diabolical reproductive health bill. I had to convince myself I was not in the Philippines to calm my heart and mind. However, as the event opened with songs of praise and worship, and very touching opening remarks of its leader, Monica Kong, I had peace. And with God’s amazing grace, my talk was very well accepted by everyone, and I was asked to speak again next time.

The youth of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, taking the vow of chastity.

On the night before I left, I had a wonderful dinner meeting with Anthony and Celine and another Anthony and Monica Kong, to plan for the 19th Human Life International Asia-Pacific Congress on Faith, Life and Family in November 2011. The leaders were so inspired by the talks that by the proddings of the Holy Spirit, the hosting of the next ASPAC was decided during one lunch in the training, instantly approved by the Archbishop, and overwhelmingly supported by the women who attended the Women’s brunch.

God is good and God is great! Truly, when we surrender everything to Him, He can powerfully use us for His glory. For this third visit, HLI with God’s amazing grace touched more than a thousand souls.

To the staff and personnel of HLI-Central who always go out of their way to give us in the frontlines their all out support, and to all the generous benefactors of Human Life International, I THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, for allowing me to be a part of this greatest and most important work on earth. May God continue to bless you and your families, and reward you a million fold!