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Malaysia

Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM)

 
A classroom in Malaysia
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through the Global Mission has positions available in Malaysia for ELCA young adults,
ages 21-29. Volunteers must be flexible and able to work cooperatively, in good physical health, emotionally resilient, and culturally sensitive. They must also be willing to engage in inter-cultural issues, serve in diverse communities (both ethnically, socio-economically and inter-faith), have a commitment to live simply and to learn basic communication skills in Bahasa-Malaysia.

Context
The YAGM program in Malaysia is based in and around the city of Kota Kinabalus. Kota Kinabalu (known to locals as "KK") is a city of 500,000 people and serves as the capital of Sabah state. Sabah is located on the eastern island of Malaysia, formerly known as Borneo. Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country. Though the state of Sabah has the highest concentration of Christians in the country, YAGM volunteers serving here will have the opportunity to engage interfaith issues through their service.

Our host is the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia (BCCM), which is a member church of the Lutheran World Federation. Originally founded by Chinese immigrants, the BCCM today is a church that includes indigenous Malaysians as well as Chinese. Several churches in KK also have English-language services.

Children in Malaysia
Websites for more information
What opportunities are available?
Placement opportunities support ministries of the church, as well as, local NGOs and may include some of the following: 
  • Serve in an orphanage setting with neglected, underprivileged, and abused children
  • Educational outreach programs supporting marginalized, indigenous and immigrant children who are unable to access public schooling.
  • Assist in education and outreach in schools affiliated with the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia
  • Work with youth and adults with mental and physical handicaps
  • Participate in local congregational programs, including worship, youth and music, scouts and camps
  • Support seminary students in their English study and learning



What Is Provided?
As a Young Adult in Global Mission, you will have the opportunity to learn more about yourself, grow in faith, and increase in understanding of your place in God’s world. In addition, you will receive:

  • 35-40 hours per week work assignment
  • Housing (varies depending on the site – home stay, shared housing, apartments, on-campus housing, etc)
  • Food (either provided with your housing arrangement or by cash allowance)
  • Pocket Money
  • Vacation time as determined by country program
  • Orientation in the US at the start of service
  • Training conferences, retreats, and seminars throughout your period of service
  • Opportunities for reflection, study, prayer and community building
  • Supervision and support through your placement and an in-country program coordinator
  • Airfare to and from your home and Malaysia
  • Medical Insurance
  • Student loan deferment

What Is My Commitment?
  • Attend the Discernment Event weekend in mid-April
  • One year of service, beginning in mid-August with orientation
  • Raise at least $4,000 towards program and support costs (let staff know if you have questions or concerns)

Applications received by February 15 will be given first priority. Final deadline for applications is March 1.
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