Whether it’s dancing and singing with children at Mainly Music, serving up a nutritious feast at the weekly community meal, or teaching a class for Myanmar refugees in Kuala Lumpur, the members of Westgate Baptist Community are finding many ways to live out their faith by sharing God’s love and grace with others.
For Pastor Jill McDonald, Mainly Music is a big highlight of her week. “It astounds me that in an hour, such deep and significant ministry happens. We welcome families, share music with the kids, then we have a coffee together. It’s a beautiful way to connect with mums, dads and grandparents, learning about their lives, offering support and praying for them. It’s a wonderful way to share and demonstrate God’s abundant love in a tangible way.”
Another practical demonstration of this love is the community meal held each Monday night. Volunteers rescue food from Yarraville businesses and transform it into a nutritious meal for up to 70 people. There are around 50 volunteers who make this happen, many who aren’t people of faith but who have joined in and discovered community by helping out. “Hospitality is paramount for the dinner. People sit together to engage in conversation, lend a listening ear and share an amusing story or two. New people are welcomed with a lot of love and grace.”
There is also a regular Sacred Space available before the meal, offering people a quiet place for prayer. “The first meal I attended here was just after the Bondi attacks,” Jill said. “We offered a place for people to light candles representing prayers for those affected, and many people participated. We endeavour to be intentional about providing opportunities for prayer.”
That same heart of welcome and care extends beyond the church’s local community, reaching people who are navigating life far from home.
In July, seven people from the church visited Myanmar refugee communities in Kuala Lumpur to teach children, train teachers and bring messages of hope. “It really helped me to understand the gruelling experience of being a refugee – leaving your country; trying to educate your children; enduring racism, extortion and hatred; waiting for pathways out when so many doors are closed; and the challenging journey to a new country,” Jill said. “It heightened my awareness that there’s a whole lot of life that we take for granted.”
The trip was led by Laurie and Kay who have led 29 trips to KL so far. They have forged solid relationships with schools, principals and staff. “The people really appreciate this ongoing relationship with Westgate and the educational resourcing we offer. Some principals shared with me that it really helps them to know we care too, and know they’re not in this alone,” Jill said.
The trip inspired growth on many levels – strengthening relationships within the church, deepening partnerships with the Myanmar Christian family in KL, and opening the eyes of team members to things we so often take for granted, such as education, stable homes and the freedom to move safely and freely.