Come, Let Us Rise Up and Rebuild (Nehemiah 2:17-18)

Time has passed by so quickly. We experienced God doing new things in the past year and we are amazed at the many doors of opportunity while facing challenges in order for us to serve the poor and needy communities. What a joy to see lives such as ex-prisoners, people with special needs, rural and urban folks being transformed in the various programmes initiated in 2022.

As we were reflecting and seeking the Lord, we realised that we needed to come together with the local churches and our partners to rise up to the occasion. The nation faces many challenges, especially the high cost of living. The many people crying out for help to get back to their normal lifestyle seems daunting and families are falling behind in their economic, social and emotional needs.

God impressed upon Nehemiah’s heart to be part of His promise to rebuild the walls of the returned exiles that bring hope to their lives. Like Nehemiah, Malaysian CARE is committed to serve the poor, the needy and the marginalised communities. In the new year 2023, we will see how we can work together in the rebuilding, restoration and transformation of lives.

Rebuilding  – The Lord had granted Nehemiah favour by giving him all the resources, security and manpower to help him to rebuild the broken walls within 52 days. He had to travel approximately 2,700 km and the journey was tough and dangerous as they travelled to different areas. This post-pandemic and endemic times seem daunting as the future is uncertain, especially for the B40 and marginalised communities. It is time for us to rise up and take action to rebuild those broken lives. 

Question: Are there any broken walls in your life? Check out our online Christian Social Concern Directory which provides services all over the nation.

Restoration – Nehemiah 2:17-18: “Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.” Nehemiah was able to reconnect with his people to come together to restore the broken walls. For us today, the broken walls could be economic, social, emotional and spiritual. The restoration of the wall also strengthens both physical and spiritual. Nehemiah even restored the word of God into their lives.

Question: Have we come together to help those in need? Please share your restoration testimony and email it to us at [email protected].

Transformation – After the restoration, Nehemiah began to reform their daily activities and how they, especially those who are rich, should treat each other and obey what is written in the Bible. He advocated and helped the poor. He looked into the needs of the poor people: food insecurity or lack of it, having their land or children sold, or being unable to repay their debts as they are charged with high interest. His advocacy involved the individual self, co-advocacy and public advocacy. He challenged the rich to return their land and waive the interest. We eventually see in Nehemiah 9 that the Israelites confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers.

Question: Are we prepared to stand alongside those who faced injustice? If you are interested to join us in advocacy in the transformation of lives, please email us at [email protected].

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Article by Alvin Lim. Executive Director
Taken from Malaysian CARE's quarterly newsletter - CARE Contact, Dec 2022 Edition.