Dear MCC
Friends and Family:
I'm inviting you to be in prayer over the next few weeks for six members of our
MCC family who are traveling to Malaysia and Singapore to reach out in hope and
justice. Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair of the MCC Global Justice Team; Mary Jane
Gibney; Rev. Troy Perry, Founder of MCC; Philip Ray De Blieck; and Rev.
Boon Lin Ngeo are traveling to Malaysia and Singapore on behalf of our Global
Justice Team, in cooperation with MCC New York and with the blessings of MCC
Region 1.
We are excited that this second trip to Malaysia will include outreach and
ministry to already existing LGBT spiritual groups and churches, as well as
speaking engagements in other public settings. Our brother Boon, a well-known,
best-selling Malaysian author who was ordained in MCC earlier this year, was the
first gay man to come out publicly in Malaysia. Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair of
MCC's Global Justice Team will be speaking, MCC's Founder, Rev. Troy Perry,
will preach and lecture on the LGBT human rights movement, Mary Jane Gibney will
lecture on the importance of coming out from a mental health perspective, and
Boon Lion Ngeo will lecture on faith, homosexuality and human rights.
We will build on the work MCC has conducted in Southeast Asia in recent years
and continue to develop significant relationships there.
We believe this dynamic team will bring unprecedented attention to the spiritual
and justice needs of all LGBT persons of faith in Malaysia. Malaysia is a
predominantly Moslem country, but with a significant Christian minority.
Homosexuals are very closeted; there is still a great deal of fear and shame
connected with the issue and there is much repression and oppression to
overcome.
Please pray daily:
1. That there will be positive press and media attention to the visit;
2. That there will be many opportunities to connect with LGBT folks, especially
those seeking spiritual community;
3. That the visit will be a blessing to millions who have never heard of MCC,
or of LGBT Christians;
4. That our team will experience safety and God's protection;
5. That MCC might have a positive impact on public education and information
about homosexuality and human rights.
In addition to your personal prayers, I encourage you to hold this team in
prayers during your public worship through mid-August.
Thank you for your support and your prayers.
Rev. Nancy Wilson
Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches