Teh Yong Tatt / Malaysia
In early August, members of ASEZ WAO’s 2nd Kuala Lumpur Branch carried out a restoration project for a school’s exterior walls in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur. To breathe new life into the 60-year-old school, they chose to create a colorful mural promoting environmental awareness and education.
The volunteers gathered as early as 5 a.m., cleaning the area around the walls and repairing cracks before beginning their work. From morning until afternoon, they painted under the scorching sun, yet the joy of volunteering sustained them as they transformed the walls with bright, lively colors. Passersby stopped to cheer them on, and some even joined in to lend a hand.
Just as the mural was nearing completion and the air was filled with excitement, dark clouds suddenly gathered overhead. Moments later, a torrential downpour began. The volunteers quickly packed up their tools and ran for shelter. It was heartbreaking to watch the fresh paint wash away before it had even dried. Then, one member ran back toward the wall, holding up an umbrella to shield it from the rain. Others soon followed, forming a line of umbrellas in front of the wall. The rain may have washed away the colors of the wall, but it could never wash away the volunteers’ passion and determination.
Unfortunately, for safety reasons, we had no choice but to stop working. When the storm subsided, we looked at the wall and saw streaks where the paint had washed away. Just as we began to fear that all our morning’s effort had been in vain, a school official pointed to a section of the wall and exclaimed,
“Wow, this mural looks like the aurora! It’s beautiful!”
Indeed, where we had once painted a rainbow and clouds, the rain had blended the colors into the wall, creating a glowing, aurora-like effect. When the official even asked to take a photo in front of the “aurora mural,” and everyone burst into laughter, and the heaviness in our hearts instantly lifted.
In that moment, I realized how one person’s positive perspective can change the outlook of an entire group. I was reminded of how crucial an individual’s role is in the work of the gospel. When someone firmly trusts in God’s promises and keeps their eyes fixed on His prophecies, others are awakened, and ultimately, the world mission can be fulfilled.
The next day, we returned to the school under a bright, clear sky and completed the mural. Seeing the teachers and students smile with joy made every moment of effort feel worthwhile.
Just because it rained yesterday and today does not mean tomorrow will be cloudy. I believe that the dedication we put into today’s work will help create a brighter future for our neighbors and our society. Through continued volunteer service, I hope to plant seeds of happiness and courage in many hearts.