Their Anxious Call Had Been Received

Written by Hui Xin Tang

On Christmas Eve 2025, Kajang’s main street was lit with decorative lighting; Mary (pseudonym) held her 14-year-old daughter’s hand and stood on the unfamiliar street, thinking it was a new beginning. 

She quit her previous job and terminated her rent, putting all her hopes on a “High-paid Job in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur”. She used all her savings to buy air tickets from Sabah to Kajang solely for this job opportunity. The future she imagined was a steady income that could afford a better life for her daughter, and also a chance to slow down a bit.    

However, all her dreams were shattered when she arrived here. The “company” never existed. 

The phone number was no longer working, the address did not exist, and the middleman had disappeared and could not be contacted. When she stood on the main street of Kajang, she realised she was being scammed. There was very little money left in her pocket, and night was approaching. On top of that, her handphone battery was also almost gone.  

At this moment, she didn’t have much choice but to make a call to a volunteer in Sabah who had helped her before. The volunteer had previously served in a flood relief mission, helping to clean and rebuild her home while also providing short-term financial assistance.

The person on the other end of the line was silent for a while, then replied: “I’ll find someone.” Those words were like a light in the darkness.

This call for help was later referred to the 7979 Holistic Care Relief Network. When the volunteers of the 7979 Holistic Care Station of Kajang Lutheran Church received this news, they immediately activated an emergency response. 

Without further delay, the volunteers very quickly arranged temporary accommodation for Mary and her daughter. It was not luxurious, just a place where they could put down their luggage and rest. She finally found a moment of peace. However, sleep seemed impossible when her mind kept thinking of the uncertain future, even though their immediate needs had been met. 

After a few days of resting, Rev. Liow Weng Seng  of the 7979 Care Station met Mary to discuss her next steps and other matters. Nevertheless, the reality was that she did not possess the required skills to work in Klang Valley. Moreover, she had no family, relatives, friends, church, or any other long-term support network. They gently advised her to return to Sabah. Going back to familiar surroundings, where her family and support network were, might be the better option.   

The volunteers were aware that it was not the right time for them to “decide for her”. In the midst of the emotional turmoil of being scammed, upset, fearful, and ashamed, no one can make a clear decision. Hence, the church did not rush Mary in making the decisions; they gently said: “You can take a few more days to think thoroughly.”

The church provided short-term accommodation and provided RM100 from the church’s care fund for her to buy daily necessities. Their meals were taken care of by the volunteers, so they did not have to worry about their meals. Every little action was done modestly, without fanfare; yet it offered unwavering support.  

Simultaneously, the Care Station’s volunteers were preparing follow-up support. If Mary decided to return to Sabah, the volunteers would apply for the 7979 Family Crisis Intervention Aid of RM1,200 to cover their airfare and transition expenses. On the other hand, if Mary decided to remain here, then they would refer her to a government relief centre, so she would not be completely helpless. 

As the familiar Christmas carols played at the shopping mall, the decorative lighting shone brightly, busy pedestrians passed by, and the air was filled with a festive atmosphere; Mary decided to go back to Sabah.      

At the end of 2025, Mary and her daughter stepped onto the soil of Sabah once again. The future may hold many unknowns, but they no longer have to face it alone. 
 
This Christmas, there were no extravagant gifts; it was just a lost mother who was received by others. In the middle of helplessness, the church opened her door to her. When she was at her most anxious time, someone extended a hand to her; someone was willing to journey with her. This could be the real meaning of Christmas.