We have been in Indonesia for the past month and wow it is beautiful! It rains about every day where we are at, but it makes everything so green so it’s worth it! I have been stretched and tested and dove into a deeper relationship with the Father already. Month 1 has been full of excitement, hardship, joy, laughter, tears, rice, rats, and mosquitoes. I wouldn’t want any other way!
“We seek to live, love, and serve more like Jesus everyday in order to grow His Kingdom.”
This is our team vision. This is the mindset we tried to go into every circumstance with this month. It wasn’t always easy; at times we felt like we weren’t doing enough or that we were failing. Then we reminded ourselves that God brought us to this place for a reason and a purpose. And He certainly has not disappointed us. He takes such good care of His children.
So what have we been doing??
Like I mentioned in my previous blog, this month we did not have a set ministry or place to work. Basically we prayed and followed the voice of the Lord. We have shared this story with so many people since we lived it and each time it amazes them that the Lord saw it fit to bring us to their church.
The church we have partnered with has been incredible. They have all welcomed us in with open arms and hearts. It is the largest protestant church in Indonesia and has several locations all around Java (the island we are on). Because it is so large, our ministry has been random and is new every day.
One place we really got to pour in to on several occasions was the elderly house that the church has. We got to sing worship songs with the men and women there, serve them lunch, and help with whatever they needed. This is my friend. I got to help her eat lunch one day. She does not speak any English and I do not speak any Indonesian. However, we had the sweetest interaction and her smile brought me so much joy. We could tell that our presence was such an encouragement to all of the people at the elderly house. It was a honor to serve those men and women.
The church also runs an orphanage that houses about 25 children. Some of us got to go and visit them and hang out with the children on two different occasions. We played games, sang songs, and just enjoyed each other’s company. Many of the older children knew some English and the younger children were learning it in school, so there wasn’t as much of a language barrier which was a blessing. I felt a mixture of sorrow and joy at the orphanage. Sorrow because my heart broke for these orphans. They all came from different circumstances and all had experienced way more than any child should have to. I also felt joy, though, because they were so full of joy. They were like one big family and were continuously smiling and laughing. Despite their circumstances, they chose to be happy with what they had and make the most out of it. Children can be so inspiring; I know they certainly inspired me.
We have also gotten to pour into the congregation of the church on many different occasions. We spoke at church services, family worship nights, men and women groups, and to the youth. Usually we would introduce ourselves, sing a song or two, and then take a moment to just speak to the church. We quickly realized that one main reason God brought us here was to be an encouragement to His persecuted church. We have gotten to exchange stories with our fellow brothers and sisters and have been so inspired by their faith. In return we have gotten to speak life and encouragement to them as well. We assure them that the work they are doing for the Kingdom is making a difference, that it is worth it. It has been such a blessing to get to pour into such wonderful people. The Lord is clearly moving mountains here and I consider myself blessed to be a part of His Kingdom.
Next stop: Philippines!
