This month’s ministry hasn’t gone how I had pictured. I thought we would be meeting with people every day from a certain religion and telling them more about Jesus. That just hasn’t been the case for us. If I had to describe ministry for our team in Malang it would be Hodge Podge ministry. We have been doing anything from having english conversations with people in coffee shops to going to schools and an orphanage. But the main thing God has been doing here with our team is encouraging other believers. Through a squad leader we met Kristin who pointed us to Wesley International School, which let us meet Krista, who wanted us to meet Sophia, and so on and so on. I could draw you a map to each relationship we have made, but you still wouldn’t understand it because that’s just how incredible God works! It has taken me a couple of weeks, but I have finally accepted this as our mission for the month and realized there is nothing wrong with it! I had to set aside my expectations for our month in Indonesia. I had to get past my reason for being here and remember that the ultimate reason I am here is to serve Him! And if He wants me to have a conversation with another believer then that’s what I need to be doing.
This brings me to Sophia. Our road map to Sophia is something only God could orchestrate. I’m still not sure if I fully know how it happened. But when a couple of people on my team wanted to meet someone at a coffee shop, I agreed to go. My intention was just to sit and listen to their conversation and maybe learn how I can ask better questions or be more assertive. I’m not great at striking up conversations out of nowhere. And when life is ministry, that’s kind of something you have to be able to do! When we sat down with Sophia, her first question to us was “Who are you? I know nothing about you!” We went around the table and each gave a little information about the World Race and what we are doing here in Malang. Her second question: “Do you have to fundraise?” …And that is the exact reason God wanted us to meet Sophia. As we got deeper into conversation with her, we learned that she came to know Christ around Easter of last year. Since then, she has felt God calling her to work with U.S. Veterans. She says she argued with God for a while and wondered why He wanted her to do this. She started researching veterans and learned that on average 20 a day commit suicide. That’s when her heart started to be burdened for them. But she knew she would have to fundraise to make this happen and she was very discouraged by that. As we sat and talked with her I just couldn’t believe how this was all falling into place. I was able to talk with her about how God has been faithful to me in fundraising. I gave her specific examples of how He provided the money just when it was needed. I shared with her the saying “When it’s God way, God will pay” and Philippians 4:19 – And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Sophia left there feeling encouraged and excited about what is to come with her relationship with the Father. But I received just as much from the conversation as she did. During my time in Indonesia, I have been praying that God would show me my purpose here. And that day with Sophia, He did just that. I didn’t share my testimony and lead someone to Jesus, but I shared my on-going experience with the God that hears the cries of my heart. And that is just as important in His Kingdom.
The coolest part of the whole story? I met Sophia on Tuesday…the day before my third financial deadline. I was still $830 away from my goal at that point. Just that morning I had been wondering what would happen if the money didn’t come in. But isn’t it just like God to send the most unique situation to remind us of who He is and what He can do for us? The whole time I was talking to Sophia, God was reassuring me that He was going to do it again. And He did! That same day, God stirred in people’s hearts to support me financially and I met my $13,000 goal. Psalm 100:5 – For the Lord is GOOD; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations!
Fun Fact: The fun fact is there is no fun fact! Instead, I challenge you to find a veteran and have a REAL conversation with them. You can make a difference in someone’s life today.
