Yesterday was the official 2 week mark since I left home for this trip. One week was spent in Georgia at training camp and the second week was spent traveling, meeting our hosts, and exploring some of Indonesia. We had three crazy days of travel, 2 days being introduced to ministry, and 2 days mainly filled with rest.
Meeting our ministry team/hosts for our time in Indonesia was one thing I was very excited for. On the other mission trips I have been on meeting the hosts and other people you will be doing ministry with is one of my favorite parts. I was confident that God was going to provide us with hosts that were excited, full of faith, and equally as expectant for this trip as I was. I have loved getting to know our hosts more and more as each day goes by.
During our time in Indonesia my squad is split into 4 teams and my team is the “worship and evangelism” team. So far my team has made intentional conversation/prayed with taxi drivers, met people at the mall and coffee shops, gone on multiple prayer walks, served at an after school program, and taught English to 3rd and 4th graders. My favorite part so far has been helping teach English with the kids!
There have been a lot of “red light” conversations where you ask others if you can pray with them or if they have a faith and they say no or completely dodge the conversation. One of the most encouraging moments for me so far was when we got to the school and met the Pastor who runs the schools and His wife. We asked Him how he became a Christian and He said once when He was a kid He heard a Christian song and had been curious ever since. I was encouraged by this because even though it may feel “hopeless” at times to be here we have to remember the seeds that are being planted! God is working even when we don’t know it. He saved this Pastor by planting the seed of curiosity within Him from a very young age and eventually He was saved and is now a Pastor! I loved hearing this story because it can be very discouraging at times being in a place where sharing about Jesus isn’t common or allowed.
The last thing I wanted to add to this blog post is the gift of wholesome friendships. On this race I have met some of the kindest people who all have such a passion to serve and know God more. It was my birthday this past week and every person on my team made me feel so special. It has been cool to grow alongside others that have a similar passion as you. We have been able to lead and guide each other giving each other instruction and grace in a variety of areas. I’m so thankful for this opportunity!
Prayer requests:
– that my squad and I would stay encouraged through different trials (“red light” conversations, the language barrier, inconsistent schedules, etc.)
– wisdom in how to teach Indonesian children English
– to know and understand the Lord deeper 🙂
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