3 weeks into this journey and I have learned so much. This week my team started a new section of ministry and it was teaching English to kids. We got to meet Pastor Minto and His wife Hana who have faithfully listened to the call God had given them to open this school in their village. When we got to the school we were greeted with a full course meal – drinks, appetizers, an entree, and dessert. We sat around a small school table and ate, talked, and prayed. One thing I love about this country is their hospitality. In every ministry we have been a part of the hosts have been so kind to us!
Getting to do school ministry is not something I ever thought I would have enjoyed, but it has been so awesome. I love to witness the joy the kids have to listen and learn. It has been pretty challenging teaching them English because we can’t understand their Indonesia questions, so we are very thankful for the help our translators have given us. While serving at the school we got to hear more of Minto and Hana’s story and it encouraged everyone on our team. They have experienced many different forms of spiritual warfare and to see them come out on the other side of that is admirable. Their faith truly rubbed off on my squad while we were there. It was kind of a “perfect timing” type of situation because my squad had been pretty discouraged going into this school. We had been experiencing some forms of spiritual warfare ourselves and one of the first things they told us when we met them was their experience with it. They didn’t know we were struggling, God just knew we needed to hear it.
Another experience I wanted to share about was going to the mosque. My team and I got the opportunity to spend about an hour at the mosque just to experience it and to pray. It was a very interesting experience, it made me feel sad and in awe. I was saddened at the fact that this many people are so dedicated to something that isn’t pure or eternal. I was also saddened that this big beautiful mosque attracts so many people. It attracts all Muslims, tourists, and others. It almost felt they intentionally make the mosques so big and beautiful because if they weren’t I don’t think it would be as easy for people to go there multiple times a day. I feel sorry for the people who think their worth comes from their actions, their works, or the amount of times they pray. Having a faith doesn’t mean you pray five times a day or that you are a really good person. Having faith isn’t a checklist, it’s a relationship. It’s not a task, it’s an honor. When we really recognize what Jesus did for us how could we not want a relationship with Him? Every single sin you have committed is wiped clean and forgiven when you accept Jesus as your savior. He desires to know you, He already knows you! When you accept Jesus as the Lord and Savior of your life you should get involved in a church, try to get baptized in water, and consistently read your Bible. It will change your life!
We also had our ATL (ask the Lord) day this week. It’s a day where we assess what is best for us, and what the Lord wants us to fill our day with. This week I really felt I needed rest, so 2 of my friends and I went and sat on some rocks at the beach. I spent some time looking for shells and I noticed one looked like a dove. (Pictured below) I was quickly reminded of the Holy Spirit. This was so encouraging because it was such a gentle reminder of your presence everywhere. It fascinates me the ways you show up to encourage us right when we need it. If you aren’t familiar with the significance of the dove in the Bible it shows its significance in Genesis 8 when God flooded the earth and Noah kept sending out a dove to see if it could find a place to land. It kept coming back, but eventually it found a place to land. The significance in this is the promise that God has made to Noah, it starts to reveal His nature as a truthful and powerful Father. When the dove didn’t return, when it found a place to land, it meant that the flood was gone. (Genesis 8:6-12) The dove is also a representation of the Holy Spirit in the way it descends like a dove onto us. (Matthew 3:16-17)
The last thing I wanted to share with everyone is something my team and I did. Our hospitality leaders decided to have a little event where we listened to worship music and washed feet. This is something that felt weird to a lot of us, but it is so Biblical! It was such a powerful night filled with humility and servitude over our brothers and sisters. We were encouraged to wash the feet of those we have bitterness towards, and even those we are on good terms with. It was so humbling and powerful to sit at your friend’s feet and just pray over them. It also made us realize how humble the Savior of the world was. The son of God, Kind of Kings, got on His knees and washed His disciples feet. We are called to humble ourselves and serve others, and that is one thing I never want to forget throughout this life!
Prayer requests:
For the Muslim’s hearts to be opened
For all sickness to be healed (all of our hosts have been sick)
For a community outreach event we have coming up on Sunday
For peace, joy, and energy for all of my team
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