Greetings and Blessings from Indonesia,
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations. Psalm 108:3
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN DOING ?
During a study in our home last week, we had an opportunity to share with an Iranian refugee who is searching for answers. Paul lead us in Ephesians, which we will read through and discuss a chapter a week. He did a great job leading. We had our friend lead us in worship and it was a really sweet time with the Father. Verse 13 talks about a promise and guarantee to those who believe. This woman was interested in understanding more. She has many questions and is seeking to know the truth. Pray that the Holy Spirit will soften her heart.
This month we started going to a Children’s Home our friends operate. The home houses orphans, children who were abused and children whose parents are unable to provide for them. We plan to go twice a month to share English and play games with the 35 students there. In 2004 after the tsunami, our friends felt called to help the children in Indonesia. Sadly, our friend Jim passed away last month; he was an American. His wife, who is Indonesian, is keeping the home going with the help of their staff. Pray for continued provision.
Paul traveled last week to the area about 5 hours south of us where some of the people we are working with live. He brought a friend with him. They were able to pray, encourage the couple we are working with and share with others. In the afternoon, they went to an area with places to eat on the street and had people come up to them asking questions. This area is very dark and difficult to break thorough with the gospel. Pray for the Holy Spirit to move there through dreams and visions.
On Saturday, we had a house dedication party with about 110 people who visited throughout the day. Our friend and his mother cooked delicious Indonesian food for us. One friend brought a speciality dish for a gift to us -Ikan Mas (Gold Fish). It tasted good. We had friends from all over – Indonesia (several tribes), Iran, Afghanistan, Norway, Sweden, Philippines, and a couple from the states. It was a great time!
Another activity we have each week is hosting an English Club with Indonesians and refugees. It is a great time to learn about the culture here while sharing ours with them. Last week, we read The Emperor’s New Suit and discussed it; this week, we read a Kurdish story. Some of the refugees are Kurdish.
OUR CHILDREN
The kids have after-school soccer and ballet (for Talyah) at the International school. Since moving to our new home, we have had kids over our house to play games several times, and they go to friends’ houses that are just a few blocks away. They can ride bikes and walk in the complex. Our kids are much happier here!
Alex is helping at the International Church with sound and lighting. He is in his last semester of High School and is learning German so he can attend college next year in Germany. Noah is working on school and really enjoys learning about electronics and making things. Talyah is also working on school and really enjoys hanging out with her friends. The kids wanted something they could help with here, so they are working at the Children’s Home with us.
VISITING THE STATES
We are excited to be going home in November after being here for 2 years and 8 months. We will be visiting the states for about six months. We are looking forward to seeing you all if we are able. Chick-fil-A, Five Guys, subs, and salads are a few things we are looking forward to! While we are in the states, we are going to need a place to stay and a vehicle. Please let us know if you know of a place. Thank you!
Blessings and Peace In Him,
Paul
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Mathew 28:19-20
