Our schedule was full in Sabu, Indonesia. The main public
meetings were held in the evening on the open field. In the daytime, we took
the opportunity to minister to various groups and also visit some local
churches in the smaller villages.
Marriage and family is a critical issue for our day and
time. This is true in Indonesia and the rest of Asia and the world. One
morning, we were able to minister to the local government officials of Sabu in
their headquarters. I opened with a testimony of my own marriage and family to
help them understand marriage requires commitment. Pastor Paulus Wiratno then
was able to speak to them and teach on marriage within the Indonesian context.
The afternoons were busy with visiting churches. Several
churches on the island met in bamboo–walled buildings. A brake drum from a car
functioned as a church bell and hung from a tree outside. Another church had cement
walls and a roof, but little else. Yet another was making a bold step in
dedicating a new building to be built alongside their existing sanctuary (made
of bamboo). We prayed and dedicated this new initiative to build to the Lord.
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I went away wondering how we could help these small local
churches to reach their community. The people of God are people of vision. And
it seems to become a burden on my heart to encourage these wonderful servants
to see them reach the next stage in their walk with God and the work He has
called them to do. “If only people could see this,” I thought. All across Asia
are small churches who are largely forgotten. They need friends to come
alongside them. Everyone needs friends to help them advance. The family of God
stands together with Christ in Sabu and throughout the world. We are co-workers
with the Holy Spirit.