We're in the thick of our schedule now--about one service per day--and we're loving it! We had our first youth service of the year and were totally blown away by the similarities of Indonesian youth to American. It made me realize how strong these young people in Batam really are. They face the same challenges as American youth but with many many more hardships. Still they pursue God each day and worship Him for His goodness.
The two of us split the message at this past Sunday's service. Our focus was being a light by simply extending the love of God to those around in simple ways--the most important being unconditional forgiveness and love towards others. We prayed for 10 people who had requests that ranged from post-pregnancy pain to women who were believing for their husbands to receive Christ and start coming to church. One woman thought God was punishing her daughter with sickness because of her past mistakes. What an awesome opportunity that was to share God's grace and love for that woman. She simply cried, almost as if she couldn't believe it.
One thing God has really been teaching us is about discipleship. We've always focused on numbers and size regarding our level of impact at church. Numbers aren't a bad thing. We're beginning to learn now that its not just how many people you preach to that changes a place. It's also how many people you disciple... and discipleship takes time. A synonym of the word "disciple" is "pupil" defined, "someone who studies or learns to do something." It's a process. You can't learn how to perform open-heart surgery over night. There is a place for all sorts of ministry in the body of Christ. Each one is important. But at this point in our lives we're really seeing the long-term benefits of truly making disciples here in Batam.
We're so grateful for those who've gone before us on this island and opened doors of opportunity for our family to make a difference in this world. Now, more than ever, we're seeing how our experiences here can be applied to our lives back in America. We were so consumed with life as we knew it, but now we're realizing we've only taken the first step on a long and exciting journey.
3 comments:
Isn't just so fulfilling to feel that one-on-one impact you are having? I love that! It's building those relationships that will build a foundation for the people there to continue to grow and lead others to the Lord. I always thought it was amazing how the youth are the same all over the world. In the Congo they were exactly the same. They all just want to be accepted and loved. How amazing to share the Love of God with the womon who thought God was punishing her, she can be free in Him now. Love you!!
It's more than amazing when you think how similar we are. It's an honor to serve when we think about these relationships being FIRMLY rooted in Him. Making disciples - pupils was one of the scriptural commands from Jesus. Realizing YOUR piece of the whole process is VITAL!!! I love your obedience and KNOW that those youth will forever be touched by the impact you've made.
One of the guys on a previous team(who is of color) helped teach an 'empowering youth seminar'. His one comment to these other youth of color, was 'I was just like you, I saw these whities come to my country & wondered how do I get to be like them? Why are they able to do amazing things?"
Well, we know there is NO difference in the Lord's army - this young man received the Lord & was changed. He challenged the youth to receive the Lord, become a TRUE disciple & then GO & reproduce yourself. B&M YOU truly are fulfilling that as you GO and reproduce yourself - here or there!!! You are in my prayers. Thank you for GOING!
wow...awesome post! I wont be as long winded as the other two..hehe..just have to say I agree!
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