My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)
Our transition back to life and ministry in Indonesia was rocky at the start, but we have been first hand witnesses to God’s strength and guidance. After our return in April, we jumped right back into ministry and have been so blessed to see God at work through these past few months.
WorldLead
In July, the teachers of our school started participating in WorldLead curriculum provided by our church via video. It has been incredible to see God work and move in our staff through the material they have received through these videos. Please continue to pray for their growth and for our leadership team as we seek to disciple our staff first and foremost.
Back to School
In July our students went back to school. It has been a thrill to witness 121 elementary students coming to school each day where we seek to grow their character and disciple them. During our opening chapel, the teachers did a drama about how God wants to break every chain and free us from our slavery to sin. It’s been incredible to witness our students grow both academically and spiritually through this year so far.
We also started a new school this year in the southwestern region of our island. We have been grateful to see God’s provision and through out the process. Please continue to pray this school grows to be a positive impact and influence in the region.
In August, as a celebration of Indonesian Independence Day, our school joined a city-wide parade. Our students made drums out of garbage and marched in a drum line! I was so proud to see their commitment to caring for creation that God has given us.
Our ministry to villages thru village schools has continued as well. In July I went with Ezra to a village school. We thank God for His provision and hand in helping these kids in villages get an education.
Culture Exhibition
Throughout the months of July and August our village participated in a cultural exhibition for cruise ship tourists coming through our area. It has been an amazing opportunity for Erdy to minister to extended family through helping them sell their woven cloth and by translating for Western guests. We pray that Erdy’s ministry to our village will continue to grow and that he will be able to reach many of our extended family who are still heavily engaged in animistic religious practices.
Uma Library
Our ministry to kids in our village has started back up after several months off due to our time in the states. We are thrilled that once a week kids are coming to our home to hear a Bible story! Please continue to pray that God would send more and more kids, and that their parents would be willing to allow them to join us.
House Update
Thank you for continuing your prayers and support for our house. We are working hard and praying we can get into it before the end of the year. This week they are finishing up the floor tile and will begin to paint. Please continue to keep this project in your prayers, that God would oversee the building, that our home would become a light and a place of peace, that people would be drawn to the light of Christ in our home, and that He would provide the funds to finish it.
What’s Coming
As we look to the months ahead there are many things we are excited about and would love to partner with you in praying through.
We are looking forward to the Christmas season as an opportunity to invite the kids in our neighborhood to participate in cookie decorating and hear the story of Jesus’ birth.
Next year we plan to extend our school to middle school (grade 7). Please pray for us through this process as we prepare facilities, faculty, staff and permission from the government and community.
At the end of this month there will be local elections for the mayor and Governor of our province. Please join us in prayer for these pivotal elections.
Ezra’s Corner
Hi friends! I just turned 3. I loved having a birthday and I keep asking my Mama for more birthdays. I missed all the dirt and mud here in Sumba! Every day I play with my cousins and friends and I love to make a mess. I also love dancing, chocolate milk, being FUNNY and playing with my little brother. Sometimes my Papa takes me to the rice fields and I help him look after the fields. I’m a great little helper!! I can’t wait to go to school next year. Mama brings me once a week and I get to play with all the big kids. I miss eating pizza in America but I LOVE fish and egg and rice. I ask for it almost every day. A few weeks ago, Mama and Papa brought me on a boat! Click here to watch the video.
Noel’s Corner
Hi ! I’m getting big too fast, says Mama. I’m 10 months old now and I love to crawl around and stand up as much as I can! I have six teeth and my Mama keeps giving me mushy food every day. I eat so much!! My favorite thing to do is play with my big brother Ezra. He makes me laugh. I like to play with my Papa too, he is so fun. I have so many cousins, aunties and uncles here, I love getting to know all of them and especially looking at their faces. Almost every day Mama takes me on a walk around the village. I love the cows, chickens, horses, but most of all the dogs!! They are so funny. Last month Mama and Papa took me on a hike in a village. Click here to watch the video.
