A Journey With God

The sound pierced the pre-dawn silence waking me from a deep sleep. The early morning call to prayer brought an unsettling to my spirit, a sadness in my heart, and accentuated the reason for our trip to the most populated Islamic country in the world, Indonesia. Laying there in bed listening that morning, my heart cried to God,

“Lord Jesus, may these who are calling out one day experience the reality of your unconditional love and forgiveness. May they one day soon call on you the only true and living God.”

In a country with 124 unreached people groups scattered across the 1500-island archipelago many populated by animists, or those of the Muslim faith, the light of the gospel must be proclaimed by word and deed. Listen to the impressions of some who joined me on this amazing journey and catch the personal impact on their life as they journeyed with God to listen and experience all He had for them.

• I went to Indonesia thinking that I would learn about the culture and observe the missionaries’ strategies in reaching the lost. I hoped that my experience in Native work here in the states would be an encouragement to staff, students and pastors during my stay in Makassar. I believe that was accomplished because of the similarities of our cultures. Our missionaries’ sincere LOVE for the lost and their patience in building relationships under difficult circumstances and their daily examples made it clear that if we don't truly love those around us in our communities, no matter what race or culture, they cannot be reached. Our missionaries are awesome and have been an encouragement to me. (Zane, Minnesota)
• When we went to the island of Sumatra, we saw and heard what we'd expected about the 2004 tsunami. We saw buildings that were nothing more than concrete foundations, we saw mass graves where thousands of people were buried in the hours after the tsunami, and we saw the rebuilding efforts. We heard stories from the nationals how their grandmother told them to run up into the mountains after the earthquake, we heard about children who were collecting fish on the beach when the tsunami hit, and we heard from those who lost friends and family members. But we also saw what we didn't expect - that God used such a terrifying and destructive event for good. The tsunami ended 30 years of brutal civil war, and the relief efforts have led to a permanent Christian witness that has allowed some Acehnese people to hear the gospel for the first time. The event that brought death, God is using to bring life. (Dan, Ohio)
• When people ask me how my trip was, I tell them it was a life-changing experience. If I were younger, I'd be working in Indonesia in a heartbeat. The passion of our International Workers there, their love for the people, their dedication to building relationships so they can share the Gospel, is so humbling. I was struck by the enormity of the job to be done and the fact that there are so few workers. I also had the chance to experience first-hand the price that many people have to pay for their choice to follow Jesus. I think of Christian, the young man from Bali whose father is a Hindu priest. When his family was told he had become a Christian, they threw him out. What is our commitment to Christ costing us? (Faith, Florida)
• Since Indonesia is the birthplace of my Mother and my Grandmother, I’ve always had a keen interest, but this experience has expanded everything in ways I could never have imagined. I’m especially grateful for new friendships with team members and our International Workers. Their commitment and passion for reaching the lost is inspirational to say the least! What an exciting privilege to “partner” in bringing the Good News to dark places like Aceh!! (Ken, Minnesota)
• Stirring. Amazing. Eye-opening to see all that God has been doing through our Alliance missionaries for 84 years. Heartbreaking to realize the millions that remain deceived. Heartbreaking to learn there are still 124 unreached people groups/tribes in Indonesia – but inspiring to see efforts being taken to reach them and we have been invited to play a role in helping finish the task. (Don, Colorado)
• I had a wonderful, life changing trip to Indonesia. All my life I have lived and worked in places where I was in the majority. My trip to Indonesia put me in a place where I was a minority. We were challenged to ask the Lord to open our eyes to what He wanted us to see. I now see the millions of people in Indonesia as well as Minnesota with new eyes. I have a renewed appreciation and understanding for how the Great Commission Fund in The C&MA works. Our International Workers have a dedication and commitment to serve our Lord Jesus Christ that has given me a renewed desire to serve in my area of ministry. (Doug, Minnesota)

There you have it, in the words of those who journeyed together with eyes and hearts wide open.

“Lord, may the impact of this journey with you to Indonesia have lasting impact in the lives of each individual who saw first-hand the need that remains throughout the islands and people of Indonesia. May the light of the Good News of Jesus be clearly declared by word and deed in this great land.”