What a wonderful privilege we have to see the tremendous steps that are being taken these days by our tribal churches. When you consider the remoteness of where we live and the living conditions of tribal villages and especially as we recall what it was like when we first met the Semandang people back in 1973. Wow! Such changes. Steps of progress do not happen overnight. Here are just a few examples for your prayer and praise.
One of the Semandang churches with over 90 families and four men ordained as pastors has an additional 15 men and women who are being trained for ministry. Several active outreach areas are being carried out by this group. They reached out to a nearby village where new believers established a church, and leaders are ordained and taking responsibility for the ministry and outreaches from Selirang. Besides that, gospel outreaches from this ‘mother’ church are going on in several other small villages.
A few years ago, the believers decided to build a special building for a modern clinic in the hope of encouraging a medical team of doctors and nurses to help facilitate their active medical program. For some time now a team of medical workers have been making regular visits with the potential of eventually having some permanent staff that can operate this clinic. The plane came in yesterday bringing a group of doctors and nurses who will spend a week handling medical needs. All the churches have been notified and patients will come from all around. To appreciate what this means to the people, you must understand what it means to get to the closest medical facilities. This is so much different than the simple medical programs that we helped the churches begin years ago. Please pray for this church and the future of their medical ministry in the area.
The church also has a music team who have composed, performed, and recorded Christian music in the Semandang language. I think now they have made at least three music CDs. They are becoming very technically capable. Wow again.
One of the believers in the church in our village has built a dam in the small river and is producing electricity for several families. He is now in the process of improving it to make it more efficient by replacing the turbine. The new turbine will cost $1900 which seems like a huge mountain for Pa’ Andre. Others are trying to help him with the cost but it is still pretty overwhelming when the price of rubber has gone down so drastically. Please pray for this project and those responsible for it. I am truly amazed at what the Lord has enabled them to accomplish. I remember when Pa’ Andre was in High School in town and showing a specific interest in technical things. Wow again!!
As I said before, steps of progress like these did not happen overnight. We are so very privileged to have an active part is what God is doing here in Semandang land. In May, we have a plan formulating to meet with church leaders from all over West Kalimantan. I know that will be a great time of fellowship and learning for everyone.
Lots more could be said about the church growth, outreach, leadership training, computer course, English course etc. that are going on as the churches mature. WOW WOW WOW !!! God is doing great things.
Thank you for praying for the churches in Semandang and across Indonesia.
Joyfully in His Service, Ron & Nita
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