We embraced the Christmas culture of Sentani life this year, with Stephen speaking in local churches throughout the Christmas season. People seem to really be touched by the testimony of the Gospel to the Moi and the change it brought about in them.
Indonesians celebrate Christmas with an Open House event. We decided to host one with a hotdog roast and all the fixings. I was surprised that they loved the macaroni salad and not surprised that they did NOT love the saurkraut. People came and went all day, but this group pretty much stayed from the time we opened our doors to 3 hours past. Their enthusiasm is contagious.
Some things we noticed about the way Christmas was celebrated in the city:
-lots of blinking musical lights even during the sermon
-big money reward for whichever neighborhood came up with the most creative manger display
-multiple worship services over the three days before, during and after December 25th
-Gift exchanges weren't a thing, so our attempt at doing a white elephant gift exchange failed miserably
Please pray:
-Stephen will be doing a translation check with the Morop team soon. (Jan. 12-16)
-Right after that, we will be helping at an Asian Bible Translation workshop for roughly 30 translators (Jan. 17-30)
-Right after that, we GET TO GO TO MOI!!! (Feb. 2- Mar. 9th)
-One of our MAF families lost their 16 year old daughter Janae to dengue fever and other complications on December 13th. Pray for Comfort for Bilimeks.
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