Hey friends, I wanted to do a quick update to share where I’m at, what I’ve been doing and what I’ve been learning! My team and I arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia after over at least 30 hours of travel. We were met by our extremely sweet host and hostess, in a nearby town, who took us out for a traditional fish head soup. This month we are serving/ministering at a school. A couple of the staff members including our hosts believe in Christ. Christianity is illegal in Indonesia. The country is largely Muslim and individuals are designated this religion on their passports, identification cards. People are surprised that we are here. They wonder as to why we chose to visit their location as opposed to Bali or some other more desirable place. Upon arrival, our host made copies of our passport to be given to the government official for the region. After we were introduced to her, she asked whether we were Christians. Our host told her that we are.
Our ministry tends to look like attending a study or two each day and then proceeding to teach English to kindergarten and elementary school aged children. We have already learned a significant amount about Indonesian culture and Islam. The Muslims here are devout, praying multiple times a day for lengthy periods of time. Their prayers are announced via loudspeaker for all to hear.
My teammates and I have been working hard to adjust to the culture and life together as a team. Please pray for our health as we have already experienced fevers and a multitude of GI issues.
It has been encouraging to see the faith of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Their hearts are abounding with love despite their sometimes painful circumstances. They drive for hours to be present at study. Their hearts are open and ready to hear and share the Gospel.
Hope you all are well! I will be blogging more in the upcoming weeks. Please join with me in prayer for the staff at the ministry/school we are serving, particularly the women. They are in need of uplifting and encouragement. Still a little under 2,000 dollars away from reaching my fundraising goal. Please donate if this is something the Lord has placed on your heart.
Blessings!!
Steph
Hi Steph, So glad for this update. I have been praying for you, especially for your recovery from whatever bug got to you. I look forward to more frequent updates here. However, I know you are quite busy., I will be praying for your requests. Love and hugs, Grandma
My prayer warriors are continuing in prayer for you and your team. Love you, MOM
Hi Stephanie! My daily prayers are offered to you with much admiration! Praying for your peace, encouragement and restored health for you and your team.
God love you,. Tracey
Amen, Beth ??
Beth, sorry about that. I put a red heart, not the question marks.
Praying for you and your team Stephanie!! I’m so proud of you!! God’s going to do great things through you. I can’t wait to read more!!
Praying for your impact and experience.
I love these glimpses of life and ministry on the Race, and I especially love hearing about the faith of our brothers and sisters on the other side of the world. We’re continuing to pray for you and Swirl Girls…love you, dear heart!
Thanks for the update, Stephanie. There is so much love and power on Swirl Girls… I’m sure the people of Jakarta can feel it! Can’t wait to hear more stories in just 18 days!