Well folks, we made it to Indonesia safely and sound. My team and I are in the mountainous jungle of Nias Island. Our host Jeverson moved here with his wife and two little girls in 2013 on a calling from God he got to start a mission training center, designed to train and equip a young generation of local missionaries to church plant, make disciples, and spread the love of the Father in this neighborhood and beyond the island. Right now, there are about 85 students. 

Nias island used to be predominantly Christian, but has dwindled to about 65% Christianity due to local Muslim influence. Jeverson told us that the main trade here is rubber farming, dogs are in the cuisine for some (YES DOGS), and that there’s a fruit named durian that ‘smells like hell but tastes like heaven.’ He’s not kidding about the smell. And honestly, I’m still trying to decide if I agree with the taste part. The hand shakes here are a gentle squeeze and then a hand to the heart- very personal. Attributed to its relatively recent colonization 150 years ago and ancient tradition, ‘third world treatment’ of women and children still continues. The tribal culture has historically worshipped stones and other gods, emphasized the ‘rituals,’ and looked to ancestry and spirits for where their help comes from. Brokenness manifests worldwide. 

To say we are living remotely this month is an understatement. Western distractions and luxuries are gone and we’re living like locals- being cell service-free, living at least two hours by car from a clinic, bathing in creek water with a bucket, joining in the local agricultural work, singing worship in Bahasa, and trying the local foods. As far as ministry goes, we’ve been hanging out with university-aged students that share the same heartbeat for missions that we do. We’ve taught English at the mission training center and a few local senior and junior high schools. 

But life here is so rich, y’all. Joy is a given for these students wanting to dedicate their lives to the Kingdom. My team is made up of incredible men and women of God that love me so well. And the creation, WOW, the creation. I have never seen such a lush and green jungle. Flowers, palm trees, colorful buildings, authentic smiles, sweaty hugs, muddy toes, the Indian Ocean (!!!), and people welcoming us in like family. It’s beautiful. 

This pinch of WiFi won’t allow me to upload pictures directly to the blog, so see my Facebook post at https://www.facebook.com/100009311068061/posts/2571076706546006/  to check out some photos of Nias, my team, and God’s creation. 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 ESV