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
Love you! Keep running toward Him!
Jenna! I’m so excited to watch your journey unfold! Soak it all in!! Blessings!
Weeping a little as I read this, and overflowing with thankfulness that you have this perspective this month, Jenna! This is once in a lifetime stuff we are talking about here, and I am so glad you all are pressing into this month. Proud of you, love you, and can not wait to see you soon!
Jenna, we love hearing about your journey and all that you are doing. We’re so proud of you for continuing to choose joy even when circumstances are a little difficult. We love you!
Jenna, we are so very proud of you and love hearing about your journey. You have such a beautiful soul that I’m sure everyone you meet will see. We’re so glad you have a great team with you. Stay safe and know we love you!
Girl, I lived in Asia for more than 3 years and I managed to never have to eat durian! ha. I love the simplicity you guys are getting to experience, those were always my favorite months of connecting with my team and God. What a gift!
Jenna, we enjoyed reading about the start of your adventure and work with your great team.
God’s blessings and stay safe.
Proud of your faith and courage. We are honored to be a small part of your big journey. Keep asking God to reveal how He’s growing you. What does He want you to learn? During times when we have less that we want or believe we deserve, is when He is showing us something else that maybe we don’t see. We pray that these things will be revealed and that you continue to have safe passage.
I love the details of this blog, Jenna. And I especially love your beautiful perspective. Keep looking for His love and joy in all those small and unexpected places! Love you, dear heart!
“Western distractions and luxuries are gone.” What a gift!
I’m so proud of you and all of Future Vision. This month has probably impacted you in ways you don’t even see yet. See you soon!