April 5, 2008

Dear Co-laborers, 

As our plane made it’s final approach to the runway, all I could see were beautiful coconut palms swaying in the breeze instead of red tile roofs and rice fields.  We were no longer on Java, but on the island of Sulawesi, in the outskirts of the northern most city, Manado.  As we drove towards town, I was aware of the stark contrast between the two islands.  Churches and crosses replaced mosques and minarets.  Since it was the week before Easter, cross-shaped lanterns hung on bamboo poles in front of nearly every home and business.  I was impressed with the freedom they possessed and their zeal to proclaim Christianity.  However, it didn’t take too long to realize that they had a form of godliness, but denied the power thereof.  They had a cross, but not Christ. 

Mrs. Tambunan, her daughter Lydia, Lestaria, and I were there to hold Vacation Bible School, March 20-23, 2008, at our two-year old mission church.  Our theme was “Set Sail” and each lesson was based on the life of Paul.  Our emphasis was on how Christ changed Paul’s life and when one knows the Savior his or her life is changed also.  The children were enthusiastic, friendly and loveable, but some of the most unruly I ever encountered.  A majority of them were from broken homes.  After some training on how to behave in church and how to pray, they settled down.  Their naughtiness reminded us that they, too, were sinners and needed a Savior.  We averaged 61 each day and had a high of 68.  There were several professions of faith in the Junior class.

Pastor Tambunan and Aron, a young man from our church, joined us on the weekend.  On Saturday evening Pastor Tambunan preached a revival service.  There were numerous visitors, including two ladies from Papua.  They were in Manado to attend school.  Pastor Tambunan had an opportunity to talk with them before the service and they both made professions of faith along with several others.  They returned two days later for another service and brought along a friend who was also from Papua.  He was already a believer, but was interested in being baptized and joining the church.

On Monday we visited a new mission work about two hours from Manado.  Pastor Tambunan preached and that evening the driver of our rental van made a profession of faith.  On Tuesday we drove around a huge lake to Mrs. Tambunan’s hometown.  Again, there were crosses everywhere decorating the neighborhoods; but as we visited and talked with some of her relatives, it was evident they didn’t know Christ.

Please pray for Martin Luther, the graduate from our Bible college, who is pastoring the work in Manado, those who made professions of faith, Mrs. Tambunan’s relatives that are without Christ, and all the boys and girls who attended Vacation Bible School.  I’m especially burdened for the children, that they might trust Christ and be conformed to His image.  Your prayers and support which made this trip possible are greatly appreciated.  May God richly bless each one of you.