In September 2010, I partnered with six other ladies on a journey to Indonesia to offer a renewing of spirit to missionaries who diligently serve within the regions of Indonesia.
Upon our arrival the team began with building relationships by staying in the homes of missionary families. Staying in their homes, gave us the opportunity to experience their daily life and to engage in field operations. One afternoon was spent in the market place to become familiar with the culture. As I walked through the market place, the sights and the smells were overwhelming. The scent of fresh seafood and raw meat in the Indonesian heat compounded by dry and dirt filled air overwhelmed the senses. There the Holy Spirit gave me a gentle reminder. What I was experiencing in the market place is how our Heavenly Father views sin. But the stench of our sinful nature has been replaced with the beautiful aroma of our loving Savior. How I praise Him for His redemptive plan! Another day was spent at the docks where many gather to bring in the daily catch. As we walked the docks, we prayed Scripture back to our Lord. We were pleading for Him to raise up a Peter that they might all be brought out of darkness.
After our first few days in the missionary’s homes and seeing the people that they serve, we were better equipped to understand the challenges of serving our Lord in Indonesia. We met in one location to pursue the reason for this long journey….ministering to ladies who tirelessly serve in the field. The IllumiNation Women’s Conference was offered to thirty eight women who were tired and weary. Women who needed a time of refreshment to edify them in the work. Some were discouraged by the lack of fruit from their efforts. Others shared praise that they had seen salvations among unreached people groups!
The very reason God had brought us there was unfolding before our eyes. We came filled up and desired to pour out every ounce we could to edify, encourage, and equip these women to press on! God honored our time as we looked deep into His Word to remind these ladies of the responsibility in sharing the Truth of the Gospel. They were encouraged to truly desire and passionately seek after God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Our group was brought together to build them up with a renewing of mind and a refreshment of spirit….God shined upon us in an amazing way. Our prayer is that these ladies will continue the work so that He may be known to all nations. “May God be gracious to us and bless us And make His face shine upon us, That Your ways may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations” Psalm 67:1-2.
I would like to personally thank each of you that joined us in prayer and provided the means for this mission. Our team was blessed to build relationships and offer encouragement so our missionaries can return and continue to cultivate a harvest for the Truth of the Gospel. You were a part of making this all possible. Know that you made an investment in thirty eight women who are called to carry the Gospel message in the Utter Most Parts of Indonesia. What a great blessing. Thank you!
