RIPE-FOR-HARVEST FIELDS IN CENTRAL JAVA
No dust is gathering on me as I keep being challenged by twists and turns. Just before the outreach to Central Java was a busy time. I was scheduled to fly at noontime Friday to meet my team and proceed to our destination. Sunday May 27 I was called by a disciple in Bali - there is a big problem they need me for, and want me to come. I say the only possible time is Monday the 11th June after I get back from Central Java, and I arrange to change my regular Monday evening time to Sunday. Then they called again on Tuesday and asked if they could come up and see me. Monday I had the carpet people and other workers trying to finish the renovation work on my apartment - should have been finished in April but still not complete (even until now - June 10, but of course they couldn’t work while I’ve been away). Tuesday I went to school as usual, but came home early to take care of some things before my Central Java outreach, and received a call that the plane schedule Friday was changed to late afternoon - too late! So I requested change to Thursday.
Disciples came from Bali directly from airport to my apartment, we spent from 5 - 10 PM. Wednesday morning workers came in morning but at 11 I had to leave to close a seminar for pastors which I had hoped to attend Tues evening and all Wed AM - obviously my plans were forcibly changed!
The pastor gathering Wednesday was awesome - there were some 80 pastors from as far away as Central Java (we are in East Java). I was able to pray for each of them personally and anoint them with oil. Many were visibly touched.
Wednesday evening I attended a gala ‘Sweet 17' birthday party held at Shangri-la Hotel not far from my apartment. Here in Indonesia, this is similar to the debutante or out coming balls at age 18 which I heard about in my youth and saw in movies. I have never seen anything so extravagant! The young woman wore four different gowns for different parts of the affair - from greeting guests to games, prizes, and gifts for her friends up to 10PM when we left. There was live TV with two MC for the entire time, professional dance and drama groups, and on and on! My friend said she estimated the affair cost more than U.S.$11,000. The father is an uncle of one of my disciples and he asked me to pray the blessing over his daughter for this special occasion. I feel greatly honored!
COMING SCHEDULE:
Wednesday start for Hawaii, overnight in Singapore, arrive in Hawaii 7:30 AM on 14th of June.
My 6-month grand daughter Maile joins me in Hawaii with her mom and dad for a visit in Hawaii, where she will be baptized on June 24th.
I leave July 3 because I must be back in
Surabaya for a special Wedding on July 7
15 - 17 I am scheduled to speak at a church retreat in mountains near Surabaya
18-20 in Jakarta - FOR LOVERS ONLY meetings
23-27 Teach International DTS in Bali
28 - August 8 Tentative ministry in Sumbawa and East Timor
August 22 - Sept 2 Jakarta preparing for FLO Retreat
Sept 3-5 FOR LOVERS ONLY retreat for Pastors and wives
late Sept - October extended trip around America to visit family n friends
November 12 -14 Catholic FOR LOVERS ONLY retreat Jakarta
--HWK--
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