Walking With Jesus

2012-01-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

2012 GREETED ME WITH THIS SUNRISE!

Hope yours was as nice.

I will be discontinuing these blogs. I have now set up a web site and will post all the things there.

http://www.walking-with-jesus.com/

Come see me there.

Nueva Ecija Outreach

2011-11-29T10:31:00.000-08:00

road into village from town

One of houses in village

GAPAN CITY,

NUEVA ECIJA

Friday, 18 November 2011

The Harvesters for Christ Tondo has been reaching out to this area for several years, finally obtained some land and have built a nipa (palm leaf) shelter for a church. The shelter is up, floor is still dirt. 'Electricity is only 3 weeks old here' I was told.

Church Building

Typical Homes

Mt. Arayat dominates Landscape

Beautiful Place

Great for Ducks!

Washing at Village Well

Lunch Table, Bed at night

Recent Rains flooded area

Always Present Kids

Hugh with Kids

Kids meeting

Adult Meeting

Praying for Them

MANILA NORTH CEMETERY

2011-11-28T10:31:00.000-08:00

Spacious and comfy

Great seats

Manila North Cemetery is one of my favorite visits each Time I minister with Harvesters Tondo. The place is so large, and even though we generally minister in the same area, we go in and out with different routes, and when we do home visits we go through different areas, so it's always a changing scene.

They actually pay attention

Kids love the soup

Here we see our main ministry location, a mausoleum which is opened for us. Protects from the rain and the sun and provides a clean place to serve food.

Some General Scenes from the Cemetery

Hugh with St. Francis

This one looks inviting


Lots of windows for view

These 'homes' are designed for the dead, but families live in them, and generations have grown up in this cemetery knowing no other home or lifestyle.

More Conservative Style

These plaques for lost at sea

I Call these the Condominium

CEBU PASTORS N WIVES

2011-11-21T00:55:00.000-08:00

VENUE

MEETING

NOV 7-11

at Genesis Valley

Retreat Center,

Cebu

PASTORS

WIVES

Ailen

2011-11-20T21:24:00.000-08:00

Street to Ailen's

I met Ailen in Guimaras Island in 1987.
She was one of the youth at youth camp which we had several years in a row.

Ailen n Family

She was involved in some quite astounding happenings at their church during that time. She was one of the first who called me Dad. Now, her daughter is the same age as she was then (14). She found me on FB shortly after Toby and Harald set up my FB page. Of course I am not really a FB person but do check from time to time.


The girl got anointed, set on fire!

The woman came up to us on the street,
was healed of lots of things.

It was a spectacular day!

Psalm 100 Church

2011-11-20T21:10:00.000-08:00

Worship Team Preparing

Pastor Rommel

I was scheduled for Wednesday evening, but was held over, things were so good!
This church has 3 locations. Wednesday and Friday night were in the central church, Thursday evening at a branch.
Wonderful time with them, great new friends!

Main Church

Main church

Fairview church

In the Van

Youth Turkey Dinner

2011-10-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Youth on Wednesday

Ibu Sri with Hugh & Winda

The past week has been amazing. Not the least was at the Youth Group on Wednesday. Winda brought her maid, Ibu Sri, who had been complaining of pain from above her right hip to her calves, and also of numbness in her right foot. Sri was completely healed, and later in the meeting invited Jesus to be her Lord and Savior. Much of the meeting was in teaching her the basics (at the same time pointing out to the youth, and asking them to do some of the teaching) and leading her to the conclusion that no man can possibly come before God by good work.

I prepared a counter, but they
preferred to mash on the floor

Hugh begins to carve

Sunday Oct 30 by popular request we had turkey Thanksgiving dinner, early this year since I will be leaving Tuesday for Philippines for three weeks, then on to Hawaii, etc.

Meet David, this year's offering.

No one shy about eating!

only 15 attended this year

One of my Indonesian
grand daughters

Women's Aglo Nov 29

2011-10-31T07:37:00.000-07:00

Aglo Women

Hugh makes point

Last week of November was an amazing week!
Two meetings with women, one with El Gibbor Women Wednesday (no photos, sorry) and then Women's Aglo on Saturday. Both were fun and I got lots of rapt attention!

Healing for women at both meetings!

ROADSIDE SCENES CENTRAL JAVA

2011-10-18T02:35:00.000-07:00

PEACEFUL VILLAGE LIFE

It is a Muslim country!

Road Flagman - notice 'flag'

More Working People

Working People

More Working People

Sunset entering Yogya

TRANSPORTATION

Family Vehicle

Pau Hana (after work)

MARKETPLACE

Central Java Pastor Seminars

2011-10-18T01:50:00.000-07:00

24 Different Denominations!

Four Days, Four Cities, Four Seminars

Venue in Gesing, near Temanggung.

200+ participants, very alive and alert group.

Venue Gesing

Gesing Participants

Gesing Eats

Day 2: Magelang

80+ Participants,

lots of discussion and participation.

Magelang Discussion Groups

Venue Magelang

Boyolali:

60+ participants

Boyolali

Boyolali Hosts

Venue in Yogyakarta

3 people, lively discussion

but hardly could call it a seminar!

MT MERAPI (FIRE MOUNTAIN)

2011-10-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

CENTRAL JAVA OUTREACH

October 11-16

MT. MERAPI DOMINATES THE LANDSCAPE

IT ERUPTED LAST YEAR, JUST A MONTH AFTER OUR OUTREACH IN MAY, DESTROYING VILLAGES AND LIVES, FILLING RIVERS WITH ROCKS AND LAHAR.

CLEARING THE RIVER OF LAHAR AND ROCKS

River filled with rocks from the volcano

harvesting rocks from the river,

there are piles of rocks all over the place!

DTS SURABAYA SOUTH

2011-10-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry, out of time. Will put captions later. I am off for Central Java for a week.
Seminars for pastors in 4 cities. Then to Jakarta, preach in a church, and on Monday 17th
we have a FLO REUNION.

2011-10-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

FLO SURABAYA No 3

2011-10-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

The Venue

My Birthday (69)

On The Bus

On the bus

Happy Couples

Other Birthday Celebrations

Good Food

More Good Food

Sessions

Our Meeting

Exercises

I Pray for them

They Pray for each other

Couples Pray

Great Appreciation!

Group Photo

FLO RETREAT SEPT 26-28

2011-10-04T06:11:00.000-07:00

Venue: PCP Hotel, Trawas, in the mountains two hours from Surabaya.

All participants were from Kediri, a city toward Central Java from Surabaya,
about three and a half hours drive.
We brought 11 couples by bus for two nights, three days of refreshing.

Testimonies were fantastic! Hope to post some when I get them translated.
Here are some photos.

Our Meeting Hall

Good Spiritual Food

Birthday/Wedding Anniversary Celebration

Good Physical Food

Challenging Exercises

Prayer for each other

Still praying

Group Photo

Yohanes & Sri

Stephanus & Runa

Paulus & Maria

Verry & Fang-Fang

Asis & Nanik

Rudy & Reina

Daniel & Rina

Yoas & Endang

Elisah & Hetty

Petrus & Berchin

FLO Reunion Sept 17

2011-10-04T05:42:00.000-07:00

Still trying to get a layout that works!
Photos here of FLO Reunion Sept 19. Not many turned out!
We always have a birthday / Wedding anniversary celebration for celebrants for the month, some worship, some teaching, lots of prayer, and of course food.

Sept 6-9 DTS YWAM EAST SURABAYA

2011-10-04T05:04:00.000-07:00

Usually I teach five days, this time only four. Usually I have a six to eight hour teaching day, this time only five hours a day, so I was not able to cover as much material , but it was a great time!	As usual, trying to get some reasonable layout. YWAM Slogan
YWAM SLOGAN

DTS Class

Hugh Presides

Class

Class & Leaders

Orphanage Attached to Base

FLO REUNION

2011-08-22T03:24:00.000-07:00

Something has changed again so I have extreme difficulty organizing this blog with photos as I would like!

So please forgive the wide open spaces and other nusances you might encounter, I am not sure what they might be, since I cannot see what it will look like as I work on it!

Above: Our Venue for Reunion and meetings

Food always a key factor in FLO!

Above and Below the cooks

Below: worship

Testimonies from last year and this year.

They are still excited after a year!

Hugh and Liana

Some Bible Study

Some Games

More Couples Prayer

and they enjoy worship

MALUKU OUTREACH

2011-08-22T03:01:00.000-07:00

10 days of adventure!

Some views of meetings, travel, people.

FLO MALUKU 2

2011-08-22T02:27:00.000-07:00

OUR SECOND FLO RETREAT IN THE MALUKUS.

Plane to Ambon, two hour boat to Masohi, where the retreat was also held last year.

Ten couples, the usual games,

exercises, prayer.

IN SURABAYA

2011-08-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

Committee Meets for FLO SURABAYA No 3
On my way next week to Ambon for FLO AMBON No 2, SURABAYA No 3 will be Sept 26-28, the couples will all be from Kediri, about four hours' drive from Surabaya. Target is poorer area churches.

Youth enjoys Shepherd Pie at Beverly
Usuall five to eight come out for Wednesday evening meetings. For Thanksgiving dinner we had 26 last year. Not always the same ones come, only two or three faithfully come every time we have a meeting.

Teens at Chinese Church - Chinese Church
Sundays I have agreed to hold Bible study for the teens at a Chinese church. The church has no English, only Chinese and Indonesian, but the teens speak English (most of them, but last Sunday one came who does not speak either English or Indonesian - we had fun with the kids trying to find the correct Chinese words!

Sunday in Bogor

2011-07-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

Through the marketplace, down this narrow walkway, then open to find this fabulous church.

Great reception, attentive group!

FLO REUNION HAWAII

2011-07-20T00:39:00.000-07:00

JUNE 15

As usual, we had food and fellowship.

Music

Games and Sharing

The stories and testimonies of changed lives

were awesome!

Some Teaching

and Celebrate Birthdays

JUNE AND JULY

2011-07-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

June and July have been vacation time for me:

in Hawaii

(except for FLO Retreat and Reunion, posting July 9)

Kiana came for her school reunion so they were in Hawaii for Isaac's birthday, and had a grand time!

Las Vegas

(no, not to gamble, but to visit grandkids,

visit turned out to be a lot of work as we moved - posting July 19 below),

Diamond Head

Manila

(Gisela's birthday, on the posting below).

Also in Hawaii I visited my condo which I have not set foot in for about 20 years, and have been wondering why I keep it. My memory was refreshed as I saw the views! I have had the same great tenants for 12 years now.

University of Hawaii

Town, Punchbowl

VISIT GRANDCHILDREN JULY

2011-07-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

4TH OF JULY WEEKEND

HAVE TO MOVE!

Neighbors took the kids, late afternoon they are already prepared to watch the fireworks from their streetside positions.

Kiana's Birthday
in new house!

Grandpa Hugh with his kids!

First breakfast in new house.

GISELA'S BIRTHDAY

2011-07-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

JULY 19

Venue: Springs of Living Water, Bethesda Mercy Center

CELEBRANT

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

FLO HAWAII JUNE 2011

2011-07-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

June 23-25

9 couples
for two days,
6 couples finished.

Recent Postings

2011-06-02T22:17:00.000-07:00

Alert! I have finally updated my blog. Two postings below, from May FLO in Central Java and the outreach immediately after. I have less text, more down loadable photos. My slide shows have been uploaded but not available for posting yet for some reason.

Schedule has also been updated. Notice two unusual outreaches: to Philippines in July and again in November (still quite tentative), and to Central Java again in October. Both locations I usually visit only once a year. Both the Philippines in November and Central Java are in response to apparent open doors and sincere invitations. July is for a special Birthday Celebration.

I have had time to update since I am on my way back to Honolulu - a long trip and overnight in Taipei, with fast internet connections, not available in Indonesia! The time with no one with me allows me hours of time necessary to edit photos and re size for uploading to internet, and it is nice for 10 photos to upload in less than a minute vice the 15 to 30 minutes it usually takes!

Not included in those two other posts are these photos from Cita Hati Recognition Day Assembly. The theme was Flowers and Fruits and they went all out with costumes. It was a very lively occasion!

GOTTA GO CATCH THE PLANE!
Please forgive any typos or other errors in this quick posting!

May Outreach after Retreat

2011-06-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

Ou r hea d quarters hotel in Temanggung was Indraloka. From there we made
da il y forages int o the mountainous countryside to visit churches.

Porot, a small village nearly two hour drive from our our hotel in Temanggung - fantastic service, many healed of various ailments! One very satisfied customer shown below!
The man sitting with his legs out has just been healed. His legs were two inches different length, causing constant back pain.

May in Central Java FLO Retreat 23-25

2011-06-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

Pastor and Wife retreat May 23-25: 12 couples started, one had to leave the second day so 11 couples finished. Venue was Salib Putih retreat center outside of Salatiga, Central Java, with fine facilities and wonderful view! Activities include couples praying together, worship, all kinds of games, some teaching sessions.

Fantastic testimonies of their experience at the end.

Philippines in April

2011-06-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I have neglected this blog for too long!
Three weeks in the Philippines in April:

First week in Romblon, overnight boat trip from Batangas, southern tip of Luzon. Three days youth boot camp (always results in some baptisms, one of my favorite activities), and a leader seminar.

A week with Harvesters for Christ Tondo (slum area of Manila) including Bulacan, where nearly half of their members were relocated when the area around the railroad tracks was cleared. Most interesting activity Bible study under a tarp shelter set up in the street!

Pictures show the Bible study and Hugh preaching at Bulacan.

Feb Comment

2011-03-04T22:26:00.000-08:00

NEW POSTING WITH PHOTOS

SCHOOL:
My schedule intensifies, now spending two full days a week instead of two half days, plus special events. Working with 3 different campuses. Thursday 24th I made a presentation at an all-school faculty/staff fellowship. I was given a film and asked to draw lessons from it. Lots of work, but fun and rewarding! Presentation is about 40 minutes from the 10 minute film ‘RAIN’ a Nooma film by Rob Bell, if you might know it.

YOUTH
We are averaging 8 to 10 each meeting. and they are also bringing friends and relatives by during the week for prayer.
One brought her aunt to be prayed for to have a child, married 9 years now and barren. Doctors say there are cysts. Her husband came and we prayed for his back first. He complained that for 6 years he has had a persistent back ache, and it was bothering him then. All pain disappeared when we prayed for him. The wife got excited when she saw him healed, and said she also had a bad back. As she described it, she said it was inside. As we prayed, evil spirit (s?) began to manifest and soon we were in the midst of a deliverance session. About half hour later she said she was free, a big smile on her face. Then we prayed for the couple to have a child. My track record in praying for babies is pretty good, so I am hopeful in hearing good news from them soon.

Sunday Feb 13 I preached in this church which is very near my apartment, pastor attended our FLO Retreat last year. They reported that the congregation had become much more enthusiastic and involved sins then, and attributed it to the fact that they were set free in FLO.

Thursday 17th was a surprise 50th birthday celebration for Yusup. He’s the guy I always stayed with in Surabaya before I got the apartment. He still works as head chemist for developing detergence in a large firm here, and has started a church that now has two chapters, each meeting three times a Sunday (plus lots of mid-week prayer and small group meetings).

COMING SCHEDULE - PLEASE PRAY
See panel at right with the schedule.
Mostly usual schedule: Monday and Wednesday at School, Wednesday evening youth at my apartment, every other Thursday afternoon with Anak Terang, Sundays with the Chinese Harvest Church after attending my ‘home church’ from 7:30 - 9:30

February 2010

2011-03-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 2011

Chinese New Year is perhaps the major event this month in Indonesia. I spent it with my Indonesian family, eating out with them on the eve, and joining them for a family gathering with all six brothers and families.

ANAK TERANG
Four of the youth from the Chinese Church joined us and made presentations to the kids, presenting each child with a traditional (for Chinese) envelope with money in it. Part of Chinese New Years tradition among the Chinese.

CHINESE CONNECTION

In Hawaii, I was blessed with working with the Chinese speaking church there, and with New Life which is just a block away in Chinatown and also works with them.

In Surabaya, a Chinese Church ‘Harvest’ has requested me to work with their teens. I have met with them twice now and maybe it will work out. Never imagined I would be a ‘Youth Pastor!’

FLO (For Lovers Only)

Monday 20 was Reunion for Jakarta. 8 couples found their way to the remote venue (most of the pastors have remote locations) along with four pastors whose wives could not attend. It was great seeing them face to face again.
I also met with the committee planning the next FLO RETREAT for Jakarta area, March 21-23. We now have ten candidate couples.

at left: host family

January 2011

2011-01-28T16:28:00.000-08:00

BACK IN INDONESIA!

Seems like I'm settled into somewhat a routine: When in Surabaya, at school Mondays and Wednesdays, Wednesday evening the youth come to my apartment, Thursday afternoon I am with Anak Terang, tutoring kids from poorer areas. One week a month in Jakarta for FLO meetings primarily, but also preaching and visiting.

This month, I got to bless two babies dedicated to the Lord when I preached. What an honor and privilege!

The youth group is growing in number and commitment, it seems. I am hoping to take them on a retreat some time this year, if we can schedule it!

I renewed my commitment to assist Anak Terang with their work in tutoring kids after school, and least every other Thursday, when I am in town.

FLO Reunion in Surabaya had 9 couples attend, plus three ladies whose husbands couldn't come. We had a great time!

Three day fast and pray retreat in the mountains outside of Jakarta was a great success and very refreshing, renewing time.

2010-12-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

Enjoying vacation visiting my daughter's family and playing with Grand Kids!

We visited Boulder Dam and walked across the new bridge above it.

We rode on a train and met Santa and Mrs. Santa

Lots of visits to parks and stores!

Merry Christmas to all!

Wednesday Youth Group

2010-11-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

They requested early Thanksgiving Dinner, so on Sunday Nov 1 we did it.

WHIRLWIND

2010-11-01T21:21:00.001-07:00

That’s what the past three weeks has seemed like.
October 14 - to Jakarta, prepare with committee.
Friday, 15th 1 AM Flight departs for Ambon (See info block at right). 3 hour flight, 2 hour time zone change, 1 hour late, plane arrives 7 AM.

Rush to 9AM boat to Masohi, where we have Pastor and Wife Retreat Monday through Wednesday.
Thursday 21 two hours by public transport vehicle East to Jirili / Waipia
Friday and Saturday 9AM to 5PM Pastor/Church Leader Seminar
evenings revival meetings.

Excerpts from a Report from Liana, ministry coordinator in Jakarta:
Our visit to Ambon seems to have ignited the fire that was about to die! God heard our prayers! Wow! It was our cry for Ambon when we prayed during the preparation time. I feel that God is going to do 'something' in Ambon hence all the challenges that we had to go through.

Henry said that since we left the people seemed to 'wake up' from their sleep. They became alive. He said the church was born because of prayer and fasting but then it became a routine and people became lukewarm. Now they're on fire again and they have made a commitment to have a 3 day prayer and fast every month. Around 20 to 30 people made that commitment. Before that only 10 at the most came for prayer and fast!

Teddy said the move of God in that place is like a tsunami! Wave after wave...wow, awesome!! Your teaching was powerful and a great help for them. I think Teddy and Non caught it, also Henry, that's why there is a change in his church. I don't know about the others. I'll find out soon. I got so excited by the news! We have to keep praying for them that the fire keeps on burning!

Sunday 24 October preach in local church, afternoon home visitation, outing to beach, evening with Bible School students and staff.

More Details to follow . . .

FLO RETREAT SURABAYA No. 2

2010-10-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

Pastor / wife Retreat
September 27-29
FLO Core Team Retreat
Sept 30 - Oct 2

Another successful retreat with lots of great testimonies! More photos, description, and testimonies on the blog site - find the link at right.

The FLO Core Team (Hugh, Liana, and Ira) then met for another three days, fasting and praying for direction for FLO. It seems FLO is expanding both in number and location. We are excited about this. FLO has now become a primary focus for me as the number in the community and the interest in being involved increases.

Certificates
Venue

CITA HATI and BUAH HATI SCHOOLS

continue to be another important part of my life as I lead devotions, counsel, and pray for teachers and students. There are now three major campus for the school - Elementary and High School in Pakuwan City, a development in the East, the Pre-School in Manyar, not far, and the new East Campus across town not too far from where I live. I spend most time at the Pakuwan City campus.

Recently I visited the Manyar Campus to pray for teachers there. I received two comments that they were so glad to see me, their hearts just lept with joy - they both commented that they see Jesus in me! Wow! what a compliment (and of course it is a goal of mine that this would be what people see). Now I have to go shopping for larger size hat!

Staff Retreat Sept 5-7

2010-09-21T03:27:00.000-07:00

Just few weeks after the 9th grade retreat was an all faculty/staff retreat. I was head of the program planning. We had a speaker from Malaysia and a well known speaker from Indonesia. It was awesome. While the kids were mostly outdoors, we were at a nice hotel and most of the time it was raining. I never heard any complaint about boredom or too much sitting in sessions as has happened in the past. We had 210 participants, about 10% didn’t come. It was a great time and many got touched by the Lord.

I received one text message: “Dear Sir, my name is Xu Li, I am Mandarin teacher so can’t speak English well. I just want to share with you, I am not Christin, but when all of you praying I can feel my heart is moving, someone is touching my heart.” Later, Xu Li talked to me during a break, and she received Christ as her Lord and Savior!

Others were healed of various pains, many were relieved of burdens as they were touched by the Lord. I love this school, the Lord is using it mightily not only for the students!

9th Grade Retreat Aug 11-13

2010-09-21T03:20:00.000-07:00

Jr High students on retreat. It’s a very noisy thing, not lots of sleep, but lots of activity including worship and teaching sessions indoors, outward bound activities in the jungle, and on this one, even a chance for everyone to bust boards with a karate chop!

Highlight for me was being assigned to help with the harness for the Flying Fox. I never heard that term before, but it is common in Indonesia and Australia, at least. I called it the Zip Line, though I don’t know where I got that term. You can tell I am an old foggie. Help me, please, it is the line that you dangle from and zip across canyons, of course from a higher location to a lower one. In our case it was across the river. Only two of the 9th graders couldn’t hang on and needed the harness. The first thought it was a kick, the other was scared!

There was also a night walk, where the students had to negotiate a trail (helped with a line stretched waist high along the way) in the jungle in the dark. I was one of the spotters stationed along the trail with a flashlight in case they needed. Some did, some did not.

I did survive the late nights and the two and a half hour bus drive each way with the screaming kids. Well, the bus ride home was quiet as most were zonked out!

WWJ Seminar Aug 3-4

2010-09-21T03:14:00.000-07:00

The committee worked long and hard, with lots of prayer together. When I met with them just before the seminar, they were excited, expecting a minimum of 50 pastors. Actually, only 8 came!

The restaurant was great in adjusting the space, the food, and the bill! Those that were there were blessed!

Women’s Aglo July 28

2010-09-21T02:56:00.000-07:00

August 17 is Independence Day for Indonesia, so for the August meeting they requested the topic “Blessing Indonesia.” For preparation, I studied up on ‘blessing’ and got many surprises! Basic Teaching will be posted soon on JESUS THE WORD blog. Had a great time with this small English speaking group.

LYN KLEIN NOV 13, 1938 to JUNE 25, 2010

2010-09-21T02:36:00.000-07:00

My good friend and usual host in Hawaii has been struggling for some time with his emotions, actions and decisions for Lyn, his wife. She has been sliding away with Alzheimer's (or something like that, until a couple of years ago she no longer recognized anyone and couldn’t feed herself.

She passed away June 25, causing me to cut short my visit with daughter and family and return to Hawaii for her memorial service. Both Bud and she are musicians (he was choir director for their church for more than 40 years, she worked with children, was a Suzuki Method violin and piano teacher, mostly for kids. Whenever I stayed at their place, there was always live music from the lessons!

On her birthday, Nov 13, Bud is planning a great musical memorial for her. I will return to Hawaii in time for the big event.

GRADUATION HAWAIIAN STYLE

2010-06-20T00:46:00.000-07:00

KAITLYN graduated from high school June 5,
and I was privileged to be invited!
It's an awesome affair.

Below, Kaitlyn with her family.

Grand-dad Bud with Graduate!

OUTREACH TO CENTRAL JAVA

2010-05-31T23:44:00.000-07:00

OUTREACH TO CENTRAL JAVA
May 13 to 26

I am just taking advantage of some time in the airport to upload the photo shows so don't have my photos or my report handy in my computer. Look for a more complete report by June 5 or so.

Those of you who receive my email reports have received powerpoints with stories and photos already. If you haven't and want to receive my periodic (maybe sporadic) reports via email, please send me an email request and I will add you to my list. hukaiser@gmail.com or post a comment on this blog.

YOUTH OUTING

2010-05-30T04:37:00.001-07:00

SATURDAY EVENING, 29 MAY,
The kids and I went out for a fantastic dinner.

Above: Yanet (her wedding photos posted last year) is due next week. We all loved her outfit!

Only a few came to the Thursday evening meeting, and several were out of town so could't attend this gathering, but those that were there enjoyed it tremendously.

Outreach to Bandung Area March 5 to 10

2010-03-16T04:26:00.000-07:00

A TIRING BUT SATISFYING TIME!

SATURDAY 6 MARCH - TRIP TO SUNDANESE Pengalengan in Mountains about 2 hours out of Bandung.
We left after breakfast, and went straight to a small meeting place. About 8 locals plus our team were there. Nice people, we were all blessed!

After the meeting, we went more into the mountains to Pak Lukas’ place there where he sells snacks he makes himself and ministers. We enjoyed hiking and visiting house to house (mostly Muslim neighbors) where we learned about traditional Sudanese homes (cooking fire inside, on floor - lots of smoke! No interior walls, just thin partitions. Even the outer walls are often just woven bamboo mats. Floors and basic structure are rough-hewn wood. We witnessed the hard work, carving out the rice terraces and preparing the soil which is these people’s daily life.

Arrived back in Bandung well after dark. We were blessed to have a nice, rain-free day for this outing! It had been raining hard moonsoon rains previously!

SUNDAY 7 MARCH
Church was in a building on Air Force property, borrowed by the church. There are 7 groups that use this building. Basically the same group as yesterday, with a few additional participants from town. Ibu Guna (the pastor) provides a transport to bring the people from Pengalengan and back home. Sunday afternoon we visited an orphanage in Lembang, about an hour drive out of the city.

MONDAY and TUESDAY, 8 and 9 MARCH - PRISON VISITS
SUKA MISKIN PRISON
When I kept hearing the word ‘miskin’ I thought we were going to visit some poor people! (miskin is Indonesian for poor). The prison visits were not on our planned list of activities and we only knew about it on Sunday evening. They were, next to the mountain visit, the highlight of the visit. Sukamiskin prison is the ‘Number 1' prison in Indonesia. It is the only prison where inmates are housed in one cell per person (one person per cell). It is the oldest prison in Indonesia, built by the Dutch for political prisoners.

We held church services in the church (or chapel) at both prisons. Both were prisons for men only. Both had groups of men sing very moving music. In Sukamiskin, the special songs sung by the group were specially about how they found freedom in the prison. It was very powerful for me.

Discussion with guards and administrative personnel before and after the meetings was very interesting. Photos were allowed inside the chapels. I was very impressed with the well-kept grounds of both prisons, as compared to prisons in other Asian countries. The only other Indonesian prison I have visited is Bali, and the entry there is mostly parking lot. These two prisons both had nice, well - manicured gardens just inside the gates. Very clean and neat.

WEDNESDAY - AIR FORCE DAY
In the same church building as Sunday, this service was specially for Air Force personnel. As usual, there was music, testimonies, some preaching. Approximately 30 in attendance.

Wednesday evening we met with a small group in Ibu Guna’s home for Bible Study and prayer.

Each day, in between formal meetings, we had informal home or business visits. Monday after the prison visit we also went to a funeral where the wife of an Air Force officer had passed away.

DECEMBER 2009

2010-01-17T17:45:00.000-08:00

December and Christmas were in Hawaii, with friends. I spoke at my home church, St. Mary's on the second Sunday after Christmas. Great time catching up with friends before going to see my grand kids just after the New Year.

Just before leaving for Hawaii, I had another party for the youth group. 18 showed up this time. We exchanged gifts, shared and prayed about our goals for 2010, and had a great time.

Photo above shows the youth party at my apartment.

Below is a photo of river clean-up. It was part of a city-wide clean-up project of churches. Our church was assigned to a portion of the river.

CATCHING UP

2010-01-01T12:21:00.001-08:00

NOVEMBER:

I cooked two Turkeys for thanksgiving, one for the youth who meet at my apartment (photo above, slide show top right), and one for the American teachers at the school I work with.

Taught in two YWAM Discipleship Training Schools (DTS), one the first week in Surabaya, and the other the third week in Samarinda, Kalimantan (Borneo, to most Americans). The end of the month was a flurry of FLO activity, both in Jakarta and in Surabaya. I had a Reunion in both cities, and spoke in churches both places, too. Photos of the reunion and home church meeting in Surabaya below.

DECEMBER was hectic, getting ready for travel to America again. I left Surabaya on 14th, had a great Bible Study in Bali (18 came out!) and a classmate from my High School alma mater, Taipei American School, came to visit me during my layover in Taipei on the way ( photo at left).

Time in Hawaii has included visiting friends, golf, end-of-year business, and lots of sleep, football, and oldie movies! Preached in two services at my home church. On to 'Vegas to see grand kids on Jan 4 after more football.

TYPHOON DAMAGE

2009-10-12T02:34:00.001-07:00

Throughout the Philippines, extensive damage from the recent typhoons has been reported, but I was not prepared for the extent of damage to the relocation settlement I visited with Harvesters Christian Church on Sunday October 11.

The river that overflowed. Note how high we are above the river.

The land above, on which I was standing to take this picture, was flooded to 3 meters height all over. Can you imagine how much water that is??

taking a break

These are concrete structures some 6 meters (18 feet, that’s two stories high) above the adjacent river, at ground level. The water level was roof high (about 3 meters). I thought I would see houses full of mud, with all paper and electronic stuff destroyed. What I saw was quite different, the buildings were destroyed - concrete buildings!

I share with you some of the images. Note this is just one small community. The same images can be found in many other places!

WHY I WAS THERE

As usual when I visit Manila, I visit my friends in Harvester Christian Fellowship, a church established in the squatter area of Tondo. The government recently began clearing these squatters, and relocating them north in Bulacan. Many of the Harvester congregation were included in this relocation, so they started a church service in this area, going up every Sunday afternoon (in addition to other ministry during the week). So I went up with them for the Sunday afternoon worship service. We carried with us a meal for them.

Visit Vegas

2009-07-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

Grandpa n kids

Elk in meadow- Seattle

Hugh @ Gig Harbor

Main theme this posting is my visit to grand daughter and meeting my grand son for first time in Las Vegas (slide show at right). Since last posting I have been visiting my brother and sister in law in the D.C. area (and some other friends there), have spend three days in Seattle visiting my former dive partner and wife, sightseeing throughout the area.

It's been a long trip, today I head back for Honolulu, then mid August will be back in Indonesia 'working' again.

2009-07-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

Just finished 4th of July in Washington, D.C. Fireworks were best seen on TV, so if you watched, you saw it as well as I did.

I had a good two days in Lynchburg, south of D.C., with my friend and mentor Philip. We played tourist among other things, and my favorite was the D Day memorial in Bedford, VA. D Day was June 6, 1944. Slide show at right.

Also posting slide show of the trip to the German Alps with Gisela.

MINISTRY in GERMANY

2009-06-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH

Late Afternoon 20th I boarded the flight to Frankfurt: 15.5 hours. Long. Overnight. Slept lots.
Arrived in Frankfurt 5:30 AM, cleared immigration and customs in a quite confusing airport, met Gisela, and finally we found our way through the confusing airport to the car. After a two hour drive to Frickenhausen, a short distance south of Stuttgart we arrived in time to preach at 10 AM service at Gisela's Lighthouse church. Then we had lunch, and later dinner with Gisela's family and church members. Lots of delicious German sausage!

Our Healing Service Monday evening at Lighthouse had a small group, but lots of enthusiasm, especially when they started getting healed! Below is from Gisela's note in the World Missions For Jesus newsletter:

Our friend Hugh Kaiser is in Germany for 10 days to help me. I called a miracle service for Monday night. I asked anyone who wants a miracle or wants to see one to come. People came to the service. During the sermon my aunt misunderstood me and ran to the front, because she did not want to miss her miracle. She had very bad pain in her legs due to artery blockage. Hugh kept her in the front and went on preaching. After a little while he turned to her and asks her where her pain was – it was totally gone and is still gone today! Thank God!

One man got healed from very bad nonstop pain from arthritis in his legs – he was shocked, that after so long for the first time there was no more pain. A few more ladies got healed too and testified about their healing. Not only did bodily pain get healed, but some broken hearts’ got healed too, because we have a father, who knows us and loves us.

What miracle do you need? Go and get it from your heavenly father, HE loves you so much!

Tues 22, Weather is cold and rainy, anyway, we need to stay in to prepare for the men's meetng on Friday night, and the all-day Sweetheart Day for couples. We have to prepare the material for 8 hours of presentation, Gisela has to translate into German, and I have to finalize the PowerPoint presentations.

Friday
Frantic finishing preparations for Men's evening meeting, tomorrow's couples. Some we can't finish and I do on the easel as I learned 30 years ago! Men's meeting we had 16 and a fun and rewarding time.

Saturday couples - draining! but very rewarding! Seven couples. Seven is the 'perfect' number in the Bible, and four of our five FLO retreats in Indonesia have had seven couples, so it was quite comfortable for me! One of the husbands made the decision to invite Jesus to be his Lord and Savior for the first time in his life. He had been at the men's meeting the night before and greatly touched.

Sunday morning I preached at the Lighthouse in the morning, afternoon with her brother and family visited Lichtenstein Castle not too far away, then to an afternoon service in a church that invited me for a healing service after hearing about the Monday evening service at the Lighthouse. This was a fantastic service, about twenty minutes of praise and worship, then I was introduced. I just read the scripture from Luke 8:41 to the end, which is two stories, Jairus asking Jesus to come heal his daughter, interrupted by the woman who crept up and touched his hem. Then I started calling people forward, and for four more hours we had a Holy Spirit party, people getting healed of emotional and physical ailments, Messages of scripture and encouragement for individuals, parents blessing their children, and so on. Nearly a five hour service, one of my longest. it was just getting dark as we left. Sun is still up at 10 here!

MANAGER RETREAT

2009-06-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

June 12-14
Retreat with 107 managers of a furniture factory.

Theme: Journey into Space.

We explored various paradigms of life and work as managers, from a Christian perspective. It was really fun to do a management retreat once again, and a great priviledge to work with this company, that is bold enough to proclaim that they are a Christian company in this Muslim nation.

Yanet's Wedding

2009-06-30T15:48:00.000-07:00

May 31 was Yanet's Wedding. She is on the right in photo.
She is one of my 'kids' in weekly fellowship, from the beginning nearly ten years ago. I don't have photos yet, will be posted on my blog when I get them

NEW GRANDSON

2009-06-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

PRESENTING TO YOU:
Isaac Andrew Hennington

Born 16 June, 2009

Other details not yet known. Mother and son at home doing fine, Father's condition as yet uncertain . . .

OUTREACH to CENTRAL JAVA

2009-05-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

Our one week outreach in Central Java has been very fruitful.

Our first stop was in Pekalongan, nine hours by car from Jakarta for us. We left at 6 AM and arrived just after 2PM. Most of the way was through rice paddies where there were many colorful sights of women with bright orange, blue, red hats and shirts planting. They put seedlings into the mud under water, so the surface of the water reflects the bright colors, making for a nice picture.

Our main event was a Full Gospel BussinessMen meeting Monday evening, but along the way we had many home visits to pray for people, and perhaps a highlight, having an hour on the radio, taking calls for the last half hour. Now, that I really enjoyed, and consider getting a similar program in Surabaya on a regular basis when I am there. Another pleasure was that the hotel where we stayed has a large (nearly Olympic size) swimming pool, and I swam laps for 45 minutes early morning on Tuesday.

Wednesday, a morning swim was out since we left at 6 AM for Mayong, our next appointment where we were to have a healing seminar with some 50 local pastors and church members. After what was supposed to be a two hour trip but took us four due to road construction, we were to start the seminar at 10. After the usual confusion and waiting for participants to show up, we started at 11 AM with mostly local church members, maybe two visiting pastors curious to see what was up. The purpose was to train teams to pray for healing, and it would be culminated with a healing service open to the general public. After the first morning session, the group settled into about 15 very responsive participants. The healing service was held in Jepara, a small city about an hour away, the general area where our next ministry was to be.

The service was in a fairly large church, seating perhaps 400 downstairs and another hundred in a balcony. Lots of marble, very shiny and nice looking church. As our team prayed in a back room in preparation, we found a woman standing with us that no one knew. She had come for healing prayer. We told her she had to wait.

The church was packed, but apparently only with church members. They were largely unresponsive to the message, and only 10 people came forward for prayer. All were healed, and gave enthusiastic testimonies complete with stompling feet, arm waving, deep knee bends and toe touching as they demonstrated their new found freedom from pain. The audience was unresponsive. The lady who had first come to us was not one of the ten. I went into the audience to encourage them, and noticed her. I asked her why she did not come forward, and she said that she had been healed during the service! She came forward and told her story. I was amazed at how dead the audience was, with the exception of only a few people. Apparently they were there only because it was a usual church service on Ascention Day (which is a holiday in Indonesia).

In one ladies’ meeting in Ploso, one of the small villages we visited, we were trying to get one woman to have confidence to look someone in the eyes. This woman was suffering heavy low self esteem. I had a sudden inspiration, called another woman who had come forward for healing of her legs, and told the first that when she looked into this other woman’s eyes, she would be healed. It happened just as I said, and at that, people really started paying attention to what was happening!

We have been kept fairly busy the seminar all day Wednesday after our travel, a service Wednesday night, early morning Ascention Day service followed by more seminar, our trip to Jepara and the evening healing service on Thursday. Friday we had two women’s meetings in different churches. Saturday was largely free, except for visitors coming seeking prayer, and a meeting of some 20 pastors in the evening. Sunday was three church services, one an hour drive away.

We have seen many people healed, many set free from heavy burdens of worry or fear. It has been a very busy and rewarding week.

It is now 4:30 AM and we are on our way. I will take a plane back to Surabaya this morning from Semarang, Liana and Ira will stay in the area one more day before heading back to Jakarta.

2009-05-17T02:13:00.000-07:00

I have been in Jakarta since Thursday evening. Friday morning was a miscommunication but turned out to be an opportunity for the Lord to work a miracle (See red below). In the evening, five of us celebrated the wedding anniversary of Tri and Kim, a couple who started FLO with us and continues to work closely but because of business pressures no longer are committed as core committee. We had lots of fun.

My Jakarta team (Ira and Liana) and I start out tomorrow (Monday 18th) for a week long outreach to Central Java. We will have Full Gospel Businessmen meetings, church gatherings, women’s meetings, a two day seminar on healing, which will culminate in a community healing service, where participants will practice what they learned. We will be connecting with some old friends and making new ones along the way.

I hope to have lots of pictures and stories when I get back.

Friday morning when we arrived at the house where we were scheduled to have a meeting, the hostess was stunned! She thought it was next week. Well, we prayed for her, and she was touched by the power of God and had a great time, but the real story is in he mother, who came out to see what the commotion was about. She could not walk without leaning on somebody or something, it was painful for her to get up, to sit down, to walk, in short, to do anything. After we prayed for her, she felt much stronger, could walk alone, and had no more pain in her body. Saturday we received a text message that now she is climbing stairs and walking unaided without pain! Our God is still in the business of miracles!

AFTER I RETURN TO SURABAYA, I will have a retreat with managers of a furniture factory (originally scheduled for May 8-10 but rescheduled) June 12-14. Theme is Journey into Space and will be to reshape managers’ paradigms. Major change requested is for the managers to have a feeling of ownership. I met with the team of 10 in-company committee and intercessors last week, and we mapped out a program for the two days and nights that is exciting.

Also coming:

Wedding for Yanet, one of the faithful Monday evening group, on June 7. She has been with us since the beginning, ten years now. I am not sure when we started, maybe I should go back and look it up and have a celebration. She is one of four of the original group that attends. Two (Eric and Sonja) are a married couple, one (Helen) was married two years ago and now has a two month old daughter Sara Ann. Others have gotten married, had kids and moved on.

Cita Hati Graduation June 4 and 5, with end of year school teacher/staff fellowship on Saturday 6th.

PHILIPPINE OUTREACH

2009-04-26T17:08:00.002-07:00

I have several photo shows for you in this posting:
Harvester Tondo and Bulacan-Tondo - First two days in Philippines
Youth Camp, Other Romblon, and Beach Outing on Tablas Island
Bethesda - Final two days of Philippine Outreach

HARVESTER TONDO

I visit and work with this church, planted in the slums of Tondo, Manila, every time I visit the Philippines. Usually they take me to prison and cemetery ministry, but I only had two days with them this time. In addition to Easter Sunday in their home church, we visited their church in Nueva Ecija and made a trip to Bulacan, explained below. Photos show their sign on the church, some of the people, and their Saturday Jogging Fellowship at Luneta Park at the seafront in downtown Manila.

NUEVA ECIJA OUTING

Last year, I helped commission a young couple to move to this central Luzon location to start a church in a small settlement of squatters. They have gathered a fairly good sized congregation as you can see, and they still meet under the mango tree. I love this kind of ministry. Lots of babies, along with unwed couples. We had a baby dedication, and the church will in the near future perform weddings for them. They don’t get married because of lack of education, but mostly because of lack of money. The custom in the Philippines is that weddings cost, so they didn’t even bother to ask.

On the way up, we had a tire blowout on the freeway, and an exciting ride for a few seconds before the driver got the vehicle under control. Very, very hot day!!!

BULACAN-TONDO

The city is clearing out the squatters in Tondo around the church. The Harvesters have clear title to the property, so their church will not be touched, but all the homes around them near the railroad tracks are being demolished and the people relocated to ‘townhouses’ north in Bulacan. For some, these new homes are nicer, for others, they are a major step downward. You can see in the photos of the cleared areas that there were some substantial concrete buildings. Other photos show the homes to be destroyed, and the relocation settlement, where we had Sunday afternoon service. Bulacan is about an hour drive north of Manila (depending on traffic), and the relocated people complain that there is no means of livelihood there.

As you can see from the photos, we had a lively worship service under the tarp spread between the row homes. It was super hot!!

ROMBLON - YOUTH CAMP, CHURCH WORKER CONFERENCE, MORE!

above: the boat that got us there

YOUTH CAMP

Our Camp Masters, a group of 7 young people from a ministry group in Manila joined us on the boat to Tablas Island, Romblon. We had 93 at the youth camp (started with nearly a hundred, but lost a few along the way), and we baptized six who made decisions for Christ during the camp. The short slide show cannot possibly do justice to the variety of activities and the excitement of the Youth Camp.

Maile Photos

2009-03-30T22:37:00.001-07:00

this posting is just to put up photos of my grand daughter.

Isn't she a sweetie?

3 Months Catch-up

2009-03-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

Well, Here I am in Taipei again, waiting my plane back to San Francisco. Just as I had a close connection in SFO in December on my way out, so I will have another since my plane is two hours late, leaving a very close connection to 'Vegas and my grand daughter and her parents. I might even make it!

Bali video clip at end of this posting. Well, I posted it, but the quality was so poor it was better to not even have it. Looks like video will have to wait until I learn some more, or it gets better. Slide shows will have to do for now.

Since I arrive and leave Indonesia through Bali, it is appropriate that I start this three month story (I will try to keep it short) in Bali. Both times I had meetings in the evenings, prayer time with people during the day.

A week of fasting was included in December. I spend half my time in my friend's villa (photo above), and the remainder in a hotel. I always enjoy Bali. Now is holiday season, kids have been out of school for two weeks, and these holidays are culminated with Nyepi, the day of silence. No one is allowed to go out (no planes, buses, or other transport), tourists must stay in their hotels. No lights at night (but tourists may have lights in their hotel rooms). No talking, slamming doors, etc. Silence. For 24 hours.

Balinese are mostly hindu, and they take their religion seriously. Decorations along the streets always have religious significance, in addition to the many shrines, altars, and idols everywhere.

Other major activities include trips to Jakarta where I minister in churches, prayer meetings, and such, plus take care of my For Lovers Only Group (click on the link to the FLO BLOG). Photos of one prayer meeting, PD RUTH, are showing in the slide show.

In Surabaya, I still spend two or three days a week at school, where things have been very interesting lately, with lots of business for me! Among other things, I try to schedule all the graduating Seniors for prayer sessions. Photos included in this posting are from the celebration of a birthday with my Monday night fellowship group. Well, we only had about half for this celebration, but we all had a great dinner and good fun.

TRANSIT TO BALI

2008-12-17T15:33:00.000-08:00

Writing this from airport in Taipei where I am waiting my plane to Bali. I never thought I would have this kind of life, I like it!

Travel has been an adventure. My plane from Las Vegas was an hour and half late, putting me into San Francisco to catch my international flight only two hours before flight time. I had planned to check only one small bag, so I did not check it, meaning I did not have to wait to collect it, but went straight to the international terminal after landing. I was in plenty of time, and they even gave me a coupon for the business class lounge.

Daddy has given me business class travel for this trip and for the around the world trip coming up in March - July. It was nice, since the trip SFO to Taipei was 13.5 hours! I was able to sleep lots, get some reading and prayer caught up in comfort! I am so fortunate to have a rich daddy who provides so well for me!

Just finished 10 days with my grand daughter Maile (of course with daughter Kiana and son-in-law Brad too) and it was at the same time all too short and quite long enough. I am eager to get back to my friends in Indonesia!

We did all kinds of things together, including visiting Santa at the mall, a day trip to Boulder to ride the Santa train and take in all the Nevada Train Museum displays, shop, read stories and play, shop some more, play some more . . . well, you know how it is.
I am anticipating a good time in Bali with friends, plus I will spend a week fasting and focusing on the Lord, seeking direction for the coming year before returning to Surabaya and resuming a more nearly ‘normal’ life.

2008-11-21T11:23:00.000-08:00

My time in Hawaii has been good. Visiting friends, playing golf, relaxing, and getting caught up on business here. Highlight up to now has been preaching in a Chinese church in downtown Chinatown last Sunday. About 150 attended, it was entirely in Chinese, except for when I was introduced and the word ‘Aloha’ was used. And of course, when I spoke and was translated into Chinese. I got to pray with and for them, and manywere touched as evidenced by the tears, smiles of joy, and other body language signs. I couldn’t understand most of the spoken words, although some did speak English well.

Other Sundays I have been visiting my home church St. Mary’s Episcopal, and other church friends here in Honolulu, trying to keep up with friends and church connections.

My Plans:
Cheryl, 17 year old daughter of friends in Singapore, is attending BYU which is far away (for Hawaii) on the other side of the Island. I will pick her up Thanksgiving Day and bring her for dinner at a friend’s home. She will stay with the family (with two teen daughters) until Sunday, when I will take her to Waianae to church and then back to BYU. We will do beaches and shopping malls on the days in between, so she will get to see some of the ‘local’ Hawaii.
This coming Sunday is the last Sunday for Bud (my host during Hawaii stays) as Music Director of Waiokeola, so I will be attending church there. It promises to be an emotional day!
I will be speaking at the Waianae Assembly church on the 30th. I always enjoy my time with them.
So while I have a fairly full schedule, I also am having enough relaxation time, as usual.

2008-11-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

October 27, 2008 I write this in a hotel room in Taipei - I have a 20 hour layover from Bali to Honolulu. I have had a very busy few weeks:Oct 10-13 in Jakarta for meetings with the FLO group and preaching in churches, return to Surabaya Monday evening to get ready for the FLO Retreat committee meeting Tuesday. School commitments Wednesday and Thursday, Friday shopping for prizes and last minute items for FLO Retreat. Retreat venue shown below:

FLO COMMITTEE
Saturday 18th was our final FLO Retreat committee meeting. One key person was not there, another couple that had promised to be on the bus and to be with us all three days announced they would not be on the bus and that they would be leaving Tuesday afternoon. Another committee member had already backed out, although she did complete the preparation work she had promised to do. Good thing that Liana and Ira came from Jakarta! Well, this is not unusual, and we expected some great things, and were well rewarded by the faces and testimonies on the second and third day. Stories and photos will be posted on the FLO site. You can connect directly with the list at right.

The day after the retreat I went to Bali. I was so excited about meeting the people and final preparations for the 'seminar' I was to do that I had the arrival time rather than departure time in my mind and missed the flight. Had to buy another ticket ($40) and lost two hours! Gave me time to slow myself down a bit! Minor cost for such a needed lesson.

The seminar consisted of two two-hour sessions on Friday and Saturday evening. Topic: Are You a Believer?" It is supposed to focus on examining our beliefs in light of scriptures, but because the attendees the second night were 50% new, the foundations laid the first night couldn't be used and we changed course a little bit, though we still focused on familiar scriptures and comparing to our lives, whether we really believed those things we knew from scripture. Main idea from James: if hear but don't do, not really faith (belief). Good response from about 15-20 attendees each evening.

Anak Terang Dinner Program

2008-09-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

(above) Families of students gathering for the Anak Terang dinner and program Saturday evening.

I finished the week of teaching at the DTS Friday. I always enjoy, but my batteries were drained after five days of 7 hours teaching per day! Class photo at right is new.

Saturday I joined the Anak Terang group in preparing and hosting a dinner for families of the 180 students they tutor after school. The dinner was in boxes which the group prepared themselves. It was a great undertaking!

Dinner Boxes from the assembly line being stacked in preparation for distribution. You can see the people gathering outside.

Hard to sit and write!

2008-09-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

It seems harder and harder for me to sit down and write!
I left Honolulu for Surabaya on July 3. Two months in Indonesia passed quickly, and I had to leave (visa restrictions) so I visited Singapore Aug 29th, turned around, back to Jakarta for meetings then to Yogyakarta in central Java, and to Surabaya again, where I went directly from the airport to a school retreat (I was the organizer)!

The retreat wasn’t really a retreat but a three day seminar with speakers from out of town (one from Malaysia).

I am now teaching 4.5 hrs a day in a YWAM DTS (Discipleship Training School) for the week. They have cut back on my hours in this school, usually I have at least 6 to 8 hours teaching daily. The cut back is in evening sessions, which they don’t have. I miss that, because I think the evening sessions are the most profitable - they don’t get distracted from the thoughts or experiences with other work immediately after class, but sleep on it over night. I did convince them to give up their free time Wednesday evening for a special session.

Testimonies from answered prayer at school continue. One teacher’s husband got a job the day after she came for prayer (he had been searching for months) without finding any hope. This is the bulk of and the greatest joy in my work now - praying for people and seeing immediate, direct results. Coincidence? I don’t believe in it, but I believe in a God who delights in answering prayer!

At right: view from my apartment. 8 new apartment towers are rising. Within this view are 3 golf clubhouse roofs! My Indonesian partner wants to move me into one of the new apartments, where I will be able to see four clubhouses (maybe even 5).

Monday evening group continues with 8-10 faithful participants, even though our schedule has been interrupted with holidays and my
being away. We have lost some due to work and school schedules, but they keep in touch. Over the 10 years this group has been meeting, many have
moved on and replaced with new ones. The group continues about the same size. My apartment renovation and getting rid of furniture was predicated on anticipation of expansion of this group and formation of some new groups, neither of which has materialized. I do not solicit, but wait for the Lord to move them. I have had several requests from young people for English lessons but none has materialized yet.

PRAYER POWER

2008-08-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

Some major changes: the FLO Retreat was changed to October 20-22, the committee just wouldn’t come together. Yesterday, we had 6 of 8 attending. We have two couples, plus two guys and two ladies. Liana is committee member but is in Jakarta and will join us for the retreat only.
You can check out the FLO Blog site by clicking on the connection at right.

Another change: Bud decided not to come right now - lots of things happening that require his attention in Honolulu. Mayber later . . .

Answered Prayer

At school my official title is ‘Advisor.’ My real job is praying for people, situations. Last month one came to me nearly in tears. Marriage problems, financial problems, the whole lot. As I prayed I sensed a spiritual attack, and we used the Word of God (can check in Ephesians 6:12-16 -it is real!) and she finally felt the Lord’s peace. The next day she came to me so excited! Her husband had apologized to her for the blowup. The landlord had told her they could stay and would not be evicted this week. Someone who owed money and they had figured it was lost had unexpectedly paid the whole amount. GOD IS GOOD!
Susi (from Bali, remember) visited me a few weeks ago on her way to Central Java. She spent the day with a friend traveling with her, and we spent most of Saturday in prayer and studying the Bible together. One thing we prayed about was a man who could not walk because of a stroke. As we prayed, I said that he would stand up and walk when they prayed for him. I got a text message from Susi: "like you said about Wahyu he didn’t walk for 10 years. He start walk. " GOD IS GOOD!

Ira's Testimony

2008-08-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

Received from Jakarta:

I think you'll be pleased and feel encouraged by Ira's testimony.

Yesterday they conducted a retreat for the teachers and pricinpals of the SMP and SMA (Junior and Senior High Schools). Ira has to prepare a "love letter from God" for them i.e. she has to pray for the names that was given for her and give a verse.

They only give her one day to do that. She prayed till 4 o'clock in the morning. Some of the teachers are Philippinos. When she got the verse for this Philippino lady teacher she found it rather strange but then she pushed that thought away and decided not to think about it but just obey and give it to the teacher.

When Ira and another lady prayed for this Philippino teacher she complained of having pain at her back. Ira's prayer partner asked the teacher to sit down and they asked her to stretched her leg and they discovered that one of her leg is shorter.

Ira held the shorter leg and while they're praying for healing Ira heard a "crack" she was shocked and opened her eyes and the lady teacher was also shocked and she also opened her eyes. Ira could see and feel the leg "growing" until both legs have the same length! Ira was so amazed she couldn't believe what she saw!

And the verses that she got for everybody was just what they need! Ira was so happy. Apparently she got the anointing from you she said, she observed how you prayed for people and how you also got a verse for every participant.

So that is the good news how you impact the people you're working with.

REVIVAL MEETING

2008-07-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, 30 July was a holiday in Indonesia, and provided an opportunity for a local church to hold a revival meeting for young teens and pre-teens. I was the featured speaker. Primary purpose of the event, to bring participants closer to Christ.

I enjoyed working with the older teens and young adults who organized the event. Their leaders are in my Monday evening disciple group. I will post pictures when I get them from the event organizers, I was busy having fun and didn't take pictures myself.

2008-07-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

Nearly two months since I posted news or articles. I have been to Bali, to Hawaii, to Las Vegas, and Jakarta, arriving home Sunday July 6 just after sunset. I was treated to a wonderful homecoming on the ride home with a magnificent display of our Father’s handiwork!

In this Posting:

BALI
HONOLULU
MAILE
SURABAYA

BALI

Susi n Santi
Susi was the first feature in Shepherds and Sheep. She continues to phone and text me good questions about the Bible, and when I come to Bali she brings relatives, friends, neighbors, and anybody she can find to me for prayer. One of these on this trip was Santi, a friend who professed to have so many and such large problems that she was at wit’s end. Her husband is in jail and she can only see him once every three months or so. She works 12 hours a day 7 days a week, so does not see her young teen children much. Now her husband will get out in October and she doesn’t know what to do with him when that time comes!

The first question I asked Santi was if she had surrendered her life to Christ. She thought briefly and then said that she had not. I asked her if she wanted to, and she said yes. I thought she was a Christian, as most that Susi brings to me are. I led her in a short prayer and prayed for her to receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit. She went limp for a short while then straightened up, and with an absolutely glowing face proclaimed with great joy “I’m Free!”

HONOLULU

Not too much to report except lots of holiday time and quite a bit of golf. Good time with host Bud and family. One Sunday speaking at Waianae Assembly of God. I love that church! Their song leaders are family, including kids, all enthusiastic about worshiping God!

MAILE

Of course this is the highlight of my trip, to see and spend time with my then 20 month old grand daughter. We went shopping, swimming, and to the fitness center together. Temperature outside was over 110 ever day, but mornings were OK for walks around the block with the dogs.

SURABAYA PRESENTATION MAN

I arrived at my apartment at 6PM on Sunday, what a wonderful feeling to be home again! At 9PM I received a call informing me I had a presentation to make at 8 AM the next morning. I got up at 3, prepared the powerpoint, and made the presentation. I was at school all day, until 5PM. Toward the end of the day, the Junior High principal asked me to change my presentation for School Focus (which I did 4 times Tuesday, will do again Thursday and again next week). Since my Monday night group came and stayed until after 10PM, I couldn’t work on the presentation that evening. I was just too tired. Up again at 4 AM after a very sound sleep to finish that one. The interesting thing is that for both presentations it was very easy. Each morning I awoke thinking of exactly what words and images I wanted. The time was in finding the right images in the computer!

We had Vertical Leap seminar 9 hours a day on Friday-Saturday 11 and 12. As always, it was wonderful time with the Lord in the worship times, and the teaching is always a bit different. I was in charge of the ‘Angels’ team of prayer support before and during the event. Several were healed of pains, mostly shoulders.

The MONDAY EVENING group cooked dinner last week, it was great. The major purpose of my renovation last year was to enlarge the kitchen to accommodate lots of cooks. It works!

2008-06-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

IN THIS POST:

FLO JAKARTA PASTOR/WIFE RETREAT (May 19-21)

DENNIS BALCOMBE MEETINGS (Week of May 25)

CITA HATI SCHOOLS General Update

SUBSTITUTE TEACHING AT EFEX

MONDAY EVENING YOUTH

ANAK TERANG KIDS

FLO JAKARTA PASTOR/WIFE RETREAT

This project has been the most time, energy, emotion, and attention consuming project since returning. I have been to Jakarta 4 times in preparation for and to conduct the 3^rd retreat which was held May 19-21. This is always a great high. We had 12 couples that we brought by bus to the resort area in the mountains above Jakarta (some 2 hours drive) for three days, two nights refreshing. Results were fantastic. Testimonies commonly went like "in 27 years of marriage he/she never . . ." all with great smiles of appreciation! The 25 minute video which I will give to each participant and committee member is nearly finished, and the PROMO VIDEO I am working on is progressing in between all the other projects I have. More on the FLO Blogspot.

Also relative to FLO we stopped organizing the monthly community meetings - it had become frustrating because lack of response and inconsistent attendance. It was at their request, and as long as they were really enthusiastic and supportive it was good. Now they will have to demonstrate their desire by commitment and action to organize and coordinate for themselves. We will encourage and support by attendance and participation as invited and able according to schedule. It means I won't have to go to Jakarta every month!

While in Jakarta on May 18 I was privileged to minister to the youth at the Abbalove church that Liana and Ira attend. It was a fantastic morning for us all. I always enjoy the enthusiasm and eager anticipation of the youth! They all responded well, and I have been invited to return and minister to the congregation at the end of August.

I also ministered to a women's prayer group PD RUTH.

DENNIS BALCOMBE MEETINGS

The most recent interesting part of my life here has been attending Dennis BALCOMBE meetings. He has been a missionary in China for 38 years, and stories of the church in China have been coming out through him during all this time. He is here ministering to a small church, even though he is internationally renowned and himself has churches around the world (all Chinese members). His home church, now overseen by his daughter and son-in-law in Hong Kong, has more than 1000 members. A small church, he says. His meetings in China with the house church (euphemism for underground church) gathered thousands in the former times of great persecution. He says persecution still happens, but since China is eager to enter the world community, enforcement of restrictions has greatly decreased.

I find him very down-to-earth and real, no pretenses. His intensity and passion are contagious, and his focus on purpose attention getting! I consider him to be greater than many more well-known international ministers - his persistence and dedication have proven his ministry which is bearing much fruit.

My main interest is in the Chinese teachers that come to me regularly for mentoring and Bible study at school. One will return to her home in China. She came to know Jesus while here during the past year, and does not know one Christian at home. I want to make sure she gets in contact with the church in China, and Dennis is the one who can provide that contact! See Ai Yao on the Shepherds and Sheep blog.

CITA HATI SCHOOLS

I want to take this opportunity to express my admiration and appreciation for this school in the fact that many teachers come here not knowing Christ, but are introduced to Him and are taught and encouraged in Christian life just because of the atmosphere the school fosters. Even if the academics were not class A, the school already accomplishes a great mission in evangelism and mentoring!

With so many trips to Jakarta, my time for preparing and doing my regular Surabaya activities, such as school and my youth group, has been severely disrupted. Nevertheless, I have been able to lead the Wednesday devotions four times, and continue individual Bible studies, prayer, and counseling for teachers on Wednesday and Thursdays.

There are two projects which are exciting for me, though. One is short term - to present the new School Focus at Staff Recognition Day on Saturday 31 May. Each year the school has a different focus. This past year has been Trust God. The new school focus is Live to Serve. To introduce it, I came up with a skit. In my absence, six teachers have been working on the photos for background, on the skit itself, and on a special song for the focus. I will inspect their results when I return to school Wednesday May28. Doesn’t leave much leeway for the presentation Saturday morning, especially when the teachers have end-of-year reports and activities already crowding their time!

The second is a long term project to work with a team of teachers in Elementary School. Our assignment: to develop a curriculum to train teachers how to put character and values training into their curriculum. It will involve training in coaching, mentoring, and new teaching or training techniques, as well as the content. Our model is the BOSS program which ran so successfully last year, but had to be discontinued for a variety of reasons. This is very exciting as it has potential to change the lives of teachers and students for years to come!

SUBSTITUTE TEACHING AT EFEX

A young couple came to me some four years ago. They had been living in America, and the Lord impressed on their hearts to return to Indonesia and minister here through a school teaching English. So started EFEX. At that time I offered to help when and how ever I could. I was called upon to help them as one of their teachers had to leave suddenly and they were having trouble finding a replacement. I ended up substitute teaching for two full days. It was an interesting experience, and unlike when I just come to a school as a guest speaker, I actually had to prepare from their curriculum and lesson plans. Kids were 5^th and 6^th graders, a nice age for me, and several were from Cita Hati, perfecting their English skills.

MONDAY EVENING YOUTH

The time since return from the Philippines has been interesting since my visits to Jakarta require the meetings to be changed to Wednesday evening instead of Monday. We have been able to meet every week except this past one when the retreat required me to be in Jakarta for a full week. We are now averaging twelve each meeting (our number last night) though sometimes we have as few as 8 and as many as 15. This past Monday night we celebrated a birthday. It was a bit emotional since we didn’t meet last week and won’t meet now for 5 or 6 weeks.

ANAK TERANG KIDS

This is a group of elementary kids gathered from their community for tutoring and help in preparing for exams, as well as other help such as with food and clothing (again, sixth graders). I come once a month or so to teach English. I develop my own material and have games and contests with them. They have been preparing presentations in English, and this Thursday afternoon I will videotape them and put them on a CD for them to see themselves. Many are very bright and clever, and I hope this helps to give them the advantage of experience and self confidence to climb out of poverty in their lives!

DEPARTURE FROM PHILIPPINES

2008-05-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

DEPARTURE FROM PHILIPPINES was very interesting and cause for considerable reflection. It is a testimony of the power of my Father in Heaven, but also source of considerable shame and humility for me.

I had stayed over my legal visa time by a week to attend April’s wedding. There is a penalty and other fees for extending visa, which in the past I have paid at the airport without hassle or problem. After I checked in this time and was going through immigration, however, I was not send to a cashier, but to an immigration office, where I was informed a new policy forbids visa extension and penalty to be paid at the airport. I would have to go into town to the main office. This would take several hours, just to get to the office, then a wait, perhaps all day, perhaps several days, who knows? Which is why I didn’t bother in the first place. The cost of air fare to Manila, plus the two or three days waiting was much more than the penalty. Their web site gave me the fees, including penalty: it did not say anything about not being able to pay at the airport. This was a new policy, and at 8 AM there were already 4 who had been sent.

Consider this: I had already checked in, so would have to book and purchase a new ticket. I may or may not be able to get out in the next few days. Unless a miracle occurred, I would miss my next appointments in Indonesia, plus be out much more than the $100 I had planned.

My Father did provide the miracle. While I was waiting (I am not sure for what or whom) a young immigration staff officer engaged me in conversation about why I was in the Philippines and why I had overstayed. I told him about the work I had been doing in Romblon and Manila, and about April’s wedding being the cause of my overstay. He said to me that I might be in luck, maybe there was someone who could and would help me. Long story short, the head lady showed up a bit later, asked me similar questions, grilled me on scriptures to ensure my story was true, and told me to go to my gate. I asked what about the fees and penalty, and she replied rather shortly that she would take the penatly on her own shoulders. The rule about not being able to pay at the airport was quite evidently not a move to extract extra money (as one might assume in any of the Asian countries I frequent) but a serious move on the part of Philippine Immigration for whatever reason. Perhaps a response to the U.S. tightening of immigration policies? At any rate, she had just put me through illegally, and perhaps there would be a penalty for her to pay.

This is why the shame and humility for me. I am ashamed that I would cause any person to be put in a position to make such a decision. I can boast about my God providing miracles, but never before has it been at other’s expense (other than Jesus paying the ultimate price at Calvary). I do not rejoice when others lose for my gain.

2008-03-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

I am now in Manila after 10 days in Calatrava, Romblon, where I preached Palm and Easter Sundays in different churches, was primary speaker at a 3 day leadership development conference, conducted a Youth Camp (another 3 days) as primary planner and speaker, held a meeting with my scholars, spoke at graduation ceremonies for a preschool, helped to baptize 26 new Christians, most of whom were converted during the youth camp. It has been a busy time since I arrived Thursday afternoon and Friday we were on the boat for the 12 hour ride to Romblon, then the two hour trip from the pier to Calatrava, a fishing town where the ministry was.
A favorite activity at the Youth Camp is the bonfire on the second night. It is a wonderful experience, combining lots of fun with great spiritual exercise.

Singapore Trip Valentines day

2008-03-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

I prepared this shortly after I returned from Singapore on the one day trip February 14.
My journey to Singapore was perfect. I got my visa, prayed for several people, and had a great time with friends. It wasn’t without it’s anxious moments, like waiting until the very last minute for the papers to arrive by fax from Bali, and like when I went to check in from Surabaya to Jakarta and they told me that I must have a hard copy ticket, it wasn’t really an eticket! Got it straightened out after fighting down the panic!

February 13 - Busy Boy

2008-02-12T15:07:00.000-08:00

Today I start a journey to Singapore to get a new visa. As I write this at 6AM, I do not yet have all the papers I need, I am hoping they will be faxed by my sponsor in Bali before I depart about noon!

I have been busy with all kinds of meetings since arriving in Indonesia last month, and I have some new activities. I mention some here, sorry no pictures this time!

A sixteen-year-old boy was brought to me to better his English, since his parents want him to study abroad in college. Turns out he already is being tutored in school every day of the week, plus other activities arranged by his auntie, with whom he lives. I told her he’s only 16, let him be a boy! Since he was not regularly attending church, I took him and his cousin to the three churches I attend (when not preaching elsewhere), and they choose the English speaking one, and have been attending there the past few Sundays. So he will get his English improvement and spiritual growth at the same time! He also is attending the Monday evening group at my apartment, though he feels out of place since the others are all in their 20's.
A young English teacher in a local Christian University came to me for English lessons to improve her English to go for her masters in ethics and values in America. We have started lessons Friday afternoons.

I taught at a different Christian school three classes of 10th graders yesterday,Tuesday, 12th. Three 90-minute sessions on self-image. It was fun, and I think profitable for all, though it made for a long day for me!

Last night, a young woman was brought to me with a 'problem' with her boyfriend. We spent a couple of hours sorting through her situation and praying. She left with no solutions, but with a new faith and a plan and direction for making the decisions she must make.

Well, I have to get ready for my Singapore trip, including contacting Bali for the papers I need. I hope to update this and other blogs after I get back.

On the 16th, there is a very special program I will attend which will be posted on the Unexpected Treasure Blog. It is a story of a relationship that continues to be woven into my life since 1986! You will get pictures of that one!

MAILE IN JANUARY 2008

2008-01-14T10:46:00.000-08:00

GRANDPA ENJOYING MAILE

Isn't this a nice greeting?

Maile not only walks and runs, she loves to dance!

At Home, she loves her dogs, Sammy and Piko.And all other dogs she finds!

At the zoo, she loves the birds and animals.

With some of the animals she prefers to be in the arms of Mom.

We also visited the mountains, where it was freezing cold, and there was snow on the ground.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008-01-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

Rainbows are God's Promise for the future, and in Hawaii we get lots of promises! Above is the double rainbow which graced us all of the morning of Christmas Day 2007! Other shots during the morning are at right.

Wishing you all the best for a Happy, Blessed, and Prosperous New Year!

OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME!

2007-12-29T15:28:00.000-08:00

One of the very exciting things of my life is preparing studies and meditations based on God's Word, preparing Christians to live the life they profess to believe. At present I have two major projects in developing specific studies. Both should be finished by the end of this year, ready for the New Year!
The first is at the Christian school I work with. I am developing a weekly meditation for the management team, based upon the school's theme for the year: TRUST GOD.
The second is for a very special person. Her story will be posted in the UNEXPECTED TREASURE BLOG. She is a teacher from China who has become a Christian while at this school, and now is facing return to China in March. Her family is not Christian, nor does she know of any Christians or Christian activity near her home. She came to me concerned that without Christian environment, she might fall.
When I explained my goal with her was to strengthen her not just to survive, but to be a powerful witness to Christ, introducing her family and many people to the new life which she has discovered, she became excited and said she wants it! So I am preparing studies for her to understand and be able to explain from the Bible what has happened to her, and prepare her to teach others.
TEACHINGS WILL BE POSTED ON JESUS THE WORD blog, click on the link. The first teaching BORN AGAIN, has been posted.

IN BALI DECEMBER

2007-12-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

Am writing this en route to Hawaii from Indonesia.

The time in Bali passed quickly! I met with Rita, my web master, for dinner the first night, contacted Pastor Ed to make arrangements to meet to go on retreat the next three days. We made last minute arrangements to visit at Rus Alit’s Appropriate Technology site, which doubles as a retreat center. Details about Rus and the Appropriate Technology site are on Unexpected Treasure blog, link at right.

ABOVE: PASTOR ED

Friday evening and Saturday I had meals with various friends I haven’t seen for some time. Saturday evening I was requested to minister to a young woman, who wanted to be free from outbursts of anger. Sorry, but I can’t reveal many details of such ministry, it is private and I respect confidentiality. Sunday I attended church, going early hoping to be able to talk with friends before the service, but no one was there! I failed to consider that Indonesians ( and visitors once here for awhile) seldom arrive on time for anything.

Not to worry, after church I was inundated with friends who greeted me, requesting prayer for themselves, or introducing me to friends who wanted prayer. When you make it known that your favorite hobby is praying for people, there is no lack of willing candidates!

My friend Emmy had a late lunch afterward and delivered me to the airport, where I caught the plane back to Surabaya to overnight before a flight to Jakarta, where I met with the FLO leader team who took me to the airport for my flight out to Taiwan, where I overnight and then on to Hawaii, arriving before I depart from Taipei due to crossing the international date line.

THANKSGIVING NO. 2

2007-12-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

The youth called it 'THANKSGIVING NO. 2.' They all brought food and I had soup from the Turkey bones and veggies! It was great. Bible Study focused on a question from Peter, whose Sunday School class continues to challenge him with questions he can't answer. Question: As Christians, we are assured of our destiny. But what about when bad things, such as auto accidents, happen and derail our move toward our destiny?" My answer, which I hope to post on Jesus the Word blog within the week, starts with the principle "KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE, and BELIEVE WHAT YOU KNOW!"

We had a good turnout - baker's dozen. With my furniture gone and kitchen opened up, you can see that we have plenty of room for more in my apartment!

BACK IN SURABAYA DEC 07

2007-12-07T20:45:00.000-08:00

PASTORS AND LEADERS GROUP

I came back to Surabaya (plane a couple of hours late again) Thursday afternoon. Friday morning was with Surabaya City Blessing Church ministering to the Pondok Kasih group of pastors and church leaders. I did remember to take some photos which you see posted. In the early afternoon I had lunch with Cita Hati School Director, discussing various school issues for which she sought my counsel.

Immediately after I got home, I was picked up and taken to another Christian school who is interested in having me as an advisor and trainer for teachers. I probably will do some work with them. I don’t consider it a conflict of interest because I act as a consultant and treat each ‘client’ individually and confidentially. I am not an employee, though we will have some kind of letter of agreement.

We will see what develops. I have sent a catalogue which explains the ministry and presents most of the prepared seminars and teachings I have available.

If you are interested in receiving this catalogue,

please contact me by email.

JAKARTA TRIP DECEMBER

2007-12-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

The trip to Jakarta December 1-6

was packed with activity and very fruitful. My plane was 2 hours late getting to Jakarta (par for course here) so it was quite late at night when I arrived Saturday night.

Sunday we drove a bit over an hour to get to the church where I spoke. In the afternoon we visited a former disciple (you can see his wedding photos in January 2007) who has a new baby boy!

Sorry, I carried my camera but each time got so involved with the ‘program’ that I forgot to take pictures, so I only have a few from the last day there.

Monday morning was preparation for the FLO meeting in the afternoon. The meeting was fun but the turnout was disappointing two couples were nearly on time. One couple came two hours late, and another nearly three hours late. Three pastors were there without their wives. This is from a group of 14 couples who requested we create the community. Seems that interest is waning, especially from the group that attended the first retreat in March 2007. More on FLO Blog.

Tuesday was spent with a former coordinator and interpreter, Jantze Lans. We worked together from around 1997 - 2001, and I haven’t seen her for quite awhile, so it was a nice reunion.

Morning meeting was a Bible study group that was nearly all women. It was actually quite an exciting meeting. While we were waiting for all to arrive, one lady asked a question which actually was a great opening for the topic I had prepared. At the end I prayed and many were touched.

Five elderly ladies all had foot, leg, or knee pains, so I gathered them together. One especially explained that they couldn’t exercise (like walking) because of the pain. When I asked her after prayer where her pain was, she explained it was in her knee. Three times I asked "Where is your pain now?" and each time she said in her knee. She did not get the point, though most everyone ilse in the meeting did. Finally I just repeated ‘right now!’ and she eventually got it, focused on her knee, and realized there was no more pain.

Since she had complained about not being able to exercise, I made her jog around the room, to prove to herself that really there was not more pain!! The others all joined her as they realized there was no more pain in legs or feet.

I love it!!

In the afternoon we went to an orphanage where we inspected the vast grounds, met the young men (ages 6-20) and then had a meeting with them. There are several locations for this group, the one we visited is just the guys.

Wednesday we met all day reviewing our plans for the March retreat where we will train three or four couples (if there are that many serious volunteers). We are completing a retreat manual complete with Trainer notes as well as instructions for hospitality, facilities, program, etc. The manual itself is a major undertaking, but essentially just forces us to document properly, so is good discipline for us (though a lot of work).

REGULAR MINISTRY IN INDONESIA

2007-11-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

This posting focuses on the regular ministry activities while in Indonesia. I still travel and preach and teach in various churches and schools, which makes regular (daily, weekly, or monthly) ministry quite difficult. I have agreement that while I am in town I will be with these groups.

ANAK TERANG

I am involved with a ministry Anak Terang (Bright Children) which gathers 5th and 6th graders from lower income families and helps them with school. I helped them institute a program which they call BOS (Indonesian words for Diligence Brings Success, loosely translated). The kids sold cookies at a large industrial firm during the Muslim holiday Ramadan (a custom in Indonesia). They were trained in the shop keeping and sales techniques, and worked in teams. When I joined them this November, they had presentations and awards. Many of the parents were able to attend. The photo above shows me giving one of the groups their award, which included the profits from the sales, which they divided among themselves.

The group tutors the kids, helps them prepare for examinations, and reviews childrens’ progress with parents, suggesting reasons and methods for improvement for weak areas. When I am with the children I play games which require them to understand and respond to questions or commands in English.

YOUNG COUPLES

I am working with a group of young couples that meet once a month. Most of the guys are former disciples who have gotten married, some have children now. In past blogs you can see photos of some of their weddings. This was my second meeting with them. I separated them and had them fill out a form, then they compared and we discussed. It’s about communication and understanding. It is one of the games I use with the FLO group. I find these young people are much more aware of each other. Not surprising, since they are newlyweds and still paying attention to each other!

MONDAY DISCIPLE GROUP

This group continues now for more than 10 years, although many have moved on, I still have four from the original group. We have met on different nights (started on Saturday evenings) over the years, now it is Mondays so I identify it by Monday. At present I have no other weekly groups.

The Monday after Thanksgiving (third Thursday in November) I cooked turkey dinner for them, complete with stuffing and cranberry sauce, tho’ missing some other key features such as pumpkin pie (could not find here in Indonesia). It was a smashing success, and was enticement enough to get nearly all to come. Only two were absent. Usually there are 8-12 that come, we had 15 for dinner!

CITA HATI CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

You have seen much in this blog. We recently celebrated our 17th anniversary. I have been with the school for 5 years now. I am officially listed as ‘Advisor,’ or sometimes ‘Pastoral.’ I was originally requested to be spiritual father to teachers and staff. I am regularly in the school two days a week, plus once a month with kindergarten teachers, also participate in many special activities, such as retreats, leadership seminars, prayer meetings. I lead Bible studies and devotions, meet with individuals for counseling and prayer.
It is a blessing to be with this school which is so obviously God’s work in progress! The school is expanding - opening a new school in West Surabaya and also planning a new one in Kalimantan (what we call Borneo)

FOR LOVERS ONLY - INDONESIA

2007-11-14T19:33:00.001-08:00

Each month I travel to Jakarta for the FOR LOVERS ONLY meeting on first Monday. I usually speak in one of their churches on Sunday, our committee finalizes plans for the meeting on Monday Morning, and Tuesday I have other meetings, our committee evaluates, etc, and I return to Surabaya on Wednesday. There are variations depending on other meetings or business I may have in Jakarta to keep me longer.

FLO now has its own blogspot - link listed. I will post in English, and this will be translated into Indonesian on the spot by the committee.

YOUNG COUPLES

2007-11-14T19:25:00.001-08:00

For several years I have been trying to gather the young men that I was mentoring who grew up and got married, along with their wives. We have met a couple of times but were never able to get a regular meeting. Now a pastor and his wife are leading these couples and some others from their church in a once a month gathering. They have invited me to be 'the program' whenever I am in town. We had a great meeting, focus on communication - paying attention, playing a game I call 'favorites' in which they must identify their spouse's favorite color, food, movie, etc. Of a possible 12, highest score was 10, lowest 6 - better than most groups I have done this with.

CITA HATI 17th ANNIVERSARY

2007-11-14T19:11:00.000-08:00

CITA HATI SCHOOL 17th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

In Indonesia, they celebrate 'sweet 17' as debutante birthday. This school was started 17 years ago as a kindergarten, and grew one grade per year until they graduated their first class two years ago. So now we celebrated our 'Sweet 17' Anniversary!

Concert - one of the many activities

Another of the activities

WINDING UP JOURNEY

2007-10-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

ARIZONA SUNSET

I have been on the go for a month now, and have visited my friends in Honolulu, my grand daughter in Las Vegas, my younger brother in Arizona, former mission host and partners from the Philippines in Louisiana, my older brother in Washington, D.C. before coming south in Virginia to Lynchburg and Appomattox. It has been a long trip and I am eager to get back to my disciples and friends in Indonesia, getting back to the many exciting projects and activities there.

At Air and Space Museum in Washington. Above: Blackbird, first produced in 1966 this 'Spy Plane' is still the fastest airplane in the world. Below: Hugh in the cockpit of the Space Shuttle Enterprise, a special treat during visit to the museum.
BACK EAST

At 02:30 January 2, 1985, I boarded my first flight to the Philippines for a mission trip with then Fr. Philip Weeks (now Bishop). For the next five years I was to make 3 or 4 mission trips a year to the Philippines with him. He became my mentor and teacher, and I became his assistant in the mission field. He is the reason I now am on the mission field. I am writing this from his home in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he has moved from Florida. I have been with him four days, enjoying reminiscing, shopping, sightseeing, and eating.
Appomattox is a half hour drive from Lynchburg, and I spent the weekend with Fr. Mike Ferguson and St. Anne’s Episcopal Church. Friday afternoon and Saturday morning we played golf, and had a meeting Saturday evening (topic: Seeing the Unseen) and I preached in the Sunday morning service before coming to Lynchburg with Philip.

I leave tomorrow morning on a return trip that will take me from Roanoke, VA, through Washington, D.C., Tokyo (Narita), and Singapore before I finally land in Surabaya October 20 in the afternoon.

MAILE IN SEPTEMBER

2007-10-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

AT AQUARIUM

We are into October already, and I have had much adventure since my last posting! I spent ten days in LAS VEGAS with my grand daughter Maile (of course with my daughter and son-in-law too).
Highlight was of course being with them, but a significant happening was I had cataract surgery on my other (left) eye. Now both eyes are done and I see clearly again! Left eye is still healing, since it is less than a week since surgery. It’s now two months since the surgery on my right eye in Singapore.
This trip is a visit friends trip, so aside from the doctor visits, we just hung out and went shopping, walking dogs and visiting parks each day. Lots of football. Very relaxing, very enjoyable.

I can now upload movie clips, so here is one of Maile.