Heart of the Father: my mission trip to Indonesia

I really thank God that I could make it for the trip. Given my leave entitlement and I already went for one trip in March, it was just impossible. But it was in my 2018 resolution to go for two mission trips this year, and I really wanted to go back to Indonesia. Thank God for answering my prayer!

This trip was very close to my heart. There were things that God spoke to me about and not to mention great friendship (I think we click because of our lame jokes).

I remember at one service, it was during the worship and people were singing this song, calling out to God "Ya Abba Bapa" and I was so touched. I really felt God's love. He loves the people so much. At that point I was just closer to the heartbeat of God. Throughout the trip there were times I felt distracted by my own opinions, objectives and tasks. And I told God "Please help me to be simple and hear what You are speaking to me."

One day we had a prayer meeting among ourselves. I was flipping to Ezekiel for the verse that God will give a new heart and put a new spirit in His people. And I just flipped across this Scripture that I highlighted:

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!”

Ezekiel 18:30-32, NKJV

I wept reading the verses out. God never wanted anyone to die and suffer. How He desires that people would repent and turn to Him so they may live! I was just crying out, and grieving and praying for the people, that they may repent and turn to God.

Can I say that my burden for the lost should only remain in Indonesia? No! How about the people around me, people that I meet and talk to everyday? I want to allow God to use me to share to them, so that many more will turn back to God and live.

I was very touched by the testimonies and serving of my team. I have known some of them for some years. I was so blessed and encouraged witnessing their breakthroughs when they yield themselves to God. God is at work. He is able.

God also reminded me that He uses those who are willing. There was this young man we met. He felt God calling him to serve and he wants to be someone like a pastor. This young man is very shy and not very fluent in speech. A teenager could read Bible better than he does. But his worship and prayer just express this willingness to love and serve God. And I know God sees his heart.

Then I ask myself, "Am I willing?" I believe I am in a season God wants to teach me to really trust Him and overcome my fears and insecurities. As long as I am willing, and I totally surrender, God will help me. I came across this verse which I'm taking that as a personal promise this season:

Even to your old age, I am He,

And even to gray hairs I will carry you!

I have made, and I will bear;

Even I will carry, and will deliver you.

Isaiah 46:4, NKJV

One of us captured this great shot.

I thank God for all the things He has spoken to me. I have received much more than I gave. And see you again, Indonesia, if the Lord wills!