(Klik disini untuk baca dalam Bahasa Indonesia) A reflection from Indonesia
True Service
March 2021. Exactly two years ago, I made the decision to leave my full-time job at a church (pastor) and join the Servants team. When I first made the decision to leave the church job and serve in a slum area instead, many friends asked “Why?” I always answered that service is not just when we are behind a pulpit, not just serving those who already believe in Jesus. But true service is when we can love others and show love to those around us. Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek out and save the lost.” This became a verse that encouraged me as I chose to serve at House of Hope. The Lord came to seek the lost.
Joys and Sorrows
For these two years at House of Hope, there have been many joys and many sorrows. But I praise God that I have learned and experienced many new things here. When I first joined the Servants team, I was pretty shocked to see our friends scavenging and living on top of garbage— and such muddy roads! I still remember first meeting the children in the slum; I was shocked to see how dirty they were and how many parents neglected their kids. But I remember my teammate sharing, “these kids who are dirty, with snotty noses… it is like a living picture of us and God. We are too dirty to get close to God, but God’s love is so great—He still hugs us and He still loves us.”
Gratitude
I am so grateful that for these two years my family has supported me. I am grateful for my friends and for the Servants team that prays for me and supports me in service. I am also grateful for the experience of working alongside three women at House of Hope who are not yet believers. This is an opportunity to be a testimony for them.
This is the short version of my story of serving here two years. Two years at House of Hope has gone by so quickly. I hope I can serve faithfully for many more years.
Tags:
