Mission Base in Dehes, Kalimantan (Apr 05)

The trees have started to shed their leaves as the cooler wind gently blows signaling that autumn is well on its way. I have just returned to Perth after spending 11 weeks in Indonesia and first of all, let me express my joy in announcing to you that our mission base including the church and guest house in Dehes Kalimantan is now completely built.

Let me also express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all of you who had continued to support the development of this mission base since the project started. My special thanks to the Living Water members, GPDI church and Indonesian Baptist Church in Perth, Taman Doa Immanuel Jakarta and all the many individuals that I could not possibly named in this newsletter. God knows who you are and only He will reward you for all that you have done.

As I looked at the Dehes mission base, it brings to my mind some events 5 years ago when we started this project. Many Christians were apprehensive of this vision and withdrew their support right from the start. Some committed but withdrew when we faced insurmountable logistics challenges and financial needs. But by the grace and mercy of God, this project is now completed. I have learnt some precious lessons: when God starts something, He will finish it and He will also finish it well; and if a project is God’s will, He will complete it regardless of whether we mere man support it or not. He will find His man to execute it and it will be done. With humbleness of heart, I encourage you to be a part of God’s vision so that we can be history makers for His Kingdom.

Now the guest house and church are ready and we have a harvest right within our grasps – children! The children are so hungry for the Word of God and the schools have approached me to provide Christian education for their students. As I am writing this newsletter, we are working to raise financial supports to send 3 new workers to meet this urgent need.

With the Dehes project now completed, it does not mean that I can now sit back, relax, enjoy and stop work. Plans are already underway to start a new work in Tumbang Samba, a tribal site close to Dehes. We are seeking God’s help, and again we are putting our faith and trust in Him.

As always, it never fails to be challenging and adventurous to do God’s work in Central Kalimantan. I usually travel by MAF airplanes to interior Dehes but with the tsunami disaster, all the airplanes were commissioned to Aceh. I was unaware no airplanes were available for missionaries, so what is usually a 55 minutes trip by air became a 7 hours ride in an old car traveling across jungle paths and rugged roads! When we arrived in Dehes, torrential rain swept across that area and we were scheduled to have water baptism in the river. I was down with cold, shivering badly but as soon as I stepped into the river, God miraculously healed my body and praise the Lord, we had a glorious time baptizing 7 adults and dedicating 22 children. We expect 100% conversions to God from this village very soon. What could bring more joy to the heart of an evangelist than to win souls for Him? Glory to God!

Besides Kalimantan, I also traveled to Nganjuk Central Java. With Ps Yohanes, the Senior Minister of AOG Nganjuk as my host, we completed at least 9 services within a week in that region. In all the meetings, God touched His people in a mighty way and we rejoiced as we reaped the harvest of souls for His kingdom.

In Jakarta, God opened the door for me to minister in the Duta Injil Church. Duta Injil is one of the churches which are growing rapidly in Jakarta and thousands of people attend this church for all its various programs throughout the week. I thank God for their hospitality and generosity in giving to support this evangelist.

As I wrap up this newsletter, preparation is already underway for my next trip in July 05. Amongst my itinerary, we have invited Ps Daud Supardi and his wife and Ps Joshua Low from Malaysia for joint ministry work in Dehes. Besides the work that I have been scheduled to do in Indonesia, I will also be traveling to Kuching East Malaysia for ministry.

As I ponder on the days ahead, I have a lot of God’s work that needs to be done. The only thing I can do is to continue to humble myself before Him and hold on to His garment of grace. I remember all of you who have come alongside me in this ministry and I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, all of you share in God’s grace with me. (Phil 1:3-5,7). All praise and glory to God. Amen.

Regards and blessings
Evangelist Sebastian Sugiarto

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