The Love for God…

Coming home
I was warned of the cold and chilly winter but nothing prepared me for the two degree freezing morning when my plane landed in Perth. What a change it was, after spending nearly 4 months in the hot and humid weather in Jakarta and Central Kalimantan. Despite the cold weather, it is good to be home and as always, my mind starts to flood with thoughts on what I must report to you from this mission trip.

Progress report
In my last newsletter, I announced the plans of Dehes Minstries for 2010 and that is, we wanted to build the church in Tumbang Samba and Buntut Bali. As you may recall, the overall project in Tumbang Samba which will cost approximately AUD$120,000.00 is possibly the biggest project we will be undertaking. In faith, I made the proclamations although I had no idea how we were going to fund the two projects concurrently. Today, only by the grace and goodness of God, I am so filled with joy to tell you that both the projects are now well-underway. While the church in Tumbang Samba is still under construction and will only be completed by end November,  the satellite church in Buntut Bali has been completed and will be fully-furnished and fitted by end August. Once the church in Tumbang Samba is completed, we will start to plan for the construction of the medical clinic, radio broadcasting facility and hostel for the children. I am learning over and over again (and thrilled to be doing so), that our God is never limited by any circumstances. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, everything is in His Hand, every situation is in His control and there is nothing that He cannot arrange if it pleases Him to do so.

In Buntut Bali, we are noticing a new phenomenon. Ps Eddy reported that as the church is being constructed, more and more villagers are receiving salvation and he is expecting that by the time the building is ready for use, it may be 75% filled! Praise the Lord.

The church in Tumbang Baraoi is brimming with new believers. Water baptism is a regular event and during one of my trips there, we baptized a 94 year old man who sobbed in joy because he received salvation. It is for such momentous occasion that we work so tirelessly to bring the Gospel to the unsaved. The remaining churches in Dehes village, Tumbang Kaman and Tumbang Terusan are progressing well as souls are continuously being saved unto God.

New pioneering churches
The work of the kingdom is never done and in this I rejoice because there is still time for us to serve the Lord and for Him to bless and work in our lives. In this trip, we have just opened two pioneering churches in Tewang Panjang and Telok. Ps Othniel and Ps Yatie have dedicated themselves to minister in these two small villages in Katingan. We are never lack of opportunity to preach the Gospel and we must grab it when the window is open and the time is right.

In signing off…
I would like to thank my colleagues and friends in the ministry who have so graciously given up their time to help me to minister in Katingan region: Bro Benny (Jakarta), Ps Samuel (CWS Pluit), Ps Wimpy (AOG Jogjakarta), Ps Haryono (Berea Bible College, Salatiga), Ps Frank Mitchell (Bunbury, Australia), Ps Janny Luntungan (Perth, Australia), Bro Handoko and friends (Jakarta), Bro Joel Wong (Perth, Australia), Sis Wanda (Perth, Australia) and Sis Kim (Perth, Australia).

From the testimonies I have received, it is blatantly obvious that our God has blessed and watched over all those who have been faithful and committed to do His will in their life, those who have sacrificially sown to His kingdom despite being in very difficult financial situation and those who are sold out to serve Him so that the unsaved may have a chance to know their Lord and Saviour. The love for God has propelled these good stewards to become channel of blessings and this is truly a display of generosity that stems from the heart which has experienced God’s grace.

To all the supporters of Dehes Ministries, I am so privilege to know each and every one of you. I may seem to be repeating myself but still, I have to say it. You have no idea how much your fellowship means to me – your prayer, support and encouragement – without you, Dehes Ministries would not be able to accomplish what it has achieved for God today. God is doing amazing things in Katingan and you are a part of this miracle story. I am eternally grateful to God for sending you who are not afraid to see Him move – you are willing to respond to His voice and pay the price for His Kingdom to be expanded on Earth. Let me assure you that for every cent that you give to Dehes Minstries, you are sowing good seed in fertile soil and it is producing bumper crops of souls in the kingdom of God.  I firmly believe that for your faithfulness and obedience, God will also return a bumper crops of blessings in your life because the Bible says that we cannot out give God. As I am writing this, I know my God will continue to grant you His favor in your life.  Thank you once again for standing by me and may your walk with our Lord God be enriching and fulfilling every step of the way.

Blessings
Sebastian

Construction in progress in Tumbang Samba.

The development of the Church in Tumbang Baraoi.

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