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| The Siloam Tonsealama Congregation celebrated their 129th Anniversary. |
Summer of 2009 I went back to Indonesia. This was made possible by SFTS' support for an international internship.
My internship site was a congregation called “Siloam” in the village of Tonsea Lama. It belongs to the Christian Evangelical Church in Minahasa (locally GMIM), which consisted of 15 ministerial areas, each comprised of about 25 families. The pastor's name is Rev. Hanny Makarau, M.Th.
I stayed with the Mantiri-Rumbayan during my internship program. From this family I learned to be more discipline in starting the day with morning devotion.
At 5 am I would join them in worship, but sometimes I missed it, especially when I was scheduled for morning visitation, or just too tired;).
The morning devotion was simple. We started by singing several songs, prayed for the bible reading, read from devotional book published by the denomination, and ended with a prayer.
In the evening I would lead ibadah kolom (areal service), if not one of the kategorial BIPRA (acronym for Men Fellowship, Women Fellowship, Young Adult, Youth, and Children Ministry). Several time I lead a pre-funeral service and ibadah penghiburan (comforting service).
A week after a person passed away, the family would gather together and invite the congregation to have a remembrance service. It is called kumawus. One Sunday, before the worship service started, the pastor asked me to lead kumawus right after church. During the service my mind was filled with what I would preach in that service.
During my internship, I provided pastoral care and counseling to those who are dealing with different kind of issues: long-term illness, family problems, loss and grief, addiction, etc. Twice I went to visit a prisoner who happened to be a member of the church.
The experiences really enriched me. One that was very impressive for me was when I visited an elder lady who was already 92 years old, God bless her. She was so moved that I came to visit her. We prayed for each other, and she insisted that I had to come again, which I did before came back to study.
Preaching and Translating: The Committee of Creative Worship asked Elizabeth and me to lead a programed worship service at the church. Many children attended this worship were sitting nicely while listening to their new friend preaching.
Part of the message that I shared with the congregation in Tonsea Lama, especially in a family setting, was the awareness of children’s rights. For the youth and young adult I tended to be more encouraging and motivating. I was glad to hear the youth elder told me that they want to hear me speak again.
The young people in the congregation were very supportive and kind. Now some of us are friends in Facebook. Twice I was invited to speak at school. One at an elementary school, another was at a Bible Camp at SMK 2 Tondano.
The best thing of doing my internship in Indonesia was to see my family. My mother was not feeling well when I got home. Thank God that she soon recovered. But after a while, she fell sick again, and my brother and I took her to the hospital. She was a strong woman. My father came from his work to stay with my mother in the hospital.
I also had the chance to meet many people who supported me in my studies at SFTS. I was showered by their prayers.
Another wonderful thing was Elizabeth came to visit me in Indonesia. She was able to meet my family, and shared her time with them. The children in the village liked Elizabeth. They came to befriend her, and they played together afterwards.
The Gerung-Lebe, my adopted parents, took us to enjoy Minahasan food and explored a site called Bukit Kasih, Kanonang. It was fun.
The internship experience in Indonesia also taught me some tough lessons. I am glad to see it as a turning point in my life. God has always a better plan for us.
Thank you for all who supported my internship in Indonesia, especially members of GKI Sacramento, and also my friends at the seminary. A special thanks to Rev. Drs. Stan and Dar Wood for their support and prayers.***
Updated: 3/21/13
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