Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus the Christ.
"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial...." James 1:12a
Alumni Visit and Support
On 29th January 2023, a group of doctors, nurses, businesspeople and civil servants, who are alumni from a local school in Nias, visited our Home. They spent the afternoon interacting with the children, observing their activities, and generously provided our basic daily needs. This was following their completion of a course on social awareness to underprivileged children. It was a heartwarming experience for everyone involved.
Nurse's Association Visit
On 3rd March 2023, the Nurses Association of Indonesia (North Nias) paid the Home a visit. The leader of the group was a former resident of our Home. Their purpose was to conduct basic medical tests and teach proper hygiene practices to the children. It was a fruitful time of personal interaction, where the children learned the discipline of maintaining good personal health care.
We thank the Lord Jesus that local organizations are coming forward to reach out and be a blessing to the underprivileged children with love and care.
Celebration of Achievement
On 9th May 2023, we celebrated the successful completion of the children's school group project in home economics. Their hard work and dedication paid off, and it was a joyous moment for the entire community.
The students learnt to take turns on the laptops to work on their final school assignments and prepare for their final semester examinations. Despite facing challenges such as limited laptops and frequent power failures, the children persevered, thanks to the newly accessible Wi-Fi in the Home.
Graduation Service
On 10th June, we had a heartwarming graduation service for students in Class 6 and Class 9. Some of these students overcame difficult circumstances to get this far:
one boy whom we brought to the Home was struggling in character and attitude development. He had lost his mother to illness and his father was known as the village drunkard.
one girl was abandoned by her widowed mother and was fostered but abused by relatives.
another student, who could not speak a word of the Indonesian language, was abandoned by her mother.
two of these students are orphans.
They have shown tremendous progress in this latest academic achievement. We pray for and will continue to support them as they grow into Christlikeness.
Continuing Education and Commitment
In June, three of our senior children graduated from Senior High School. Rita and Virya have chosen to further their studies in Medan, while Robert (in green) decided to continue his studies in Nias (something we're glad for as most youths prefer to pursue opportunities in other cities). We have enrolled him at a local university 4km from the Home, where he will major in Economics. We thank God that Robert has committed to serving the Home, especially in maintaining our machines and water pumps. His dedication and willingness to make this decision is truly inspiring.
Our mission is not only to provide a home for children but also to empower young girls in a male-oriented society. We are delighted to share that Margaret and Arianto, whose mother is a widow and a rubber tapper, have become residents of the Home. We believe we can provide hope and a brighter future for these young children, especially girls who are often labelled "property of another". We thank God that the family agreed to release them into our care.
Visiting a friend in Need
We praise Jesus that Pak Niko (left image), who was bed ridden due to a work-related accident last year, has been undergoing physiotherapy in Medan and can now sit up. A good friend and handyman to the Home, we are grateful to him that despite his challenges, he continues to guide our alumnus Robert through video calls in resolving issues with water pumps and electrical appliances. Though a non-believer, Pak Niko has recently accepted a Bible and we request for your prayers for his and family's well-being and their salvation too.
A surprise visit by Derma Poli
We also request prayers for Derma Poli Gea (left image), a former resident, is battling chronic tuberculosis. For the past decade, he has been struggling with his health and after a recent medical check-up, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Derma recently visited the Home and is an English teacher at a local school. He is married with a young daughter too. Please do remember him and his family in your prayers.
The Home has again started with the process of converting organic materials into compost, which is a blend of dried leaves, grass, goat dung, and more. Hopefully, the final product will be ready for use on the farm in a month.
"... for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12b
We continue to thank our Lord Jesus for His lovingkindness is everlasting and we thank Him too for all our faithful friends who have generously given and who are fervently praying for this mission.
Blessings in the name of Jesus the Christ.
