Albert Yappo and I met more than 10 yrs. ago as a result of a pastoral care visit to Rita Eltgroth, a literacy expert in Papua, Indonesia. Albert is a pastor and was one of Rita's literacy trainees. I had been asked to speak to a group of pastors and had settled on the teaching of Jesus' washing the disciples feet.
The only problem, I needed a volunteer! Culture and status made it difficult for any of the Papuan pastors to brave the exercise. Albert finally volunteered and a unique relationship (we don't speak each other's language) began that continues to this day. Alberta and I have been supportive of Albert and his wife Dina's growing ministry through the years. This was Alberta's first time to meet the couple. Since we don't speak Indonesian, Rita was our constant companion/translator through our 3 day visit. Albert and Dina care personally for 35 orphans and oversee a Compassion Children Center with 260 kids enrolled.
We loved our times of worship with the vibrant AOG (Assembly of God) church and I had two opportunities to preach: one of them I actually had foreknowledge of and the other was 'on the fly'.
Prayer Requests:
1. Pray for Albert and Dina as they care for and minister to orphans that have experienced all manner of abuse and neglect.
2. Pray for our spiritual sensitivity and the ability to encourage others as we travel to Sri Lanka to attend an annual conference of Team workers Jan. 2-8.
3. Pray for our annual member care training we co-host in Chiang Mai Jan.19-22. Member care workers will be joining us from all over Asia for the three day event. May our workers be encouraged and equipped to serve their local chr. worker communities.
Wishing you blessed and prosperous New Year!
Steve and Alberta
The only problem, I needed a volunteer! Culture and status made it difficult for any of the Papuan pastors to brave the exercise. Albert finally volunteered and a unique relationship (we don't speak each other's language) began that continues to this day. Alberta and I have been supportive of Albert and his wife Dina's growing ministry through the years. This was Alberta's first time to meet the couple. Since we don't speak Indonesian, Rita was our constant companion/translator through our 3 day visit. Albert and Dina care personally for 35 orphans and oversee a Compassion Children Center with 260 kids enrolled.
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| (Indonesia Shofar made from a gourd) |
We loved our times of worship with the vibrant AOG (Assembly of God) church and I had two opportunities to preach: one of them I actually had foreknowledge of and the other was 'on the fly'.
Prayer Requests:
1. Pray for Albert and Dina as they care for and minister to orphans that have experienced all manner of abuse and neglect.
2. Pray for our spiritual sensitivity and the ability to encourage others as we travel to Sri Lanka to attend an annual conference of Team workers Jan. 2-8.
3. Pray for our annual member care training we co-host in Chiang Mai Jan.19-22. Member care workers will be joining us from all over Asia for the three day event. May our workers be encouraged and equipped to serve their local chr. worker communities.
Wishing you blessed and prosperous New Year!
Steve and Alberta
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