SALT 2006

Facts about the HKBP church in Indonesia

2006-08-18T12:40:00.000-05:00

Here are some facts that might help establish a context for the Blog entries below and for your understanding of our mission there:

From the IK Synod's "Sumatra Indonesia" brochure, available online:

"Nearly 210,000,000 people live in Indonesia. Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, while English, Dutch and local languages (primarily Javanese) are spoken as well.

Islam (87%) is the primary religion, with smaller proportions of Protestant Christianity (6%), Roman Catholicism (3%), Hinduism (2%), Buddhism (1%), and other (1%).

The HKBP people in the East Sumatra District mostly live in rural, agrarian conditions, but there are a variety of small trades in the capital city of Pematangsiantar. About 30% of the population are small farmers living in rural villages. Another 30% work for wages on the surrounding plantations producing tea, rubber, palm oil and cocoa beans."

The HKBP (pronounced ha-ka-bay-pay) is the governing church body in Indonesia that is part of the Lutheran World Federation. It currently has about 3 million members. The presiding bishop is know as the Ephorus (superintendent); the current Ephorus for the whole HKBP is Reverend Bonar Napitupulu. His position is comparable to that of our national bishop. The Ephorus for District 5 (comparable to our synod bishop) is Plasthon Simanjuntuk.

The HKBP on Sumatra has some 3,000 congregations. These churches may be served by ordained clergy or by Biblewomen and/or preacher-teachers (lay leaders).

To read about how the HKBP responded to the horrific tsunami of December 2004 -- that is, how they reached out with compassion and loving-kindness to their neighbors, regardless of their religion -- visit http://www.interaction.org/library/detail.php?id=4777 .

Salib Kasih, the Cross of Love

2006-08-15T22:39:00.000-05:00

The Salib Kasih marks the spot where, in 1862, Ludwig Nommenson stood and looked over the valley populated by the Batak people of Sumatra. There he confirmed his call to bring these people to the knowledge of their Saviour.
Now, on this spot stands not only an enormous white cross with lights, but also an outdoor worship amphitheater (made of white tile, like the pulpit and cross) where there are weekly worship services. To get to this special place you must climb a fairly steep and lengthy trail. And there's no assurance that it won't rain -- after all, this is the tropics. Still, we got the impression that the worship services are well-attended.

Clearly the site is valued among the Batak people: there is a new visitor's center with a larger parking area under construction at the base of the trail, and all along the trail are small monuments to the churches and individuals who have visited or contributed to the site.

By some accounts, Ludwig Nommenson was one of the greatest missionaries of all time. The HKBP (the Protestant church of the Batak people) is the largest Lutheran church in Asia, and Nommenson University is the largest Lutheran university in Asia.

If you would like to learn more about Ludwig Nommenson, visit http://chi.gospelcom.net/DAILYF/2003/05/daily-05-23-2003.shtml
If you are REALLY interested, you can chase down one of the two old and rather obscure books about him mentioned at http://www.elca.org/archives/dgm/indonesia.html.

(Seems to me someone ought to write a contemporary, readable book about him. Kind of an answer to Kingsolver's Poisonwood Bible. Any takers?)

MBF

Images: Signs that invited us

2006-08-14T16:40:00.000-05:00

The limits of the technology we're working with prevent me from showing you the other way in which we were invited/welcomed. Were that not the case, I could show you video footage of dancing, and of singing, and of hugs and tears that we were honored with.
It is humbling to be greeted this way. And it makes you think a whole new way about the JOY we are called to experience as the body of Christ.
Why does it take a trip around the world to experience and express such joy? Shouldn't we dance and sing and hug every Sunday, with holy abandon?
Truly, it is a foretaste of the feast to come.

MBF

A Reflection on "Invitations..."

2006-08-14T15:53:00.000-05:00

I am intrigued by words. The word invitation sticks in my mind when I reflect on our SALT experience. An invitation really was the first grain of SALT, and invitations were sprinkled throughout from start to finish.

First came the invitation (here the dictionary definition of “a spoken or written request for one’s presence or participation”) from the HKBP to partner in some way related to enhancing the English language skills of Indonesian teachers. This invitation was received and acted upon by the I-K Synod Mission Committee. The next invitation was extended by the I-K Synod Mission Committee. I think the meaning “an allurement, enticement, or attraction” fits nicely this time! Yes, the committee attempted to entice and attract its members and other interested synod folk to its invitation to participate in a pilot project that was in the making. When eleven facilitators were found, they each invited (another meaning is “welcome”) their congregations and friends to be a part of SALT with their prayers and gifts of support.

The days in Batakland, Sumatra with our sisters and brothers of the HKBP were filled with countless invitations. The “welcomes” we received every step of the way are unforgettable. Remember our reactions: as we were met at the Medan airport by Plasthon, Erista, and Sondang? As we sat down to an Indonesian feast at the hotel that first night? As we saw the Welcome banner stretched across the District V building?

As we were privileged to become acquainted with each and every participant in formal and informal SALT sessions? As we learned about the mission and ministry of District V in visits to the church headquarters, the deaconess school, the hospital, congregational life in the shadows of the tea plantation, the women’s association, the seminary, the orphanage center, theBibelvrouw Eben-Ezer compound, the schools where our new friends teach? Of course every invitation to extend a hearty Horas! greeting and share food and drink together was a blessing to us as well, whether at a tea plantation, the Ulos factory, Chinese restaurant, or the home of the Mayor of Pematangsiantar himself.

By the way, there is one more meaning for the word invitation: to lure, to entice, tempt. How about using this meaning to keep the invitations going. May there be many occasions when we can “lure, entice, or tempt” fellow ELCA members to an awareness of the mission and ministry of our HKBP companion synod through our experiences.

Horas!

Claudia

At the HKBP Elim orphanage

2006-08-09T17:11:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful evening at the HKBP orphanage where several of our SALT participants teach. First we went a reception in the beautiful little chapel that had just been built. The director of the orphanage told us some things about the chapel, etc., and also told the kids some things about us. At several points during the evening different groups of students danced for us -- sort of modern/traditional dance to what sounded like Bahasa Indoensia pop favorites. They danced very gracefully, though they seemed a bit shy. (It was kind of refreshing when compared with MTV or American Idol.)

Later, we had dinner in the dining hall of the orphanage. All the Americans were seated at the 'head table' (but I snuck around and took photos of the kids and showed them my photos of my home, etc.) As always, dinner was delicious. And as a special surprise, we were served tuak (see previous post). As a further honor, the most senior and most 'high ranking' members of our party were presented with choice bits of -- uh, was that pig or water buffalo? I was too far down the pecking order to see, but I'm OK with that. Trust me.

I expected a visit to an orphanage to be heart-rending. But several factors made this visit one of the highlights for me:
- We knew some of the teachers, and I could tell that they loved the children dearly,
- The director seemed enthusiastic and competent (as well as socially adroit),
- The kids looked clean, healthy and, on the whole, happy,
- There weren't TOO MANY kids there. I learned that because of the strong family system in Indonesia, it's pretty unusual for kids to go to orphanages.

I didn't learn the stories of any of these kids. There simply wasn't time. But I did come away with the strong sense that they are in a safe place, they are well-cared-for and are being educated, and that their care-takers are very capable. May all the orphans of Indonesia -- and other countries too -- have such excellent and loving care!
MBF

2006-08-08T15:44:00.000-05:00

Why English?
Our SALT team facilitators spent 5 days working with 40 Indonesian participants on conversational English. We started at 7 a.m. and sometimes didn’t stop until 9 or 10 p.m. In between 4 formal sessions a day the participants were engaged in conversation and exposed to English during worship services, tea breaks, meal times, field trips, shopping experiences, photo opportunities, game nights, and when it seemed just right to sing and dance.

Why do they want to learn English? I was asked the question before I left and have been asked it since. Here are some reasons shared by the participants and HKBP leaders: 1) If you are an English teacher you need to be able to confidently speak English. 2) All the schools in Indonesia teach English, it’s a requirement of the government. 3) Indonesia is facing globalization, the global current is ruled by English. 4) English is needed to compete with other nations in international affairs, in both secular and church arenas. 5) Higher level education opportunities usually require knowing English. 6) Resource books, i.e. psychology, are in English. 7) English can help people understand some concepts found in science that are foreign to the local culture. 8) The companionship between HKBP and the IK Synod needs a common language to help it become strong and grow.

We may have traveled half way around the world but our hosts and the participants made us feel at home. They embraced us with a smile, an easy going and positive attitude, a sense of humor, and a willingness to use whatever English they knew. In no time we found out that we have a lot in common- problems with finding time for family devotions, questions about effective evangelism, a desire to raise kids free from bad influences, high cholesterol…….and we all worship and serve a Risen Savior!

Its amazing what happened in just a matter of 5 days and how much we all learned. A little bit of English, God’s plan for each of us, a beautiful setting, and wonderful people was all it took. It was a recipe for success! Thanks to all who made this experience possible! Rachel

On the ferry from Sopo Toba

2006-08-08T09:13:00.000-05:00

Sopo Toba has its own ferry, which is a good thing because it's the quickest way to get to the hotel. It's a one-hour ferry ride from the mainland town of Parapat, or a many, many hour drive.
The ferry took us to Tomok one day and to another destintion on another day. (The two trips have blurred together in my mind, so I will need for someone else to fill in this part.)
Sometimes the waves were a bit choppy, and the engine billowed diesel fumes, but the hotel sent delicious snacks and Sumatran coffee (the best!), and the view couldn't be beat. As we went we often burst into song: we sang our worship songs with our Indonesian friends, and then they sang us several Batak songs. And they showed us how to dance to them!
The excursions were a welcome diversion from the intensive work we did at Sopo Toba. Every day for five days we taught four hours of English conversation, and if that sounds easy to you, you haven't done it!
MBF

Eben Eser Bibelvrouw community

2006-08-08T08:24:00.000-05:00

Between Medan and Pematangsiantar is a beautiful little place where retired or recuperating Bibelvrouw (Bible women) can live.
Bible women are full-time Bible teachers. In taking this vocation they choose not to marry, and this puts them in a difficult situation culturally. An unmarried woman is seen as a burden on the family; to choose not to marry is almost unthinkable. Thus, this facility was established in 1965 to serve the Bibelvrouws.

While we were there each of these women introduced herself and told us her story. As you might expect, they are women of great strength and faith. And they have plans. In the background of the picture you can see a corn field. But the corn is planted in the foundation of a building that they hope to finish building soon.

MBF

Tea plantation and tea processing factory

2006-08-07T10:16:00.000-05:00

One of our 'field trips' was to a large tea plantation where many of the employees are HKBP church members. It was a quiet day at the plantation and factory -- only a few harvesters in the field, and only a few workers on the line loading the tea leaves onto the air-cooled drying racks. After our tour we were served tea (best quality, of course!) and then we were each given a large package of tea by the plant manager, who had led us on our tour. He was a very gracious host, and we all came away with a new appreciation for the tea we enjoy.
Afterwards we visited one of the churches where many of the tea workers worship. We were treated to lunch, music and the chance to shake hands and answer questions.
MBF

Ulos factory

2006-08-07T06:52:00.000-05:00

Our visit to this small industry was an interesting contrast to the tea plantation. Ulos are colorful sash-like garments worn over the shoulder. They aren't used as much now as they used to be, though you can still see older villagers wearing them piled on their heads for sun protection. Apparently each family/clan or 'marga' has its own pattern.

The one to the left is more of a ceremonial or presentation ulos. These are larger and much more colorful than your day-to-day ulos. There is a ceremonial dance in which such ulos are presented to honored guests. We were so honored many times!

Below you'll see a photo of the dye-vat yard, and a dye-master. On this particular day he was working with yellow and black. The black fibers were being dried over a fire which added to the intense heat.

It wasn't really any cooler inside, though it was darker. The room was crowded with well-worn looms, each operated by a woman. Children came and went freely, visiting their moms and sisters. Some of the women were pleased to see visitors; others simply wanted to get on with the job. I got the impression that the hours were long, and the heat was certainly hard to take. Maybe you get used to it...

MBF

Batak culture as seen at Tomok

2006-08-06T13:41:00.000-05:00

Here are a few images of 'traditional' Batak culture.

To hear samples of music from this region, visit the National Geographic World Music website, and find your way into the south Asia area and then to Northern Sumatra - Partopi Tao Group. Perhaps this link will work : http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/artist/content.artist/northern_sumatra_-_partopi_tao_group_21428
Here's an excerpt from the description of the music found there: "North Sumatra developed complex traditions of instrumental music — one of the very few societies in the world to use tuned drums to carry a melody. Combining these drums with gongs and an oboe-like instrument, their gondang sabangunan ensemble has a tense feel in which the melodic and rhythmic instruments seem to compete with one another. These surprising genres are virtually unknown outside of Indonesia."

MBF

Lake Toba by day and at sunrise

2006-08-06T13:10:00.000-05:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Toba will explain the geology behind Lake Toba -- and it's quite a story. For even more, visit http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/vw_hyperexchange/toba.html Here's a key sentence:
"...the Toba eruption, dated at 75,000 years ago, was the most recent truely large eruption on Earth."
For a touristy look at the region, visit http://goasia.about.com/cs/southasiahotels/l/bllaketobasum.htm

The Sopa Toba hotel where we stayed, and the town of Tomok where we saw traditional dancing, handcrafts and buildings, are both on the island/peninsula of Samosir in the middle of Danua Toba (Lake Toba).

MBF

What's for breakfast? Nasi goreng, of course!

2006-08-06T11:42:00.000-05:00

What bread is to us, rice is to Indonesians. That means that breakfast is usually a rice dish: specifically, nasi goreng.

From Wikipedia:
Nasi goreng is an Indonesian version of fried rice - that is what the Indonesian words literally mean.
The main difference compared to "Chinese" fried rice is that it is cooked with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis). It is often accompanied by additional items such as a fried egg, fried chicken, satay, or keropok. When accompanied by a fried egg it is known as nasi goreng special. The dish is not only popular in Indonesia, but also in Singapore and Malaysia.
Outside Asia the dish is also commonly prepared in the Netherlands, where it was adopted from Indonesian immigrants.

There are as many recipes for nasi goreng as there are cooks. Search for a recipe on the internet and see what I mean!

MBF

Drying rice in the front yard

2006-08-05T13:15:00.000-05:00

We saw this scene in every village: Rice laid out on a tarp, an older person slowly raking it in the hot sun.
Note the satellite dish on the house. These were as common as drying rice.

MBF

School is out -- time to take the bus home!

2006-08-05T12:51:00.000-05:00

Well-raised young men know that the ladies, children and the elderly ride on the inside of the bus.
MBF

The children of Sumatra

2006-08-05T12:47:00.000-05:00

While in the area around Lake Toba and Pematangsiantar we visited several churches. Children, being noisy and wiggly, were often kept on the periphery. But children, being curious, found ways to check us out. And they LOVED having their pictures taken!

MBF

Children doing the washing in the 'creek' by the road

2006-08-05T11:25:00.000-05:00

There is a 'creek' running through every village, alongside the main road. Unfortunately, the creek is what you might call 'gray water.'
Fortunately, it does not seem to be a source of drinking water.
Unfortunately, it is used for washing clothes and dishes, and sometimes for bathing.

Effective waste disposal is an ongoing struggle in Indonesia, especially with the introduction of plastics and other durable materials. Like anywhere, these materials blow and scatter, and do not break down like their natural antecedents (banana leaves, etc.). [Visit http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailfeatures.asp?fileid=20060815.W02&irec=1 for a story on someone who is trying to solve this problem.]

Also, the air is constantly filled with smoke -- some from fields being burned (a normal part of the agricultural cycle) and some from trash being burned.

Despite this, I was constantly struck by how clean many places were. Most yards were swept and tidy, with lots of potted plants in bloom. Washed clothes were hanging in the sun. Children's school uniforms were crisp and tidy. And animals were healthy-looking. There seemed to be a lot less 'waste' there -- items were cared for and repaired, rather than thrown out.
It made me wonder about concepts like 'plenty,' 'waste,' 'prosperity,' and 'stewardship.'

MBF

Babies in Balige hospital

2006-08-05T11:16:00.000-05:00

The baby on the left is in the care of the hospital because his mother died, and he is too young to be cared for properly by his family. He will probably be collected when he's old enough.
The one on the right is recovering from encephalitis.
They were both frightened of all the strange-looking people who came to see them, but a nurse came in and comforted them.
Keep these little ones in your prayers!
In the background, beyond the window, is the newborn area.
Nothing at this hospital was high-tech or new, but everything was clean and well-cared for. The nurses/deaconesses are responsible for cleaning as well as patient care, and they do an excellent job at both.
Many patients and their families were outside their rooms, resting and talking in grassy courtyard areas and enjoying the day. It is sensibly believed that fresh air and sunshine aid healing.
The hospital in Balige is connected with the Deaconess school there, and both are institutions of the HKBP (the Lutheran church). This location has about 150 beds. There is another HKBP hospital on Samosir island in Lake Toba. We did not have a chance to visit that one. (Maybe next time!)

MBF

Batak Baby with Batik

2006-08-05T11:11:00.000-05:00

OK, it's not what you usually find when you go looking for 'batik' here in the US. In fact, I thought it wasn't real batik because it didn't have the tie-dyed look and wobbly outlines I associated with batik.

Turns out that 'batik' is fabric with gorgeous, exotic prints made with an ancient wax-resist method. To learn more about it than anyone in their right mind would want to know, visit http://www.discover-indo.tierranet.com/batikpag.htm.

You can buy 100 sarongs made of this fabric in Tomok and not buy the same print twice. I wish I had! (It's on my list of things to do when I go back.)

MBF

Souvenir seller and baby at Tomok

2006-08-05T11:07:00.000-05:00

To her right, some of the wonderfully carved walking sticks found there.

She faced stiff competition -- there were a lot of vendors carrying a similar range of goods. Some, like her, were quiet. Others were quite aggressive in their selling techniques. There was a feeling of running a gauntlet as you passed through the stands on either side of the narrow road.

It seems that tourist traffic is down, especially from the U.S.. That has a big impact on the economy of this area.

MBF

The 50th anniversary celebration

2006-08-05T11:02:00.000-05:00

In church and other gatherings, the ladies sit in one area, the men in another. I don't know that these ladies were related, but it makes a lovely 3-generation picture. Don't you wonder what they were thinking about?

Here is a photo of the band that played after the long worship service. They played with great enthusiasm. Batak music is nothing if not energetic!

These boys were hanging out on the edges of the celebration. Their moms were probably sitting in one area, their fathers in another. The guests of honor were sitting on sofas around an open, dusty area where we later danced in traditional Batak style.

Those banners behind the boys, just outside the church? Cigarette advertisements. *sigh*

MBF

AIDS information center at the hospital in Balige

2006-08-04T17:39:00.000-05:00

Depending on who you talk to, AIDS is either a serious and growing problem in Indonesia, or a rare one. It is definitely a taboo subject in polite company. The pastors, teachers and deaconesses we worked with seemed vague on the details of the disease, but clear on their role in public health education.

The AIDS center in Balige has a variety of brochures and educational materials. It's not clear, though, how widely distributed this kind of information is. You do see occasional posters about AIDS and also about polio vaccines for kids (another big public health issue).

What you see most, though, is advertisements for cigarettes. They are absolutely ubiquitous, and far, far outnumber any other kind of advertising.

It's unclear which is the bigger public health problem: AIDS or the prevelant consumption of cigarettes in Indonesia.

MBF

At the hospital in the City of Balige, North Sumatra

2006-08-04T16:57:00.000-05:00

The medicine storage cabinet at the hospital in Balige.

An affordable wheelchair. This was the brainchild of Don Schoendorfer, founder of Free Wheelchair Mission, who in 1999 invested his education and professional expertise as a PhD Mechanical Engineer to create a simple, rugged, and inexpensive wheelchair. FWM (Free Wheelchair Mission)believes that when Jesus Christ lived in this world, He had special love for the sick and crippled. They try to share the same concern now for the poor, especially those with physical immobility. The chairs are distributed free to those in need, regardless of the recipient's religious affiliation if any.
For more info visit freewheelchairmission.org

MBF

Juice Alpokat (Indonesian Avocado Drink)

2006-08-04T16:36:00.000-05:00

From http://www.recipezaar.com/59169

5 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons water
2 avocados
1/2 cup cold milk
1 cup chocolate milk
1/2 cup crushed ice

Make simple syrup by combining sugar and water in small saucepan over medium-high heat.
Stir until clear.
Remove from heat and let cool.
Spoon out avocado pulp and place in blender.
Add syrup and blend.
Add cold milk and blend.
Divide between 2 tall glasses.
Top each serving with 1/2 cup chocolate milk (to form separate layer) and crushed ice.

MBF

Deaconess Center in Balige

2006-08-04T11:46:00.000-05:00

Most people haven't heard of 'deaconesses,' but they are an important part of the way the HKBP cares for the community. Trained deaconesses serve in a variety of capacities, focusing on caring for those in need.
One of our American group members, Kathleen, is a deaconess. To find out more about this ministry role, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deaconess .

In the photo below, the woman presenting flowers to our Norma is Serapina, directress of the deaconess school in Balige. The best descripiton for Serapina is 'dauntless.' She is a force to be reckoned with, working tirelessly for the benefit of her community. The beauty of the deaconess school is a credit to her remarkable energy and the training she gives to her students.

MBF

SALT 2006

2006-08-04T11:18:00.000-05:00

A Day in Balige - Upon arriving in Balige, we were met with a fresh warm avocado beverage like a smoothie and warm smiles of the student's and sisters of the Deaconess School and Community. I think we obtained varied recipes for the beverage. We sat around a small pleasant courtyard which was a welcoming place to relax a bit. During our visit here, we were also served a dinner at a long table with family style dishes of rice, vegetables and special pastries and there was much exchange of singing, highlighted by a story-musical acted out by the deaconesses and much conversation.

On Sunday we walked across a public courtyard area to the HKBP church for worship with a large congregation. The longer worship service including prayers, scripture readings, a sermon and much singing. All of this in Indonesian language, yet I think the Spirit of the worship came through in the strong words, music and the sweltering heat.

After the service we were given a tour of the HKBP hospital just across the street. The 150 bed facility had opened its doors to survivors of the 2004 earthquake and tsunami. This hospital also serves as a teaching hospital for nurses. I was struck by a wheelchair which had a plastic lawn chair attached for the seat.

As we left the center for this community, I sensed we had just another glimpse of the life and ministries of service of this vibrant church. In a land of many needs (some similar to our own country) I experienced a light hearted, sometimes heavy hearted and yet full- hearty expression of spiritual life and common praise and fellowship.

Kathleen

Raising a toast: Party at the house of the Mayor of Pematangsiantar

2006-08-04T10:28:00.000-05:00

Gail, Claudia and Sandy raise a glass of the beverage of their choice as we toast the mayor, the SALT mission, and the Batak people in general. We sang a rollicking celebration song called, "Lisoi, Lisoi."

The drinks available included Coca cola, Sprite, and Bintang beer (which is more or less equivalent to Heineken).
NOT on tap was tuak (also known as 'Jungle Juice'). Tuak is a naturally-fermented beverage sold throughout the region at roadside stands. It's drunk mostly by men, and the punch it carries varies quite a bit. It's worth trying -- but only in order to say you've tried it. Our desire to try it seems to have been a source of much hilarity.
(I refuse to post photos of those who DID try tuak at the orphanage we visited, on the grounds of good taste. Ditto the photos of the other special ceremonial food items offered at the same dinner.)

Foolishly, I did not take a picture of the gorgeous banquet the mayor and his wife arranged for us. That is a pity, because it was a feast for the eyes and the palate. Did anyone else take a picture, by any chance?

MBF

Ika's daughter

2006-08-04T10:18:00.000-05:00

Ika was one of our SALT participants. We later saw her at a district 5 meeting, and got to meet her daughter. Dobes, another participant, was there too, and it turns out that Dobes is very fond of Ika's little girl (and who can blame him?).

I hope Ika and Dobes get a chance to see this picture. It seems that mailing things to Indonesia can be an exercise in frustration, so I don't know that they will ever see this lovely photo anytime soon unless they see it here.

What, you ask, is that in her mouth? A fruit with the amusing name "rambutan," and an even more amusing appearance: unpeeled, it's red with rubbery spikes all over it. That's just one of the amazing, exotic fruits we enjoyed.

MBF

Students at the District 5 school we visited.

2006-08-01T08:15:00.000-05:00

We wept to hear their voices singing back to us, "Sanctuary" and "Holy, Holy, Holy." These were songs we had taught to and sung with their teachers only a week before.

MBF

A 'becak' - a motorized rikshaw, and a popular means of transport.

2006-08-01T07:52:00.000-05:00

(Pronounced 'bechak'.)
Unlike this one, most are from the 1940s (left over from the Japanese occupation). Servicing mopeds, becaks, motorcyles and vans is a significant cottage industry in each and every town.
Each of the becaks isdifferent, and all are festively decorated.
Becaks circulate constantly in Pematangsiantar and other smaller cities, offering rides for a dollar or two. Sidewalks are often uneven and broken, so getting where you want to go can be a challenge. Becaks offer a quick, cheap, wild ride!
MBF

Three of our pastors, leading us in our final worship service at Sopo Toba.

2006-08-01T07:34:00.000-05:00

Sondang, on the left, is a pastor for a parish church -- a capable, warm and delightful person. Plasthon, in the middle, is Ephorus (Bishop) for District 5, and was our gracious host and guide throughout. Paul Harder, on the right, was our interpreter, having lived among the Batak for some 7 or 8 years in the past.
These were only some of our shepherds -- we were surrounded by servant-leaders. How inspiring they are!

MBF

Three of our marvelous participants in the English Conversation classes: Helen, Dobes and Ika

2006-07-31T22:13:00.000-05:00

SALT....salt spreading

2006-07-29T16:07:00.000-05:00

I would like to share with you a little about my experience with SALT. This program was a wonderful way for us to really get to know our brothers and sisters in Christ in District V HKBP. During this conversational Engish time we talked with each other about a lot of different topics. I personally learned more about what they do, who they are, what their dreams and challenges are, and about their Batak culture and traditions through speaking English. I learned that this in small groups of 3 from each individual as they spoke -- not through a translator but on a personal level. We as facilatators and participants bonded together in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We sang hymns and songs in English. The participants sang with such beauty and boldness in proclaiming their faith in worship. They truly sang with much depth and a desire to take back what they had learned and share it. They spent nights writing down liturgies and trying to figure out the notes to songs like, "Father We Adore You", "Mercy is Falling", and "Sancutary." We joined as one in our singing of "Holy, Holy, Holy,
My heart, My heart adores thee,
My heart is glad to say the words,
You are Holy Lord."
We would sing it first in English and then Spanish and then Batak.

We were able to laugh and have fun as we played board games and cards. We played 'Sorry,' 'Barrel of Monkeys,' 'Uno,' 'Kings in the Corner,' and others. I will always remember playing cards and Uno with Mega, Erista, Esther, Grace, and Andrias. We had so much fun and laughed so hard.

Now 'salt spreading'...

We left Lake Toba on Sat. July 15 and each of us went our separate ways.
On Wed. July 19, we had the priviledge to go to one of schools where one of our participants taught. These students were probably in middle school.

We started singing "Mercy is falling" and all the students sang along. We sang "Father We Adore You" and all the students sang along. When we were in talking with the teachers the students were back in their classrooms and we could hear them singing "Sanctuary." In just 2 days, Rosalina had brought back these songs and taught them to these children. The grains of salt have already begun multiplying and the light of Christ has spread to all these children and their families and on and on.

What a joy and blessing it was to be a part of the I/K Salt Team and meet so many wonderful sisters and brothers in District V HKBP. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Sandy

July 9 - 50th Jubilee Anniversary of HKBP Batu Lapan

2006-07-29T15:17:00.000-05:00

Our day started with breakfast at 7:00am at the hotel. We were picked up at 8:00 and taken to the District V offices. They had a huge banner hanging up to welcome us. We met other honored guests going to the 50th Jubilee celebration and had tea and fruit. One of the guests we met was the General Secretary of the HKBP Lutheran Church in Indonesia, Willem Simarmata. He later preached at the church service. By 9am we were traveling to the church.

Upon arrival at a house near the church and after introductions we ate breakfast again. Here we had rice, fruit, pork, vegetable and fish dishes. Around 10:00am we processed down the street, all the Pastors, choirs, dancers, participants and honored guests. We were accompanied along the way with music played by a trumpet, saxaphone, thrombone and drum. Here's a photo of a group of us at the Jubilee. The picture shows my SALT buddies Rachel, me, Norma and Chris.

Outside the church we were given flowers and Ulos to wear around our neck. They dedicated a cornerstone, then cut the ribbon in front of the church doors so we could enter the sanctury. We were seated in the front pews. It is important to know that most of the people inside the sanctuary were honored guests or members of 3 choirs. Most of the members sat outside under coverings and watched on TV and they heard everything over the sound system.

During this 4 hour time we worshipped God in music and written word which was written in Indonesian. It was easy to follow along and sing and read as the pronunciation is much like English. The first part of the service had a lot of hymns accompanied by organ and trumpet.
In the middle of their service we listened to about 45 min. of church history read. This was challenging for us all. Between the jet lag, the language and the heat we made it and were glad for the opportunity to stand up. In the sermon we heard some English words and we could tell it was about being called to go and share God's story with others. We could all relate because we had come to Indonesia feeling called by God to be part of Salt..Speaking As Lutherans Together.

After the sermon they had 3 offerings, each for a different need. Next they buried a time capsule under the floor in front of the altar. After some more singing the service was over and we went outside for lunch. At lunch we were again seated with the honored guests and served first.

About halfway through our meal they brought out a the head of a waterbuffalo (which had been roasted the night before) and gave it to the General Secretary of the HKBP. Then they gave other pieces of the waterbuffalo to some of the other guests. This was a way of giving high honor to them. The honored guests then ate some of it and took the rest with them. This distribution of pieces of a roasted waterbuffalo is called "Jembar" and is commonly done at large festivals. Our SALT group also was JEMBERed but I'll leave that to someone else to tell that story!

Before leaving we were honored to dance with the General Secretary in the traditional Batak dance. We all participated and learned a new custom. This dance was a way of honoring and blessing one another and we danced several more times in the following weeks.

About 2:30pm we were on our way back to District V offices even then the party was still going on. At 4pm we loaded up the buses with all the SALT participants and headed to Lake Toba. What a day and it was only half over!

For me a highlight from the service was the music. During the service I recognized 4 or 5 different hymn tunes. It was easy to sing along with their words as I knew the tune. It was affirming for me of my call to SALT when one of my favorite hymns was played... "If You But Trust in God to Guide You". What a way to start and it only got better and better!

Sandy

Our arrival in North Sumatra

2006-07-29T15:04:00.000-05:00

After our flight was cancelled in Singapore we had a 12-hour layover. We arrived in Medan about 3:00 pm on Saturday. After getting our visas and going through customs we discovered that six of us were without luggage. After about two hours of paperwork at the Silk Air 'lost and found', we were all loaded up in our bus to travel to Siantar, where we would spend the night. The drive was about four hours, and we thank God and our driver for getting us there safely! It took a long time to get out of the city of Medan. The two-lane road had six lanes of traffic and this seemed like a normal experience to them.
We arrived at our hotel about 9pm and had supper at 9:30 pm. When we arrived for supper after 54 hours of traveling, we were greeted very warmly and seated in the dining room. Plasthon had ordered a meal that had about 10 different dishes. All the dishes were special Indonesian/Batak food. What a way to end our first day in Sumatra. The conversation, the food, the hospitality, and caring for us, we already felt so blessed to be there.

Sandy

A personal reflection on the 'risks' of mission travel

2006-07-25T09:09:00.000-05:00

I'll be the first to admit that I had worries before I left on the trip to Indonesia.

What do we see of Indonesia in the media? Stories of wars, floods, earthquakes, pestilence, and hunger. And all of them true, not fear-mongering hype. Bird flu is real; so are tsunamis, earthquakes, malaria, and armed insurgents in Aceh. It seemed like we were deliberately heading into the most dangerous place we could find. What were we thinking?!

You could say that we weren't thinking -- we were following. The call went out, and God blessed us with faith. To the world's eyes it may have looked like ignorance, foolhardiness, or even fanatical exhibitionism. (OK, we're Lutherans -- maybe 'fanatical exhibitionism' is an overstatement.)

What observers of our mission may not have seen is the extraordinary weaving together of a net of safety around us. The threads of that net were so many and so delicate; the people who were those threads would almost certainly deny that they played any kind of important role. But here are some of them:

- You. You prayed for our safety. There is no doubt in my mind that those prayers kept our airplane aloft, our bus on the road, and all of us healthy and clear-sighted.

- Bill Gafkjen, Assistant to the Bishop, who had visited the people and churches we were to visit, and who longed to go with us. Instead, he stayed here, was in constant contact with our leaders, kept the blog up to date, and made sure that all went smoothly. (Next time, Bill, you're coming too!)

- Praeses (Bishop) Plasthon Simanjuntak (and his lovely wife, Erista), who arranged much of our schedule, accompanied us throughout, guided us, fed us, sang with us and in a thousand ways showed God's gifts of gentle leadership.

-Paul Harder, our experienced missionary to the Batak people. He speaks Bahasa Indonesia and knows and loves the people. On a practical level, his fluency got us through a number of potential misunderstandings and awkward spots. But beyond that, his love for and understanding of both us and the Batak we came to serve mightily strenthened the bridge between us, making the crossings of that bridge fearless and frequent.

- Chris Carson, our music leader and organizer. Chris had visited the HKBP before, and is vastly experienced in international travel. She is a worship retreat leader and brought our list of songs. On top of that, she plays guitar and sings wonderfully. She is unflappable and unfailingly practical and energetic. With Chris along, there is no wandering off track or off key!

- Claudia Nelson, our ESL (English as a Second Language) pro and keyboardist. Claudia produced excellent lesson plans and taught us the method we used during the Lake Toba/English Language Instruction part of the trip. This was not her first ESL mission trip -- she's been sharing her expertise around the world for years. What an extraordinary woman! As if that weren't enough, her keyboarding skills added immensely to our evening worship.

- Our on-the-ground HKBP guides, Sondang, Munkhap, and Wilda. These three ministers, though younger than most of us, led and guided us with grace, patience and infinite good humor -- not to mention complete competence. How wonderfully rich the HKBP is to have these three among their growing leaders!

- The ministers and people of the HKBP churches who greeted us, blessed us, sang for us and fed us -- and prayed for us all along the way. I only wish I had had more time to get to know each church better.

So, you see, we were never in any danger. Led and protected by our Good Shepherd, guided and by the cloud of shepherds I just mentioned, how could we go wrong?

The only risk we stood in was of losing our hearts to these people. And in God's calculus, losing your heart is always a gain.

In travelling to a 'poor' country we returned infinitely richer. In 'risking' our lives we've gained new joy in living. In 'giving' to our brothers and sisters in Indonesia we've been given a thousand gifts.

For my own part, I can only say to my Shepherd, "When can I go again?"
Mary Beth Foster

2006-07-24T16:45:00.000-05:00

The HKBP is much larger than the IK synod, numerically and geographically, so we only saw a small part of the land, its people and its churches. When you look at a map, the area we covered was tiny -- but oh, the sights, sounds and smells were enough to make us dizzy. We visited churches, of course, and shook many hands. We saw the seminary, the orphanage, some schools, and the HKBP District 5 headquarters. We ate at the Bishop's house, the mayor's house, and the Heineken Headquarters restaurant in Pematangsiantar. We sang kareoke and hymns, and danced traditional Batak dances and 'western' dances. We ate lots of spicy food, some of which we recognized, and much of which we liked. We saw free-range water buffalo, chickens, pot-bellied pigs and marmoset monkeys. We defied death daily on the roads of Sumatra, where safe distances are counted in centimeters. And we worshipped and laughed and sang and hugged and praised God all the way.
MBF

2006-07-22T13:27:00.000-05:00

Dancers, getting ready to perform for their church's 50th anniversary celebration.

They were as graceful as they were lovely...

MBF

2006-07-22T13:15:00.000-05:00

A very warm welcome to the Sopo Toba Hotel! This banner greeted us as our ferry pulled up to dock at the hotel.

MBF

2006-07-22T13:04:00.000-05:00

Batak girls, lovely as flowers -

Dressed up for their church's 50th anniversary celebration.

MBF

2006-07-22T12:48:00.000-05:00

Singing for the pastors:

Na badia do ho
Dipuji Rohangkon do!
Diboto rohangkon do mandok:
Badia doho!

Holy, holy, holy
My heart, my heart adores you!
My heart knows how to say to you:
Holy are you, Lord!

Indonesian Media Report about our Visit with the Mayor of Pematangsiantar

2006-07-22T11:41:00.000-05:00

The Medan-based Batak newspaper, Sinar Indonesia Baru, published an impressive article about our dinner reception at the residence of the Mayor of Pematangsiantar. The article can be accessed on-line here.

Let me recap some of the details for our readers: last Wednesday night, the Mayor of Petangsiantar invited the SALT group from the Indiana/Kentucky Synod to a reception at his house for dinner, music, speeches and conversation. It was a memorable event for everyone. Mayor Siahaan is a member of the HKBP and friend of our companion synod's Bishop Plasthon Simanjuntak.

Here is my English translation of the newspaper article:

The Mayor of Pemtangsiantar, Engineer R.E. Siahaan together with his wife, Lady Elfrida Dorowaty Hutapea, received a group of 11 members from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Indiana/Kentucky Synod at the official Mayor's residence at Captain M.H. Sitorus Street Wednesday night. Accompanying them was Engineer Saud H. Simanjuntak, Deputy Speaker of the Regional House of Representatives, Drs. Maruli H. Silitonga and Mr. Mangatas Silalahi (members of the Regional House of Representatives), together with the Secretary of the Mayorality, the Honorable Tagor Batubara.

Rev. Dr. Plasthon Simanjuntak, Bishop of District V, East Sumatra of the HKBP accompanied the ELCA delegation which consisted of the HKBP District V's visiting partners. The delegation, led by Rev. Paul Harder, returned to the USA Thursday after arriving in Pematangsiantar July 8th for the "Speaking as Lutherans Together" (SALT) program which served to enhance the English language skills of English teachers in the HKBP District V school system.

Aside from SALT, Rev. Plasthon said that the Indiana/Kentucky Synod has worked together with District V in assisting victims of the 2004 Tsunami and the 2005 earthquake on the island of Nias. After Rev. Plasthon had explained the meaning and goals of the partnership between District V and the Indiana/Kentucky Synod, Mayor Siahaan conveyed his greetings and explained the demographic conditions of the Mayorality in English to his guests. The city, the Mayor explained, is marked by religious pluralism consisting of Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and others who very much valued each other. Their social life together is marked by harmony between the faiths as well as their having a well-developed process of thinking together.

During the reception, the leader of the delegation, Rev. Paul Harder, fluent in Indonesian, lifted up his impressions during his visit to the the Mayorality of Pematangsiantar. He said that since 2004 the partnership between District V and the Indiana/Kentucky Synod has developed wonderfully and that this family relationship will continue to grow in the future, especially through the work of the church. Rev. Harder said that this visitation by the Indiana/Kentucky Synod is something that could never be forgotten because it has made such a positive impression on the delegation. This impression was deepened further through the giving of Ulos by the Lord Mayor Siahaan, accompanied by his wife, Lady Elfrida Dorowaty Hutapea, as they all danced together.

2006-07-21T20:45:00.000-05:00

We are back in the US, safe and sound. We have so much to share about the marvelous people of the HKBP church and our experiences in their land.
For tonight (Friday, July 21), though, we just want to express our profound gratitude --

To God, who gives us sisters and brothers the world over,
and who created the marvelous land and people of Sumatra, Indonesia;

To you, our sisters and brothers, who made this trip possible for us,
and who lifted us up in prayer as we traveled;

To the Global Mission Committee, who worked so capably and diligently over many months to arrange the trip;

To the people of the HKBP, whose love and generosity are prodigal,
and whose lives overflow with good things.

May God be praised- Mauliate!

Information on Earthquake and Itinerary

2006-07-17T07:45:00.000-05:00

As you may know, an earthquake and small tsunami struck Indonesia yesterday. According to CNN reports the earthquake epicenter was more than 200 miles south of Java. The island of Java is south of Sumatra (the island the SALT team is visiting). And the team is in northern Sumatra, so they are hundreds of miles and an island away from the location of the earthquake and tsunami. We are grateful for their safety and we pray for the latest victims of yet another natural disaster to strike Indonesia.

The team has completed its SALT time and is now traveling throughout HKBP District V to get to know our sisters and brothers there, explore their setting and culture, and learn about the mission and ministry of the church in that area.

One member of the team and a member of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod's Global Mission Committee, Paul Harder, spent the weekend on the island of Nias. Nias was hard hit by the tsunami and earthquake a couple of years ago -- hundreds of families lost their homes and means of making a living. The Indiana-Kentucky Synod has financially and spiritually supported the establishment of a crisis counseling center, the NiCC. In fact, we recently sent enough funds to keep the center open for another year. This center provides crisis/trauma counseling as well as food and other support for people who are still trying to recover from the double whammy of the Christmas Monday tsunami and Easter Monday earthquake.

Here's a brief itinerary for the remainder of the SALT trip:

Saturday July 15 -- visit Salib-Kasih, the Cross of Love, erected on the spot where missionary Ludwig Nommensen is said to have paused to pray before descending into the valley to ministry among the Batak in 1862.

Sunday July 16 -- meet with the Companion Church Committee of District V

Monday July 17 -- visit HKBP parochial schools, deaconess community, and a ministry with physically and mentally challenged people

Tuesday July 18 -- visit tea plantation and Goodyear factory where some HKBP members work

Wednesday July 19 -- visit the HKBP seminary and Nommensen University (the second largest Lutheran university in the world)

Thursday July 20 -- begin the long journey home

-- Pastor Bill Gafkjen

Speaking (and Singing) Together

2006-07-12T22:03:00.000-05:00

I spoke at length with Paul Harder tonight (10:00 p.m. Wednesday Indianapolis time/9:00 a.m. Thursday on Samosir Island). He asked me to post a message on behalf of the SALT team. Communications, especially via Internet, have been challenging so the team won't be able to actively blog until after they leave the island in a couple of days.

Paul reports that all is well. The first day in Indonesia the group attended the 50th anniversary celebration of a parish in the district. The worship service ran four hours long and included a 1/2 hour recital of the parish's history.

Sunday night the group traveled to Samosir Island in the middle of stunningly beautiful Lake Toba. The final piece of luggage arrived on Tuesday (10 pieces were delayed; nine arrived on Monday) and folks have now settled into the SALT routine. Many of the team members take a swim each morning in the lake before sharing Morning Prayer and embarking on four very intense one-hour ESL sessions with the HKBP participants each day.

The group has also taken a couple of cultural excursions. One included a trip to a historic village where they saw and learned about traditional Batak architecture and walked through significant Batak history. I have visited this site and found it very helpful in dispelling some of the myths that have evolved around Batak culture and traditions in addition to deepening my own appreciation for the depth and breadth of Batak identity and culture. Wednesday morning the group took a boat to another significant Batak site. Even during these little trips English is the language of choice in order to reinforce learning and give the HKBP members lots of practice.

After dinner each evening, the group shares Evening Prayer and spends a good deal of time singing Batak folk songs. Singing is a significant part of Batak culture. Beautiful, boisterous, harmonic, and passionate, Batak folk singing is an intriguing delight.

Friday night the SALT portion of the trip will close with a Batak culture night complete with a Batak feast, singing and dancing, and the sharing of Holy Communion with District V Praeses (Bishop) Plasthon Simanjuntak preaching and I-K Synod Pastor Paul Harder presiding -- Lutherans speaking and singing and eating together at the table of Christ. --Bill Gafkjen

They have arrived!

2006-07-09T12:51:00.000-05:00

I have spoken twice with Paul Harder since the group arrived in Sumatra. All is well. Some luggage arrived a couple of days late, and one bag is still to come (apparently after an errant journey to Java!), but spirits are good. After a busy day at a big church anniversary festival on Sunday the group is at this moment (1:30 p.m. EDT) sleeping at the resort on Lake Toba. Sumatra is 11 hours ahead of Indianapolis, so about 8 hours from now the sun will have risen on Lake Toba and the English classes will begin. -- Bill Gafkjen

And they're off!

2006-07-06T11:32:00.000-05:00

I have just returned to my office from the Indianapolis airport. Less than an hour ago I gathered these 10 sojourners around their luggage in the terminal to share prayer, to remind them that God's Spirit accompanies them, and to bid them Godspeed on behalf of the people of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. (Chris Carson, not pictured, is traveling from California and will meet up with the group in Tokyo, Japan.) Minutes after I post this message they will board their flight and begin their journey to walk for a time alongside our sisters and brothers in Indonesia.

"Blessed to be a blessing" is the phrase that kept coming to mind as I drove away from the airport. Richly blessed by God, each in his or her own way, these folks have each said "Yes!" to God's call to cross time zones and borders and even the dateline to reach the other side of the world. There they will be sources of profound blessing to many people, both through the teaching of English and through their interaction with individuals and groups of our companion church, the HKBP. They know, too, that they will be recipients of profound blessing as they open their hearts to receive the many gifts offered by sisters and brothers in Christ who, at this very moment are strangers, but will become friends within moments of our travelers' arrival in Medan.

A resource being used by the SALT Team, "Welcome Forward," suggests that "Coming home requires a reassessment of yourself. Some of the earth from your experience is now part of you. You have been recreated with the dust of this new place." May the dust (and SALT!) of Indonesia, the HKBP, and District V cling closely to this pilgrim band over the next couple of weeks and may they be truly blessed as they bless others! -- Pastor Bill Gafkjen

Introduction: Claudia

2006-07-03T19:47:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody!

My colleagues at school called me a teacher of English Language Learners. To my husband David, I’m Claudia; to our son Karl and wife Holly, I’m Mom; to grandsons Nicklas and Thomas, I’m “My Grandma;” and to my students I was Mrs. Nelson or Professor.

Childhood memories of playing teacher and school remind me that I was hooked on teaching early on. I retired from public school teaching in 2005 after having had 41 “first day of the school year” anxiety days. Now David and I have just moved to a 163-year-old house in the village of Grand Detour, Illinois and are anticipating retirement together.

Actually I’ve had two teaching careers: the first as a public school music teacher in California, Minnesota, and North Dakota, and the second as an English Language Learner teacher in Brazil, Minnesota, Austria, Slovakia, and lastly in Kentucky. Watching students from kindergarten to college level grow in knowledge and confidence in language skills has been an amazing personal and professional journey.

The opportunity of working side by side with sisters and brothers of the HKBP is simply fascinating, and I eagerly look forward to our SALT talks together.

May God bless SALT 2006!

Claudia

Introduction: Gail

2006-06-28T21:36:00.000-05:00

Hi! I am Gail, a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in West Lafayette, Indiana.

A year ago, my husband Mike and I moved to West Lafayette from Princeton, New Jersey. During our transition, we were warmly welcomed into the Our Saviour Lutheran Church family. We became involved in our church’s Not-So-Grownups group and helped with the 11 a.m. worship service, and our involvement in our church community just took off from there. Recently, I became the Christian Education Director at OSLC, which is really a dream job for me. I am able to help shape the curriculum for our Sunday school program and plan faith-based activities for our children and youth.

OSLC has presented me with many opportunities to serve this past year. Now they are helping me travel to our companion synod in Indonesia. I truly appreciate the support of my church as I prepare to participate in the SALT conference. Mary Beth (see her Introduction below) and I are very blessed by the friends we have at OSLC. Mauliate!

In addition to serving at OSLC, I am working on my Master of Science in English Education at Purdue University. After completing my program, I plan to return to teaching English full-time in a middle or high school.

I am very excited about helping our HKBP brothers and sisters with their English-speaking skills. This is a great opportunity for Lutherans to gather together, learn from each other, share cultural traditions and celebrate God’s love through worship and song. Please keep all the participants from the HKBP and I/K Synod in your prayers.

Introduction to Rachel

2006-06-26T21:38:00.000-05:00

I am traveling with the SALT 2006 group to Indonesia. This is new territory for me. I have never been to Indonesia and I have never been on a short term mission trip as an adult. I signed up out of obedience to God’s direction. I am excited about seeing God at work in and through our group as we interact with the Batak people. There’s nothing more thrilling than to see God pull people and opportunities together to accomplish His plan.

I was born in Kathmandu, Nepal to missionary parents. I went to boarding school in India. My missionary heritage includes grandparents who worked in China. I arrived in the U.S.A. as a freshman in college where I majored in Occupational Therapy. I’ve been married to Nick for 26 years and have 3 children, Krista, Noah and Kenna. UPS transferred us from Minnesota to Kentucky 19 years ago. Our biggest family vacation was in 2000 when we traveled to Tanzania to visit my sister and her family.

I feel privileged to be part of this trip and to be called “the salt of the earth”. My personal verse for the trip is "…for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil 2:13).

Introductions: Norma

2006-06-22T20:00:00.000-05:00

My name is Norma and I am a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Louisville, KY. I feel very blessed to be going on this mission trip to Indonesia.

I taught primary grades for 20 years; 15 being in a Lutheran school. While living in Princeton, Indiana, I started the Adult Literacy Program of Gibson County, which included teaching ESL.

I presently teach ESL to workers on the backside of Churchill Downs. I also am a volunteer teacher of ESL to refugees at Catholic Charities. I am inspired by and highly respect these people who are trying so hard to start a new life.

This will be my first trip out of the country, so I'm a little nervous about the long plane trip. I am excited to visit another culture and have the experience of being in a minority. This will help me empathize with my students. It is always a joy to share God's love with other Christians whether here or abroad.

May God keep us all in the palm of His hand.

Introductions: Kathleen

2006-06-22T10:47:00.000-05:00

As one who is on the team, I just recently became aware of the great relationship of this synod and the HKBP church. It was I think, a childhood dream of mine to serve in the mission field and so this is an opportunity that I am excited about.

I have served as a Deaconess of the ELCA in parish work, receiving much of my theological training at both LSTC and Gettysburg Lutheran seminaries. I had worked primarily with youth and educational ministries and assisted different pastors in general parish life for congregations in PA and Maryland. Making a change in vocation, I presently work as a manager for The Cardinal Center, a large company serving persons with both mental and physical challenges. As an advocate I have learned much about the challenges society faces in becoming more accepting and open to people that have different needs as well as gifts.

In the meantime, I am also taking and just about ready to complete an online course in ESL offered through Cambridge University and I know this will be helpful in my effort to teach English speaking skills in Indonesia. I have also been in contact with the directing Deaconess of the Deaconess School in Balige and hope to meet her during our travels in July. I pray God's blessings for our team. I also will carry with us the prayers of my congregations of St. Mark's in Auburn and Grace Lutheran in Columbia City, IN and the prayers of family and friends that will help to sustain us.

God is with us!

Introduction: Mary Beth

2006-06-19T21:05:00.000-05:00

Hello! My name is Mary Beth, and I will be another SALT traveler.

I'm a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in West Lafayette, Indiana. My husband and I have been members since we rolled into town in 1989 as fresh-faced and newly-married graduate students. Since then we've earned a few degrees, had a couple of sons, and been blessed in a thousand ways by our church. It is because of the saints that surround me and my family that I can step out in faith on my first mission trip.

Other facts about me:
- I grew up in Galveston, Texas, and went to St. John's Lutheran school and church. Later, I attended and graduated from UT-Austin. I had a wonderful time in the Plan II Liberal Arts Honors program there, and met my husband while working at the University Co-op bookstore. We were wed at University Lutheran Church by Pastor Charles Born.

- I have two Master's degrees from Purdue: one in Rhetoric and Composition, and one in Counseling and Development.

- My husband works for an oil exploration company. He is away from home for six weeks at a time, working on a ship that might be on any ocean of the world. Then he comes home for six weeks and reconnects with family and friends, fixes things around the house, works on geological research at Purdue, and (as of very recently) plays with his sailboat. We've been living this half-empty/half-full lifestyle for about 8 years now. Sometimes it wears thin, but we mostly count our blessings.

- By God's grace, I've been a stay-at-homeschooling mom for most of those 8 years. Part of my 'curriculum' is to rejoice with my boys in the diversity of God's creation and His people. We love ethnic food, global music and new experiences. (My only regret about this trip is that my husband and boys can't come along!)

- I (and my boys) have been blessed to attend 3 Global Mission Events. Each spring when the new GME posters go up in our church, I sing the praises of these marvelous events.

- I've taught Sunday School to the 3-6 year-olds for about 15 years now using a Montessori-based curriculum called the "Good Shepherd Program." (It was developed by Brenda Stobbe based upon Jerome Berryman's Godly Play model.) This weekly exposure to the stories of the Bible, simply and clearly told, has done as much for my faith as my pastors' erudite sermons or my bookshelves of Bible-related books. If you want to hear a story again for the first time, try telling it to a child. Or an adult. In a pinch, tell yourself the story. That's the purpose of a story, after all -- to be told.

- On this SALT journey I'll be accompanied by Gail, my sister-in-faith who also attends OSLC. What a pleasure it will be to get to know her -- and all the SALTers -- better!

Introductions: Sandy

2006-06-17T22:02:00.000-05:00

Sandy

I am one of the 11 from the I/K synod who is going on SALT 2006. Let me tell you a little about myself.

I have been interested in the world and mission all my life. I was born in Tanzania, East Africa, where my parents served as missionaries. I have been to numerous ELCA Global Mission Events all over the United States. Through these events, I was re-awakened to my mission roots in Tanzania.

I served on the I/K synod Global Mission Committee from 1997-2002 and served as chair for 4 years. During this time we established companion relationships with both the IELCH in Chile and the HKBP in North Sumatra, Indonesia. I am looking forward to meeting the people of the HKBP and seeing God working through them and their church in North Sumatra.

As a gift to me, my husband and son took me home to Tanzania last summer. I hadn’t been back since I was 1 ½ years old. The picture to the left is of my family and Mount Kilimanjaro amongst the clouds (upper left). This mountain raising up from nowhere over the land and

clouds has always been something I wanted to visit. Kilimanjaro was the first mountain I saw as a child and to be re-connected with her and the people of Tanzania was an awesome experience.

Sandy

Introductions: Bill Gafkjen

2006-06-15T16:19:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the SALT journey!
I serve the Indiana-Kentucky Synod as Assistant to the Bishop and, in one aspect of that role, I am the synod's Director of Global Mission. Unfortunately, I am not able to travel with the SALT team this year, but I will certainly be with them and with the good folks of the HKBP in spirit.

One of the first things I did when I joined the synod staff in the fall of 2002 was travel to Sumatra with Bishop Stuck, Chris Carson, Paul Harder, and Lyman Hitchcock (a member of the synod's Global Mission Committee). This visit re-established the amazing companionship relationship we have with the Huria Kristen Batak Protestan church. (For a good description of what it means to accompany one another as part of the global church check out resources at http://www.elca.org/companionsynod/cspinfo.html.) I remember with great fondness the energetic hospitality of the HKBP leaders and members, their passionate concern for the well-being of the world around them, and their strong witness to the risen Christ. In fact, it was on that trip that we discovered the profound desire for the people of the HKBP to learn English. One of my favorite moments occurred when I visited an elementary school classroom and one of the girls in the class rose at the side of her desk to serenade me with a song she had been learning in English: "You are My Sunshine."

Of course, I also remember the food and the joyous hospitality that accompanied it. Perhaps the joy was most apparent when the Secretary General of the HKBP, Willem Simarmarta, with a sly grin served us Durian the first day of our visit. The aroma of the Durian fruit is pungent enough to be banned in hotels all over Sumatra. Only two of us in the group dared taste it -- and it really wasn't too bad!

As our SALT participants journey to speak together with our Lutheran sisters and brothers in Sumatra, we send them to the other side of the world with this prayer and we trust that together they will experience the transforming presence of the risen Christ in their midst:

Ruler of the Universe, you have made us a part of the body of Christ that spans the globe and traverses time. We give you thanks that you have also called us into companionship with the the Huria Kristen Batak Protestan Church in Indonesia. Bless these, your servants, as they travel to Indonesia to speak as Lutherans together with our sisters and brothers there. Empower, equip and encourage them and our sisters and brothers of the HKBP to experience the presence of Christ and to make Christ known as they walk together this summer. Give them a safe journey and bring them home renewed and transformed as witnesses to the risen Christ and ambassadors for the global church; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen

Introductions: Chris

2006-06-15T11:47:00.000-05:00

Hi, I'm Chris. I've served on the IK Synod Global Mission Committee for 6 years and had the good fortune to travel to Indonesia with Bishop Stuck and the IK Synod Global Mission contingent in 2002 in the early days of our renewed companionship. During that visit I met the friendly and spirit led people of the HKBP and learned about their ministries, vision for the future and needs. This trip greatly informed the formation of our covenant with the HKBP Church and our decision to partner with District V in a special way. Relationships have been enriched with visits of the HKBP to the IK Synod in 2003 during the Lutheran World Federation Gathering and in 2004 and 2005 with visits of HKBP delegations to the IK Synod Assembly. The generosity of the people of the IK Synod has enabled us to reach out to the people of the HKBP as they have struggled with natural disasters in the form of tsunami and earthquakes. This SALT venture is addressing a very real need expressed to us as far back as 2002 to improve the English language skills of the HKBP and prepare their people for participation in the global economy. I look forward to renewing friendships and enjoying the beautiful singing of the HKBP people.

Chris

Introductions: Paul

2006-06-14T17:22:00.000-05:00

I'm one of the 11 from the Indiana/Kentucky Synod who is going on SALT 2006. Let me tell you a little about myself.

I served as a missionary for the Division for Global Mission of the ELCA in the 1990s. As a missionary, I taught at Duta Wacana Christian University in Yogyakarta (yes, where the earthquake hit last May).

Prior to that, I served my seminary internship in Cairo, Egypt in 1989-90 . I returned for the first time to Egypt last December. Here's a picture of me with my wife and daughters visiting a Coptic monastery in Luxor. From left to right, my wife, a friendly Coptic monk, my daughters, and me.

When I was teaching Theology at Duta Wacana, some of my favorite students came from the Batak Lutheran churches. I started to learn more about them and visited some of them doing their seminary internship back in Batakland in 1998. That visit developed into an academic interest for me to work up a Ph.D. dissertation on the theology of the Batak Lutheran tradition.

I happened to be doing research in North Sumatra when the companion synod relationship between the I/K Synod and the HKBP was re-invigorated in 2002. The companion synod relationship had been on hold during most of the 1990s in the midst of an internal leadership crisis in the HKBP. Happily, under the leadership of Bishop Jim Stuck and Ephorus ("Presiding Bishop") J.R. Hutauruk of the HKBP, this relationship is flourishing once again. The present Ephorus of the HKBP, Bonar Napitupulu continues to provide Spirit-filled leadership in their ecumenical partnerships.

So, as you can tell, I am a long-time lover of Indonesia and our Batak Lutheran brothers and sisters. I even sometimes make Nasi Goreng for breakfast for my family (daughter #2 was born in Yogyakarta). I still drive like an Indonesian (although I haven't gotten a ticket in Indiana in 3 years) and when my wife and I don't want to let the kids know what we're saying, we speak Indonesian, much to their annoyance.

Today, I teach in a Lutheran university and am looking forward to dipping my toes in Lake Toba once more.

Paul

Welcome to SALT 2006!

2006-06-14T13:37:00.000-05:00

Hearty greetings in the name of Jesus Christ to all our friends both in the Indiana/Kentucky Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and anywhere else! The Spirit is moving among us as good things are happening here. Let me tell you about it...

We are 11 members of the I/K Synod going to join with our companion synod, District V of the Batak Lutheran Church, the Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP). Our companion synod is located in and around Pematangsiantar in North Sumatra, Indonesia. You can find the links to our churches up and to the right on this page.

This trip is called SALT, "Speaking as Lutherans Together." Primarily, the 11 of us from the I/K synod will serve as resource people for an English language seminar. The seminar will have us conducting ESL (English as a Second Language) practicums for teachers from the HKBP schools in District V and elsewhere. There will be about 40 folks from District V who serve their church as English teachers in HKBP schools.

This ESL seminar will take place at the Sopo Toba Hotel on the shores of Lake Toba from July 10-14.

Our group will leave from Indianapolis on July 6 and arrive in North Sumatra July 8. After the conference is over, we will visit historical sites associated with the history of the HKBP and the Batak people.

And then, most importantly, we will be in residence in Pematangsiantar, the city where our partner synod's office is located. There, we will engage with our companions in the mission of Christ's church as we get to know our companion synod.

This blog will serve as a cyber-gathering place for us and for our friends. The next 11 or so postings will have us introduce ourselves one by one. We'll just be using our first names (after all, we are in the wild blue yonder of the internet) but you will know who we are. We'll tell you all a little about ourselves together with our hopes, concerns and prayers for this trip.

We will also take turns blogging. The Indiana/Kentucky Synod's confesses "Everyone a Missionary." So, in keeping with that, everyone is also a blogger! Please keep visiting here and leave comments after our posts. It's nice to know you are supporting us.

May the Lord bless SALT 2006!