Finished The Race

With only 3 days left in Jak.art.a, I look back in amazement at all we have been able to see and do. This has definitely been the best outreach I've been a part of! I feel like we really had something valuable to bring to the Christian community here, and we really gave everything we had.

In our 8 weeks here, we were able to run 6 full seminars about the inductive approach to studying the bible. In most cases it was all new to them. Most were shocked even at the simple idea that the bible wasn't written directly to them, but to people thousands of years ago! The thought simply hadn't occurred to them before.

We taught theology students, discipleship groups, regular church goers, and even groups of pastors each with their own congregations. We even fully trained an x-Mus.lim who had just given his life the Lord how to study the bible well! We continually stressed the importance of putting the teaching into practice, and passing the knowledge on, so that it would continue to be a blessing long after we were gone.

We also visited and spoke in about 25 churches throughout the city, teaching and preaching about things like missions and our call to influence society, and cultural equality & God's heart for the nations. We were able to share countless testimonies and short words about our experience in missions, and about our journey of studying the bible. And we were able to give one one one training to different people.

Both Martijn and I have grown so much in our teaching skills, in our ability to communicate and especially in our love for Indonesians. They are such a kind and humble people, and they've blessed us so much! I feel very proud to have made a number of Indonesian friends!

All in all, it has been an amazing time, and I feel confident that God used us to impart useful tools to Christians here, along with a greater desire to study and understand the bible. Praise Jesus!

On Monday I return to Amsterdam. I plan on taking some time off before going back to work at the Cleft. Please keep me in prayer while I adjust back to the cold climate and cold culture!

Thanks so much for the prayers, the support, and the encouragements!

Sean