Terangi Dunia!

As we prepare for our mission, there are so many moving pieces:  The language is taking up the most time, but we also have to worry about clothing, health issues, retirement paperwork, legal concerns, preparing our house...the list seems endless.

But in the midst of all this, spiritual preparation is also crucial.  Because our entire purpose for making this trip is spreading the good news of the Gospel.


So we are grateful for the timing of our church's annual "Light the World" campaign, with emphasis on finding ways to emulate the example of Jesus Christ and thus become better neighbors and friends. It is a great reminder of what kind of preparation should be our priority.

It is interesting that the Indonesian version uses the word "Terang" for the verb "light."  Terang's first definition is "bright" so some may read it as "brightening the world," which is also a great way to look at the acts of kindness encouraged by this effort.  The word can also means "vivid, clear, luminous, flaring."

Because Indonesia sits on the equator, there is only about 12 hours of daylight, year round. Much more darkness than our home in Florida.  In a land where people must often settle for the dingy light of a candle or flickering dim bulb, reference to "brightness" makes the message clear.  Hopefully we can continue to share that message for the 18 months that we are privileged to serve in Indonesia.

Here is the link to today's video in bahasa Indonesia.