One day, a group of Racers went to a coffee shop. While they were there, an American came up to them and asked what they were doing in Indonesia.
They answered with our scripted statement, “We’re doing tourism!”
“No one comes to this island for tourism. What are you really doing here?” She asked.
“Social work,” they said, our other scripted statement. This is a lot easier to back up, because we are really doing work in the community, and we can point to it when further questioned.
“I’m here doing social work too!” She said, then invited them to a Christian church. When the Racers showed up, they got to talking about Bible studies with her (we’ll call her Caroline, because I had to change her name for safety reasons), and that’s how we started going to Caroline’s every week!
When I first heard we had the option to go to a Bible study, I wasn’t enthusiastic. I was sick, tired, and still recovering from jet lag. But I still decided to go, if for no other reason than Caroline was providing dinner (pizza!) for all of us.
It was the best decision I’ve made in Indonesia (well, maybe second best, since God’s been rewarding obedience in such a powerful way here)!
The moment we stepped into her house, it was like entering another world. I forgot I was sick and felt immediately so at home! There was enough pizza (the best I’ve ever had) for us to eat all we could and there was still so much left over!
She guided us through Ruth, one chapter at a time, using the inductive study method. She taught us the meaning of the names of the characters, the geography of Israel and Moab at the time, how the Torah was understood at the time, and ultimately, how it ties into the overall story of our salvation through Jesus! I love learning things in depth, and this was no exception!
When we left that first night, I felt renewed! It was more than the food, more than the atmosphere, even more than the Bible study. It was being in community with an experienced Christian, who could encourage and relate with us!
Going to Caroline’s was truly such a blessing especially in such a rough country. We continued going every week, until we finished the book of Ruth. We would stay for an hour, discussing the book, sharing testimonies, and eating whatever delightful food she provided (and it was more every week!)
I left every night with the biggest smile on my face, feeling joy and inspiration to do whatever God calls me to afterwards. I can’t express in words how much I needed this without even realizing I needed it. She challenged me to study the Bible as a whole even deeper on my own, something that actually was so amazing!
That last night there was full of joy, but also a bittersweetness in knowing this would be our last time meeting. But Caroline is also going back to the States around the same time as us, so this goodbye might not be permanent! Either way, we’ll meet again in heaven!
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