“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” -- Ephesians 3:20
From the incredible fellowship, laughing until our stomachs hurt, and worshiping and praying with disciples from all over the world, traveling to Indonesia and Singapore was an experience that was more than all I could have ever asked for or imagined.
It all started with an email. My dad had just finished reading an article on Disciples Today on a missionary report written by John Oakes. He linked the article in his email and told me that I had to read it. As I read the report my eyes filled with tears as I was reminded of the pure love and joy of the disciples in Southeast Asia.
In the article, John asked: "Will anyone reading this report consider coming to help with the campus or teens here? Perhaps you could teach English here. It would be the Christian adventure of a lifetime." I knew these words were speaking to me.
I was born in Indonesia and lived there until the first grade before moving to the U.S. My dad, Peter Smith, was part of the original mission team of nine people who started our church in Jakarta, Indonesia. It had been his dream to go on a mission team, but every country that had mission teams going out rejected him. However, my dad had faith, and God opened the door that led him to Indonesia. It was there that he met my mom (Lita) and where my siblings and I were born. Growing up, I remember the love of the disciples that gave so much to my family. From spending time, traveling, singing and praying with us -- I am so grateful for the opportunity to see the word of God being spoken all over the world at such a young age. I felt God calling me back to my home to challenge my faith and grow as I stepped outside the comforts of my home and ministry here in the States.
I recruited two of my best friends, Haley Glenn and Corina Ani, and asked them if they wanted to come. I am grateful for these spiritual women of God whose faith I deeply admire. They decided to come along and serve God in a country that they have never been to and surround themselves with a language they have never heard. Their faith is inspiring! We decided to spend a month in Indonesia and Singapore and prayed that God could use us to serve and encourage the disciples there. The three of us, all age 19, decided to put our hope in God and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
For an entire year we saved all of our money, picked up extra jobs and random shifts at work. We prayed, sought advice and then booked a flight to Jakarta, Indonesia! We spent time with the campus ministry in Singapore and Jakarta and were blown away at their love and encouragement. We sang, we laughed, we danced -- and although we came from two different cultures and backgrounds we were united because of our love of God. I am so grateful for the times that we got to pray and share our walks with God together. Their stories inspired me and challenged me to grow closer to him every day. Not only were we spiritually fed, but we also had great adventures! From crazy night motorcycle rides with the Jakarta campus students and learning how to surf in Bali with the Singapore ministry, we had so much fun and experienced indescribable joy!
For a week we had the amazing opportunity to serve with HOPE worldwide Indonesia and volunteer at a Saturday Academy in the slums of Jakarta. My heart was moved and touched by the generosity of the children. We came for only one day at a small neighborhood to teach children English, and with the little money they had, they offered to buy us food just to thank us. At the orphanage the children ran around smiling, laughing and dancing. They did not have the same comforts that I had growing up and yet they rejoiced and never complained. Their love softened my heart and reminded me where to put my hope and joy. I will never forget my time here. The children here love visitors, and I encourage anyone to come and serve them -- they would be so very grateful.
After serving with HOPEww we then headed off to the Asian Discipleship Summit in Bali where we were able to witness 60 baptisms on a beautiful beach in Bali! As I looked around me, disciples from India, Japan, Australia, Europe, China, Africa, Sweden and the United States all gathered around to witness 60 souls added to God's Kingdom the very first night of the conference! There were many different languages being spoken all around me but we fellowshipped, hugged, smiled and rejoiced over our unity in Christ.
There were so many moments where God used the disciples in Southeast Asia to show just how important it is to serve, love and encourage those around us. I am so grateful for all the families that opened up their homes, fed us and spent time with us. Thank you for showing us your lives and your deep love of God. My life is forever changed from my time in both Indonesia and Singapore.
If you have the chance to go on a One Year Challenge or even just to spend a week serving the disciples in Southeast Asia, I encourage you to go! Their generosity will warm your heart, their love will strengthen you, and your faith will be challenged to grow more deeply in him. We are so blessed to serve the same God and be united as a family all over the world! God is good.