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Our Journey
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Written by Donald Butera
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Monday, 01 February 2010 17:17 |
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I was invited to speak this past Friday evening at a house church. I was told the reason why they were having the service at this persons house was because the owner was riddled with fear. He believed that his mother, who had recently died, was now haunting his house and family.
We met in a front room of the home The room was empty with a matted floor. Barefooted men, women and children, mostly recent converts from a m$sl#m (we here refer to as “cousins”) past, worship lifted up their voices to the Lord. At this point I cannot understand what is being said. Spiritual words are the most difficult to understand. it will take time. However, there was little doubt that the King was present and smiling!
The Word of the Lord went forth declaring that Light has, and always will have, power over darkness. “The light came into the world and the darkness could not extinguish it!” At the end, as is the custom, I was asked to pray for those who were present (approx. 15 in the room and some outside). As I began to pray for this one couple, a felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and it seemed my prayers were “hitting a wall.” (I share this to simply thank God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit.) I turned to my interpreter and asked to have this couple stay after so we could talk.
After everyone left they stayed behind. To my surprise this couple was the owners of the house (they came in late through the front door so there was no way for me to know this!). Plus, they did not know the Lord. I shared the good news and asked if they would pray to receive Christ. They said, “Yes.” Through the interpreter I told them to pray and ask Him in. “Silence.” I looked at my interpreter and he said, “Indonesians are very shy and find it hard to pray out loud. I simply said, “In this, we can not be shy.”
After some silence, the wife began to pray. Ten minutes went by, as she wept before the Lord. When she finished, I must admit, I thought the husband would not pray because she let it all hang out and he would be intimidated. Was I wrong! He began to pray and weep and cry out. The Lord’s presence was in the air!
All I can do is thank the Lord for first fruits. Carol and I are humbled that the Lord is already opening up doors of opportunity. We have no language skills yet. We don’t understand much about the culture. We don’t know the city streets and are still intimidated about driving. Yet, this is of little concern to the Lord. He is over it all!
“To Him be the Glory and Power forever more!” |
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Our Journey
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Written by Donald Butera
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Monday, 18 January 2010 17:32 |
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Hi Everyone,
WELL, WE”RE HERE!!!! That in itself is an accomplishment. (If you’re thinking I’m overstating it. I would have said the same thing 2 weeks ago.) I have a new profound respect for missions. We don’t hear a lot about this part of missions. Probably because it is hard to describe and it may not sound like what people want to hear. Being scared, feeling dumb over the simplest tasks are not things that people get excited about or even can relate too. Let me try:
Getting to Indonesia was easy. (Except for the good-byes at the airport.) The flight was uneventful except for the take off in Germany. The plane was just about up to full speed and then the pilot slammed the brakes on and aborted the take off (wind shears I think that’s what he said.) Anyway, we got to Surabaya and met a friend who we stayed with for the night. (He has been in Indonesia for many years.) This is where things begin to “shake.” (Inside, I mean. No earthquakes yet.)
Dropped off at the airport (Surabaya to Seramong.) Now on our own. We have to go in check our bags, get on the airplane to our destination. That should be easy. We don’t know the language, they send us to pay for extra baggage with colored money that have a lot of zeroes, and then the announcements are made. (We can’t understand them.) Is this the plane we’re suppose to be on. Where is the plane (1 hour later)? Did we miss our $35 dollar flight (Yes you heard me right $35.) “Rickety Airlines :)”
When we finally arrive we’re greeted by blessings from heaven. Missionaries who are helping us in our transition. They have been wonderful. Without them we may have gone back to the states. I’m been honest, here. If you’re reading this and you know me at all, I’m not easily shaken! The journey is still not complete. Crazy ride back to an empty house where we are beginning to set up shop. The only way to fully describe it is to tell you to try it. Not for a week vacation. Buy a one-way tickets. NOTHING BETTER!
Carol and I are doing much better now, but I don’t think one could prepare for the “welcoming” into Indonesia.
I guess that’s all for now.
We are blessed to be in the center of His WILL!!!
Love ya,
Don and Carol |
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See you on the Other Side |
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Our Journey
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Written by Donald Butera
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Sunday, 10 January 2010 20:38 |
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Hi Everyone,
This is out last update on this side of the world. We’re leaving on Tuesday the 12th. Our travel is Hartford,Ct, - JFK,ny - Frankfurt, Ger (refuel) - Singapore - Surabaya, Indonesia. It’s a two day venture.
One of the ways I’m staying calm is to keep saying to myself, “I know we will forget something so no need to get nervous about it.” Actually, it’s hard to say how we feel. On the one hand, we have great excitement about stepping out in faith. On the other, there is the sadness about saying goodbye to our loved ones. And then there is the “unknown” factor. No matter how much you try to image what it will be like, you know that you can’t.
Some things we do know and that is what we stand on. We’ve seen God provide in so many ways in our journey so far. God provided a house for us to live in after we sold our home. We would have had to move out if the owners sold their house first. (God provided a buyer for them the day after we released our VISAs :) We know that although Carol quit her job and I stepped down from New Hope, the Lord has provided for our needs miraculously. We know that the Lord helped Renee transfer to another college smoothly and before we had to leave. The Lord was even gracious enough to let me see the High School soccer team that I coached for 7 years win the State finals. The first one in school history. I would have gladly left as we planned, but I must admit that was a real joy for me. Our Father loves to see us have joy!! (By the way that team was ranked 23rd in the country! I love those boys!)
Then there’s the “internet” manna and place for Renee to stay, I could go on and on. Our God is a great God who has called us to GO!!!!
That’s all for now!!!! See you on the other side (OF THE WORLD!) |
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