2025-04 STM Trip Journal (2)

4/25/2025

Due to my personal physical limitations, I wasn’t able to keep a travel journal during the trip as I used to. Therefore, I am only able to provide a brief summary and reflection on the journey after returning home.

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April 22–25: East Java

Our short-term mission team of eight arrived in Surabaya on the night of April 22 and immediately set out on a long journey. We safely reached the mountainous village of Tengger in East Java late at night and checked into the designated guest house to rest. Everyone was understandably tired from the long travel. As night fell, the mountain air turned cool—refreshing for visitors coming from Canada.

Several coworkers from Hope Ministry Malang worked together to organize our trip in detail. Among them, Brother John Philips served as our driver for four consecutive days, skillfully driving a rented minibus through long distances, including narrow, winding mountain roads—a demanding task. His excellent driving gave all passengers great peace of mind.

Even more admirable was how John served as a role model for the youth. As a “Big Brother” figure, he personally discipled and mentored two young men—Stive and Imanuel—who had grown up at the House of Peace. Both had just graduated from high school and were undergoing one year of discipleship training under John’s guidance. After being equipped, Stive plans to attend Salem Seminary for theological training, while Imanuel is preparing to join the military and serve his country.

Though there were some language barriers between our team and Hope Ministry coworkers, we served joyfully together for God’s kingdom, unified in Christ. Under the leadership of Pastor Vernando, Hope Ministry Malang has steadily grown by faith despite challenges and financial constraints. God has continually provided in times of need, and their ministry has never ceased. The team of young leaders has matured, and some are now capable of independently leading and coordinating different ministries.

Although the team has experienced frequent staff changes in recent years—most recently two young coworkers left—the team’s commitment and loyalty to the Lord remain strong. They complement one another’s strengths and weaknesses, working together with unity and a spirit of collaboration. Truly admirable!

*April 23 – Wednesday

Evangelism to the Unreached in the Mountainous Tengger Village

The Tengger people are a minority ethnic group in East Java’s mountain region. The villagers traditionally practice Hinduism and strictly follow Hindu customs with deeply rooted superstitions. Christian households are rare, and most villagers have never heard the gospel. In recent years, the Indonesian government has been promoting Islamization, leading some Tengger villagers to convert to Islam.

Hope Ministry has gradually built relationships in Tengger by establishing after-school Smart Learning Centers in various locations for children. This initiative is led by two young women, Vesni and Olivia, and has slowly gained the villagers' trust. One center is housed in a rented standalone building; others are hosted in local homes with permission to use their living rooms during fixed hours.

Brother John Philips himself is a Tengger native—this is his hometown. His mother’s house in the village was the birthplace of Hope Ministry’s children’s ministry. Three years ago, the first learning center began there. The mission team visited John’s mother and elderly grandmother, praying for their eye ailments and asking the Lord to lead them to proper treatment.

Coincidentally, that day was a Hindu festival of sacrifice. Every household had bamboo poles hanging by their doors, yellow shrines stood everywhere, and incense burned across the hills. The scent of smoke filled the valleys all day, creating a mystical atmosphere. Because of the holiday, no large venue was available for children’s group events, so the afternoon’s special activities were held in smaller groups at various locations.

Although the team had to walk on mountain paths between homes, we had precious opportunities to visit families. Each small home was packed with children. The smaller groups allowed for more personal interaction with both kids and parents—an unexpected blessing of this trip.

One home belonged to a young mother named Nita, a believer who had encountered the gospel as a child when Pastor Vernando was her teacher. Her front-room store had ample space beside it, which she gladly offered as a new children’s learning center. Another family we visited was that of a girl named Ah Ying and her grandmother—nearly 30 children had gathered there. We also visited the home of Ebu Mimi with similar results. At every stop, we saw lively children with pure, joyful faces—leaving unforgettable impressions in our hearts.

The team left Tengger Village late in the evening. After more than three hours of navigating winding mountain roads in the dark, we finally arrived in Malang City and checked into our hotel.

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April 24 – Thursday

Sidosari Village Children's Learning Center & Evangelism Ministry – South Malang

About a year ago, Hope Ministry began renting an abandoned school in Sidosari Village (South Malang) to establish another Smart Learning Center, led by coworkers Sisters Sasi and Renika. This center is well-received by the villagers, with many children attending regularly.

Sidosari used to be a Christian village, but due to strong government efforts to Islamize communities, only about half the population now identifies as Christian—a common trend across Indonesia. Even among Christians, many follow inherited traditions without genuine faith. This is typical in rural areas labeled as “Christian zones.”

The team made a day trip from Malang to Sidosari—three hours each way, with winding roads. The home of Sister Natasya’s parents is near the learning center, and her family graciously hosted our team for lunch and dinner.

In the afternoon, we held an outdoor program with songs and games. The children were divided into three groups, each led by a team member. Though we needed interpreters, the kids participated with joy and energy as if there were no language barrier at all. Their laughter and smiles reminded us how Jesus cherished little children and highlighted the great significance of investing in children's ministry in this region.

After the center’s activities, we visited three families, expressed our care, and prayed for them individually. Each household—regardless of age—was welcoming and warm. Though we were strangers, they treated us like family. It was deeply touching.

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April 25 – Friday

Malang City

In the morning, the team visited Salem Seminary in Malang, which trains future church leaders and pastors in Indonesia. The young students were humble and eager to grow spiritually, showing that there is hope for the Indonesian church and that it is growing. The seminary, though small, is well-equipped and feels like a joyful family.

In the afternoon, we visited Hope Ministry Malang’s ministry center, a two-story rented commercial space that serves as both an office and a training center, with the second floor used for gatherings. Plans are underway to build a dedicated ministry facility, including the House of Peace youth dormitory and staff quarters. We pray for the Lord’s provision and guidance.

At dusk, we visited the House of Peace. Over the past three years, K-PACT Canada coworkers have visited several times and developed relationships with many of the youth there, providing encouragement and support in their growth.

House of Peace is like a foster home, but all living expenses are covered by Hope Ministry. When the youth grow up, some receive scholarships to continue their education or attend seminary. A great example is Brother Jefri, who grew up in the home and is now studying at seminary.

Currently, House of Peace operates in a rented bungalow with separate rooms for boys and girls, a common room, and a dining area. Sixteen teenagers live there. They attend different schools during the day and are cared for by two house parents—Nurkaryane and Sefarmam—both former students of Pastor Vernando. After graduating from seminary, they were called to serve as shepherds for these youth.

The teenagers come from various parts of Indonesia, many from broken or troubled backgrounds. At House of Peace, they not only find stability and education but also come to know Christ and receive life training to become disciples of Jesus. Their daily schedule is structured, starting each morning at 4:45 a.m. with devotion and Bible reading.

The transformation in these young people’s lives is deep and evident. Though it resembles a foster home on the surface, House of Peace is in fact a powerful ministry of discipleship. Over the past ten years, despite frequent financial challenges, many youth have been raised and now serve in different roles across the country.

That evening, the team shared testimonies, songs, and dinner with the youth. We were most touched by their maturity and pursuit of spiritual growth. Each had personal dreams and aspirations. We give thanks for them and pray the Lord will continue to guide and strengthen this ministry—and each young heart—to grow in truth and shine for Him.

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These four and a half days in East Java were richly fulfilling and passed quickly. On Saturday, April 27, the team packed up early and departed by car from Malang to Surabaya Airport. Though reluctant to leave, we were filled with excitement for the next phase of the mission—flying from Surabaya to Pontianak, West Kalimantan, to continue the second part of the journey.

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