2025-09 STM Trip Journal (1)

In light of the riots that broke out in several Indonesian cities in early September (last week), which at one point became quite serious, three team members who had originally planned to depart earlier to visit churches and connect with friends in Surabaya decided at the last minute to cancel the extra trip. However, the main short-term mission trip scheduled for September 8–22 remained unchanged.

The short-term mission team consisted of eight members. Seven departed from Vancouver, Canada, while one member resided in Surabaya. Everyone agreed to gather on the evening of September 9 at the first destination: a guest house in Tengger village in the mountain area near Malang.

The two members who departed earlier arrived in Hong Kong for a transfer just as a typhoon struck. Their connecting flight to Surabaya was slightly delayed, but thankfully not badly affected. They arrived in Surabaya that night and stayed overnight nearby. Another four members departed from Vancouver the following day. By the time their flight arrived in Hong Kong, the weather had calmed, and they reached Surabaya on schedule by dusk on September 9 (yesterday). The brother residing in Surabaya also gathered at the designated place. By the time the entire team arrived in Surabaya, last week’s social unrest had subsided, and life in the city had returned to normal. All team members arrived safely. Although exhausted from the long journey, no one experienced discomfort. Thanks be to the Lord for His protection.

Colleagues from Hope Ministry Malang arranged to pick the team up at Surabaya Airport. It took about three hours by car to bring everyone safely to the first destination, the Tengger mountain village. The mountain roads were narrow and rugged, and it was pitch dark. The driver, who had grown up in the Tengger mountains, was very skilled, and the ride was steady. The Tengger Village Guest House is located near the Bromo Mountain tourist attraction. Since it was not a holiday, the route was quiet and deserted. By the time they reached the guest house, it was already late at night. Everyone quickly settled down to rest, replenish their energy, and prepare for the busy days ahead.

The mountain temperature last night was low, which was relatively easy for the Canadian members to adapt to, though they even felt it a little chilly. Some Hope Ministry Malang coworkers stayed with the team at the guest house. Everyone slept well. Before dawn, around 4 a.m., loudspeakers outside began broadcasting continuous Hindu and Muslim prayers, sounding like chanting that went on for over an hour. To outsiders unaccustomed to it, it was quite disturbing, but on reflection, it was striking to see how faithfully these non-believers observed their religious practices with multiple daily prayers, though rooted in superstition.

In the morning, after washing up and having breakfast, the short-term mission team and the Hope Ministry Malang coworkers gathered in the hall for a wonderful time of hymn singing, worship, and sharing, encouraging one another. Several coworkers introduced themselves and shared how they were called by the Lord to join Hope Ministry Malang in service—very moving testimonies. Since most of the Indonesian coworkers did not speak English, Brother Jansen from Surabaya voluntarily served as interpreter, which was very helpful. This was Jansen’s third time joining the K-PACT Canada mission team, but because of his limited schedule, he could only participate in the East Java portion of this trip.

The Tengger Village Children’s Smart Learning Center outreach ministry, under Hope Ministry Malang, is currently led by a young sister, Vesni. While receiving theological training, she began participating in children’s ministry in the Tengger village and developed a great passion for it. Most Tengger people practice traditional Hinduism, and many are Muslims, with very few Christians. They are considered one of the “unreached people groups” in great need of the gospel. The villagers are primarily farmers, and there are many children. Hope Ministry Malang has been carrying out ministry there for three years. Despite restrictions, through after-school programs for children and caring outreach to families, they have gradually been accepted and trusted by the villagers. About 150 children regularly attend activities, and the number continues to grow. The rented center house is quite small, so children must attend in shifts. Some local families have also been willing to offer spaces at their homes for children’s activities.

The Tengger people generally believe that all religions lead to goodness and the same destination. While open-minded, they are not easily receptive to the gospel of Christian faith. Christians are few, and those who live out consistent faith are even rarer. The beautiful testimony of Christian lives is the most crucial factor in leading others to Christ. The children’s Smart Learning Center urgently needs a larger permanent facility and basic equipment such as computers and small folding tables to meet growing ministry needs.

Olivia is Vesni’s assistant and also carries a strong burden for children’s ministry in Tengger village. She was born into a Muslim family and grew up in Hope Ministry Malang’s House of Peace children’s home, where she came to know and accept the gospel. She also learned ministry skills at the center. Currently, she works part-time at the children’s center while pursuing a degree in Accounting. Since she comes from a Muslim family, her parents would not approve of Christianity, and to this day they do not know she has become a believer and is serving in gospel ministry.

Tasya grew up in Sidoasri village, South Malang. She previously completed theological training and earned a diploma in children’s education. After joining Hope Ministry Malang, she not only helped develop educational ministry but also serves as Treasurer. She shared that over the past three years, despite Muslim opposition that discouraged children from attending the gospel center, the children’s ministry in Tengger has continued to flourish under God’s protection—a wonderful work of the Lord.

Pastor Meidama is now one of the main leaders of Hope Ministry Malang. His original aspiration was to join the military, but the Lord called him to be a soldier for the Kingdom of God. During seminary, due to financial hardship, he was introduced to Pastor Vernando, who mentored him and allowed him to study theology while learning mission service through Hope Ministry. After graduation, he remained to serve full-time. Passionate about evangelism and testimony, his vision is to help establish a self-sustaining Discipleship Training Center for Hope Ministry Malang to raise up the next generation of Christian soldiers.

Brother John Phillips grew up in Tengger Village and later worked in mechanical engineering management in Bali and Batu. Called by the Lord, his life was transformed, and he gradually developed a passion for ministry and missions. Since 2023 he has served full-time with Hope Ministry Malang, responsible for media and music ministry.

Ardian and his wife Henda, with one child, also serve together at Hope Ministry Malang. Ardian met Pastor Vernando while in seminary. Since Henda had already been serving with the team before marriage, they were invited by Pastor Vernando to serve together as a couple to avoid being separated.

Pastor Desman Z and his wife Rilla, with one son, began serving with Hope Ministry Malang in 2018 while still in seminary. He was among the earliest coworkers and now leads the youth ministry of the House of Peace in Malang.

Pastor Vernando also briefly shared his personal testimony. In his youth, he was delivered by the Lord from a life of drug addiction and trafficking. After believing, he zealously served in gospel ministries throughout Indonesia. Though he and his wife did not have children, he loved children deeply. God granted him many opportunities to develop children’s ministry, discipling many who are now bearing fruit. He strongly believes that discipleship is not a course but a process of life shaping life, which is God’s will.

Present at the time was his nephew Immanuel, who just graduated from high school this year and is now receiving training at Hope Ministry while preparing to apply to a military academy.

The morning sharing was precious, strengthening mutual bonds. After lunch, the mission team, led by Hope Ministry Malang, spent the afternoon at two locations, Jetak and Sunagiri, conducting Food Program Activities with two groups of children in different sessions. Activities included sharing Bible stories and fun programs. Each site was packed with children, who eagerly participated with joy. The fruit of ministry was clear. In addition, the team visited village homes, bringing care and prayer to families, including those of children Agam and Clarissa, whose parents were delighted to welcome foreign visitors.

After sunset, the team returned to the children’s center, ending the day’s ministry full of joy! After a simple boxed dinner, they traveled three hours down the mountain in darkness to Malang city, where they stayed in a hotel. It was nearly 11 p.m. by the time they checked in. After such a full day, everyone was understandably tired.