2025-09 STM Trip Journal (3)

The short-term mission team has been in Indonesia for almost a week. Whether in East Java or in West Kalimantan, the weather has been sunny and pleasant. Compared with the expected hot climate, it has not been too hot. All the team members have been able to adapt well and remain healthy. Praise the Lord!

(Update: Yesterday September 16 in the afternoon, after sharing in a BTCC class, Sister Rachael lost her voice. Please pray for her, asking the Lord to heal and strengthen her.)

On Saturday, September 13, the team flew on a domestic flight from Surabaya, East Java to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan. The flight was slightly delayed, and they arrived close to dusk. After leaving the airport, Pak Yanto the driver took the team to a half open-air Hakka-style restaurant to meet Pastor Liliana and Sister Yanti for dinner. Each time the K-PACT Canada short-term mission team visits Pontianak, they are warmly welcomed by the pastors and brothers and sisters of GKNI Pniel Pontianak Church. They always arrange accommodations for the team in the dormitory above the church, with thoughtful preparations that truly make everyone feel at home. After settling in, the team members returned to their rooms to rest.

Although Pontianak is a city and continues to develop, it still lags behind in many ways. There is no public transportation system, and most residents rely on motorcycles. Traffic congestion is very common during rush hour. Through missionary work of the gospel, K-PACT Canada and the pastors and members of GKNI Pniel Pontianak Church have built a close relationship. Over the years, barriers of language and culture have been broken down, and they have become co-laborers in mission—learning, encouraging, and growing together.

On September 14 (Sunday),

the STM team joined both Sunday worship services at GKNI Pniel Pontianak Church. The morning service was attended mostly by adults. Pastor Yeung was invited to preach in Mandarin with Indonesian translation. The afternoon service was attended mainly by young people. Pastor Chan was invited to preach in English with Indonesian translation. Sister Judith shared two songs in Indonesian at both services.

The congregation has clearly grown, with more young people active in church ministries and outreach. The church was full of life, which was deeply encouraging! A few sisters lovingly prepared home-cooked dishes. Since a group of church members had a meeting after the evening service, they invited the short-term mission team to stay and share dinner together upstairs. Not only did the team enjoy delicious food, but they also delighted in the warm fellowship in Christ.

After dinner, the short-term mission team took some time for a debriefing to share reflections. For the three members who were on their first mission trip to Indonesia, the experience was especially impactful. Generally reflected on how comfortable and sheltered life in Canada can be, often unwilling to step outside their self-made comfort zones. Realizing the of a kingdom perspective, showing little concern for unreached peoples or the challenges of world missions. Christian faith, too, seemed insufficient—professing to trust in the Lord, but in practice relying on themselves above all.

During the previous week in Malang, they learned that many Indonesian young people who come to faith must leave their homes. Being born into Muslim families, their official ID cards carry the religion assigned by their parents. When they choose to follow Christ, it is seen as an act of rebellion against their family, leading to opposition and conflict. To avoid strife, many must move away and live independently. Some, because of their faith, have no home to return to. By contrast, in Western societies with religious freedom, faith often comes with no pressure, but also little urgency—leading to a casual, superficial approach to Christianity.

Looking ahead

tomorrow, Monday, September 15, the short-term mission team will travel inland to the village of Batang Tarang in West Kalimantan to visit another gospel partner, BTCC (Batang Tarang Christian Center), together with SMPTK Kasih Karunia School. They plan to stay there for five days, living with the students and joining in various ministry activities. They look forward to experiencing a new chapter of God’s work there.