Wrap-up Journal Post, Wednesday, September 17

2:26 PM – Thank you for your prayers and financial support during my trip. It was exciting to see God working in the lives of so many people.

The trip was fully funded and I was able to give some money to the school for leadership development and to the Bernhardts for their ministry in Indonesia. While I was there I also gave books from my personal library to Pastor Maryono, Kim Linegar (US History and Bible Teacher), and Mike MacLean (Music Teacher). I also left music for “Hail to the King” and will be sending some of my original songs and arrangements to the church and the school.

Things for you to pray about include:
1. Pray for the local church (GJKI – The Christian Church in Indonesia) and for Pastor Maryono as they share the good news with people in Salatiga.

2. Pray for Pastor Maryono’s brother Martino who is spearheading the house church movement in Salatiga.


3. Pray for Pastor Maryono and his wife as they raise 2-year-old Samuel. God miraculously provided the pastor’s home for Samuel when he was born to a young woman who could not raise Samuel herself.

4. Pray for the female Islamic student Okta, as the Holy Spirit is working in her life to bring her to Salvation in Christ.

5. Pray for the English professor Hamam, as he seeks to come to the US to complete his doctorate. I believe the Holy Spirit is working in Hamam’s life as well.

6. Pray for the Indonesian Christians during the rest of September, which is the Islamic holy month, Ramadan.

7. Pray for Gideon, the gamelan instructor who uses his skill with the traditional Javanese instruments and shadow puppets to present the gospel of Christ in the local villages.

8. Pray for the Worship Seminar participants and the Mountainview students who lead worship on a regular basis, that they may be able to lead God’s people together in worship.

9. Pray for Salab Putih, the Christian retreat center in Salatiga, as they are coming under political attack to give up much of their land to the Islamic community so that a mosque can be built in its place.

10. Pray for the 9th Grade Bible Class at Mountainview that they will develop a passion for the Word of God.

11. Pray for Jeremy, the speaker for the youth retreat, and his wife as they prepare to move to a remote island in Indonesia to be missionaries to a formerly un-reached people group.

12. Pray for the 11th and 12th Grade Leadership Class as they develop their leadership skills and prepare to use those skills to advance the kingdom of God.

13. Pray for my small group of 7th Graders at Mountainview. They are experiencing the newness of school and/or the newness of boarding at school. Pray that God will help them assimilate into the school and that they will develop good Christian friendships.

14. Pray for the college-aged friends of Sharon and Casey as they try to live a Christian life in a predominately Muslim nation.

15. Pray for the staff at Mountinview International Christian School as they minister to students from several nations.

16. Pray for Sharon, Casey, Ryan, Niko, and a new little Bernhardt to be born in a few months as they have committed to serving Christ in Indonesia. Pray for their financial provision and for their protection as they are both Christian and foreigners.


Some Of Things I Gained By Traveling To Indonesia
A deeper understanding of our freedom in Christ. We talk about our freedom from the bondage to sin and that is a wonderful freedom, but it is not the extent of our freedom. We are also freed from the law, freed from do’s and don’ts.

When we give to someone in need, we are not trying to earn entry into heaven, or a bigger mansion when we get there. Christ has purchased our entry into heaven, and He is preparing a place for us even now. When we give, we are free to give out of the compassion the God has placed in our hearts – no strings attached, no ulterior motives.

The freedom that we have is a freedom to respond to God’s call or people’s needs out of love and compassion alone, without the burden of trying to earn positive points for judgment day.

A deep love for the people of Indonesia and an insight into God’s love for all people. It’s hard to explain but after a few short hours in Indonesia I had developed a deep passion for the people of Indonesia. It was a supernatural love, not based on personal observations or relationships. It was the love of God for these people, being lived out in my heart.

With this new found passion, I also re-imagined God’s passion for all people. There are people in Bulgaria that God loves deeply; there are people in Orissa, India that God loves passionately; there are people in Henry County, Indiana that are deeply loved by God. Our job is to find those people and tell them of His love.

A clearer concept of how we should minister to Muslims. By explaining our freedom from the law and our freedom to serve others, we can highlight the bondage that Islam brings to its people. We can also share that God is both transcendent (very other, very removed from us) and imminent (very near, very intimate with us). He wants to hear our concerns and our sorrows. He wants to share in our joys and triumphs. Prayer is more than a scripted exercise five times a day; it is communion with God Almighty, our Creator and Friend.

A fuller understanding of the power and work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is at work in our lives and in our world. He goes before us as we minister and comes behind us when we leave or are called away. He is at work in a female teenaged student of Islam. He is at work in the English professor at the Islamic University. He is at work in the church in Salatiga. He is at work in the heart of an unwed mother. He is at work in the prayer life of a busy pastor. He is at work in the dreams of a frightened 7th grader. He is at work in the study of a US history teacher. He is at work in the Karate training sessions of a Muslim guard. He is at work in the homes of missionaries around the globe. He is at work in the busy, sometimes frantic preparation of a music minister from New Castle.

A clearer understanding that passion is a result of our interaction and communion with God. Passion is a gift that God gives us as we explore His heart, read from His word, and listen to His Holy Spirit. We can then use this gift to fuel our work in the harvest of souls. As a result we give the gift back to God and the cycle begins anew. Passion is a gift FROM God and a gift FOR God, and is a direct result of our interaction and communion with God. If you want to develop a godly passion, spend time with Him.

A lower tolerance for spiritually-autistic Christians. We have nothing to complain about; especially as American Christians. We are often consumed by the latest fad, or hottest news story, or brightest star in Hollywood. Many of the things that consume our time and finances are simply here for a time and tomorrow they will be gone. Even our finances themselves are destined to fade away. We are blessed beyond measure, but we are often ignorant of the needs that our time and finances could help resolve. We will not be found innocent on that day when Jesus says, “I was naked and you did not clothe me, I was hungry . . .” What are we holding on to? Why are we holding on to them? Are we finding security, or fulfillment, or joy in something, or someplace, or someone other than Christ?

Thanks again for making it possible for me to travel to Indonesia. It is a beautiful country full of people that God loves deeply. Thanks for your prayers. There was never a moment that I felt afraid or unprotected. Thanks for your support of Cheryl and the girls. It was a long time for me to be gone, and I’m sure that your prayers helped sustain them in my absence.

During a final interview last Tuesday, Annaliese, the journalism student at Mountainview, asked me if I felt I had completed all that God wanted me to do In Indonesia. That question sounded a little too final to me. Yes, I believe I was faithful in doing everything God wanted me to do. But I would not be surprised if, instead of the final Indonesian chapter, this is chapter one in a larger story. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us in the coming days!

You can find more trip pictures at my Facebook Page (http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=504321719).

They are also posted at my Flickr.com Page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/curtisferrell/)


If you want to support Sharon and Casey or Mountainview International Christian School, let me know in the comment section and I'll forward their contact information.

Journal - September 13, 2008

1:05 PM – Finally got to Indy around 11:00 am on Thursday. So here’s a recap of the last few hours of our travel.
The flight from Taipei to LAX went farther north than the trip over. We crossed very near Korea and flew just south of the Aleutian Islands along Alaska’s southwest tip. Then it was down along the west coast flying over San Francisco. The landing at LAX was the smoothest I’ve experienced ever! Can you say, “Butter!”?
At the Security checkpoint in LAX they confiscated my toothpaste, shaving cream, and pocket knife. Yes, I was stupid and put my pocket knife in my carry-on bag instead of my checked bag. A pocket knife in carry-on on September 11? I guess I was more tired than I thought.
The flight from Dallas to Indy was delayed for a few minutes because of a “minor” maintenance issue. Never found out specifically what it was but I’m glad they fixed it. The flight took off as the sun was rising for the second time in less than 24 hours.
That was very weird. We took off from Taipei, Taiwan around 11:00 PM on September 10 and landed in LA at around 8:00 PM on September 10. So we landed three hours before we took off. We took off and landed in the dark, but over the Pacific Ocean we saw the sun rise and set during a trip that lasted less than 14 hours.
Anyway, the flight to Indy was beautiful. We flew over the clouds and I got some great pictures and video. As we approached the airport we flew right over the Indianapolis Speedway and I got a couple of shots from the air.
Cheryl greeted me at the airport and was very teary-eyed to see me. It was good to be home.
After traveling to New Castle and taking a shower, we went to the respective schools to pick up Emily and then Kaitlyn. Big hugs were on everyone’s agenda. I’ll post a trip wrap-up entry soon.


You can find more trip pictures at my Facebook Page (http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=504321719).

They are also posted at my Flickr.com Page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/curtisferrell/)

Thanks for reading!

Journal - September 10, 2008

Sept 10 - 1:25 pm - In the Jakarta Airport. Security took Ron's water that he just bought. They almost took his frappuccino but he stood at the security check point and drank it all.

10:20 pm Taipei time - Sitting in the food court of the Taipei Airport, waiting to board in about 20 minutes.
Flight between Jakarta and Taipei was interesting. We were delayed because a passenger had checked their bags for the plane but never made it to the gate. After confirming the passenger was absent, they had to unload his/her luggage. Finally we took off. Our flight path was farther west than coming in to Jakarta. We traveled just off the coast of Vietnam and flew past Hong Kong. The young lady next to Ron got sick and threw-up on the plane. The stewardess did not help (except for bringing a large gift bag for the sick passenger to use). Ron did most of the helping.


You can find more trip pictures at my Facebook Page (http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=504321719).

They are also posted at my Flickr.com Page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/curtisferrell/)

Thanks for reading!

Journal - August 29, 2008

Aug 29 - 10:27 am Tiawan - Flying over Manila. Flight attendant says to turn off Palm Centro.
11:53 am Taiwan - Close to crossing equator.

(Too busy to journal. we landed in Jakarta, went through customs, boarded a domestic flight to Semarang, got in the car and drove to Salatiga!)

8:55 pm WIB - Finally horozontal! My room is small with two twin beds, tall ceilings & a connected bathroom. Can't get internet service in room. Will try at breakfast in the morning. Took a shower and brushed my teeth. Feel much better now! Open windows and ceiling fan should keep me cool tonight. There is a rotweiler at the gate to the dorm, who looks scary but is really lazy and has arthritis (which came first, the chicken or the egg?). The locals are afraid of him so I guess he accomplishes his purpose. Going to sleep now.

Journal - August 28, 2008

Aug 28 - 1:23 am PDT - China Air is under staffed and disorganized. Had to pay extra $32 for carry on.
9:14 am PDT - First meal was GREAT. Roast beef & mashed potatoes. Got up to stretch. Feels like my muscles want to cramp. Seats are small. Almost 6 hours still to Taipei. Plane has front view & bottom view cameras. At night, over ocean you don't see much. Flying at 35000 feet. Temp outside is -48 C. 525 miles per hour.
11:47 am PDT - I can see the glow of the sun starting to rise behind us. The left wing of the 747 is siloetted ed against the faint blue/orange.
12:53 pm PDT - Talk to my girls via satellite phone a few minutes ago. Expensive but worth it!

Journal - August 27, 2008

Aug 27 - 6:25 pm EDT - 20000 feet in the air on the way to St. Louis. Sky is hazy and we're chasing the sun.
7:21 pm CDT - In the air again. I can still see the sun. We're inbetween the clouds above & the haze below.
7:36 pm CDT - 38000 feet. Flight path over Pueblo, CO then Phoenix, AZ.
8:41 pm CDT - The sun is beginning to slip below the outline of the Rocky Mountains.
10:08 pm CDT - 110 miles from LA. Still a ribbon of orange on the horizon.

Less Than Three Weeks Till The Trip!

One month from today I will be returning from Indonesia. Some of the plans have changed so I’ll give you an update.

As we were preparing to purchase tickets, the purchase price jumped over $900 for each person! Cheryl got on the internet and found some flights considerably cheaper. After forwarding this information to the travel agent, we were able to get tickets at about the price we had estimated. God is good . . . all the time!

Keith Stork, who recruited me for the trip is not going to Indonesia now. He is completing a sabbatical and is unable to go. That leaves me, Ron Baker (mission worker/electrician from Newton Falls, Ohio), and Tory Buchan (Martial Arts Expert from Anderson, Indiana). We will be leaving Wednesday, August 27th and returning September 11th, 2008. Church of God missionaries, Casey and Sharon Bernhardt, will be our contacts “in country” and are making final preparations for us now.

Our focus will still be the Mountain View International Christian School where the Bernhardts act as missionaries and where Madison Park’s youth pastor Joe Webb’s brother serves. Mountain View International Christian School is located on the central Indonesian island of Java just south of the equator (1200 miles south of Vietnam, 1000 miles north of Western Australia, and nearly 10,000 miles from Indianapolis). In September they will be 11 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Savings Time. (Noon in INDY = 11:00 PM on Java)

We will be flying from INDY (IND), to St.Louis (STL), to LA (LAX), to Taipei-Taiwan (TPE), to Jakarta-Indonesia (CGK), to Semarang-Indonesia (SRG), followed by a car trip to Salatiga which will be our base city. We will leave INDY at 5:55 PM on Wednesday, August 27 and arrive in Jakarta at 2:00 AM, Friday, August 29th (all Eastern Daylight Savings Time) with a total in-air-flight time of over 24 hours plus layover hours. (I don’t have the Jakarta ~ Semarang ~ Salatiga details yet)

On the way back we will leave Jakarta-Indonesia (CGK) at 3:00 AM on Wednesday, September 10, travel to Taipei-Taiwan (TPE), to LA (LAX), to Dallas-Ft.Worth (DFW), and arrive at INDY (IND) at 10:40 AM on Thursday, September 11. This is a total in-air-flight time of over 23 hours plus layover hours, plus travel time from Salatiga, to Semarang, to Jakarta.

I will be leading worship for a youth retreat for all of the students at the school (high-school), I will be sharing and teaching in a worship class at the school, and I will be sharing and teaching worship leaders in the local churches. Ron will be working on electrical repairs and installations. Tory will be training the security detail at the school.

Indonesia is primarily a Muslim nation and there is growing hostility between radical Muslims and others (moderate Muslims, Muslim sects, and non-Muslims). There is also a growing use of property laws to take property owned by churches and missionaries (think “imminent domain” on a local or neighborhood scale). Central Java is still very safe. Ramadan (Muslim holy month of fasting) begins on September 1st and the country is also gearing up for major elections in 2009.

As of this writing, I have funded all but $250 of the trip. I’m sure God will provide the rest! I’m looking forward to you holding me up in prayer. Pray that lives will be changed, that the kingdom of God will advance, and that I will be an effective tool in the hand of God. I’m also sure that you will encourage and support Cheryl and the girls while I am gone in whatever way you can.

Also, I will try to update my blog (http://clfnotes.blogspot.com/) and my facebook site (http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=504321719) while I am in Indonesia. If you have an e-mail address, make sure that you send that to me so that I can update you directly.

Thanks again for your support, more news soon . . .