Andrea #5

Dear beloved friends and family,

Time sure flies doesn't it? I've already been living in Berastagi for a little over 2 months. God is so good to me, He has placed many amazing Indonesians in my life that I will definitely miss so much when I leave. About 2 weeks ago we had our 1st English/Indonesian Youth service and so many people turned up. The church bus was so full that some people had to stand against the door. Praise God! The New Zealand team also had a wonderful time ministering to the youths. I also went along with the New Zealand team to a high school service on a friday, and had the chance to pray for the highschoolers who responded to the altar call for those who don't feel loved, rejection etc. It was a good experience as I learned to put aside my awkwardness and hug the girls that I was praying for. I definitely felt that God was working through me when they put their arms around me and cried like babies. One of the girls I prayed for was the daughter of the owner of a local radio station. One of the church's youths told me that although she is so rich, but she feels so lonely inside thats why she goes from boyfriends to boyfriends. And I'm so happy that I had the chance to minister to her. Even though I could not pray in Indonesian, but I know that God works in ways we cannot imagine as long as we are willing.
This past week, our church conducted an Encounter weekend with invited pastors as speakers from a church in Singapore, FCBC, and I served by playing the keyboard. There were sessions on Sins, Repentance, Forgiveness, Breaking Curses, Healing of the Soul, Water Baptism, Baptism of the Holy Spirit etc. Those who attended are mostly new Christians, but some regular members also attended. The sessions were amazing, and I could see God touching the lives of so many people, during the altar calls, people were crying, screaming and laughing. At the end of the Water Baptism teaching, there were 9 members who got baptised. All who attended the Encounter went to a nearby hotel and witnessed the baptism of our fellow brothers and sisters. I love taking the church bus, its like a big family going on a road trip!
Right now, we're preparing for Christmas. I am one of the coordinators of a drama and a dance for the Christmas youth outreach service. Its pretty exciting because I have never done anything like that before. It will also be challenging because the entire church will be fasting everyday for the entire month of December till Christmas! I am already fasting every thursday with the church workers from breakfast till 4-5pm, but its going to be tough doing it everyday! But i know God will help me! =)
Thanks for all the love and prayers! I miss and love you all!

Blessings,
Andrea