Jan 2007 / Feb. 2007 / March 2007 / May 2007 / June 2007 / August 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Happy New Year, Happy New Year
All the world celebrates the new year January first, but this year Muslim’s also celebrate it January 20 and Chinese celebrate it February 18th. So in the midst of New Year’s festivities, we ask God’s blessing on you in the New Year 2007, 1428, and 2558.
Out of deep thinking of Executive Council members that has characterized this years meetings and planning, we are developing a people, a plan and leadership program that should result in triumphant moves forward in mission structure and performance. All to fulfill that magnificent passage in Isaiah 8 & 9, “...There will be no more gloom for those who were in distress…. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light, on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned….for to us a child is born...of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” We see our goal and vision and responsibility to shape our structure and bend our every effort to bring this wonderful light of life to Indonesia.

AT THE NATIONAL
MISSIONARY CONVENTION
in Indianapolis, I taught, “Speaking Agape in a Clear Muslim Tongue.” The former missionaries—friends from years past in this work, the young couples who signed our guest book stating their desire to serve Christ
in Indonesia, the missions professors and college leaders we met, all are working to enlarge the missionary force in Indonesia.

Talking with students after class

ICM booth, Ed Furnas, former colleague in Boyolali facing front

Indonesia Missionary Reunion

EVANGELISTIC PLANS
New ICM board actions have sharpened our focus and will help us to guide and strengthen and support our Indonesian evangelists as they develop congregations in Indonesia. In discussion, the Executive Council formulated new guidelines for evangelists. We think this will make their work easier and more effective. Beginning immediately each evangelist is encouraged and directed to begin consciously developing three separate cell groups. After these groups each have a stable attendance of fifteen or more with heads of families tithing, they will then form a church. We expect this to get us beyond the common syndrome of tiny, inadequate groups trying to be a church. We will work to enhance the work of our evangelists, call new missionaries, and involve new churches in this ministry.
Come along with us. It’s going to be a wonderful year. Glory to God - in whom we live, move, and have our being.

A JAVANESE CHRISTIAN WEDDING
On Thursday, December 21st, I, Bob, was in Solo, Central Java, to attend the wedding of Evangelist Bintang Eko Maharso to Miss Biatri Wayasari of Klaten. As the only non-Javanese attending, I was able to bask in the quiet, sweet friendship of this gentle and tolerant society. Most were Christian, but Muslims also attended. There are also Hindus in the family. The bride’s preacher delivered a classic hour and a half sermon, then we drove about three miles to the bride’s home where we listened to endless tributes all delivered in Javanese, watched and participated in marathon photo shoots and ate course after course of the most delicious Javanese food—I lost count sometime after eight. Fortunately we received small portions. I even got to sit in on the legal part where the bride and groom read the separate legal documents of their wedding vows, then signed the witnessed statements. There is no question they were married and that it was a Christian wedding. All in all a very nice day.

Bintang and his wife Bia receiving gift from congregation

PRAYER & PRAISE
1. Thank you everyone for your prayers and faithful financial support. We start the year in a stable condition financially. Supporters desiring a full finance report may phone or e-mail ICM board Secretary, Dave Apodaca at (626)280-7700 or e-mail Cleopatra333@cs.com
2. Thank you for your prayers for our granddaughter Rene, who was in an auto accident and grandson, Adrian who had pneumonia in Marine boot camp. Rene is doing well, has to wear her brace constantly, and will still take time for complete healing. Adrian is back in Marine basic training. Please continue to pray for them.
Please continue to pray for:
1. Safety for our family in Aceh, and open homes and hearts.
2. Final title on the mission property at Bukit Indah.
3. New missionaries and evange lists to work with ICM.

CHRISTMAS AT CIRACAS
Bob officiated at the December 25 dedication of children at the Ciracas Christian Church led by Evangelist Arlin Gurusinga Tarigan. The term is misleading because the dedication, commitment and promises were all made by the parents. The children were just along for the ride. Using Biblical examples of parents committing their children to God, Bob then extracted strong promises from the parents to rear their children in the Lord. It was a satisfying and delightful time. Oh, yes Arlin could have done the service herself but one of the children dedicated was her son Alfie and she wanted someone else to do the honors.

Bob & Alfie

Praying at the Dedication