On 21 August, 2008, I was at Mt. Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Walking with me and my family members was a family who were obviously Muslim, and though excellent English speakers, did have a foreign accent. I asked where they were from.
The father answered. “Urbana, Illinois.”
“Do you teach at the University of Illinois?” I asked.
“No, I’m a graduate student.”
“Where is your home?” I asked.
“Indonesia.”
“And where in Indonesia?”
“Sumatra.”
I said I had just returned. They wanted to know where I’d been, and I named off all the places I could come up with on the spur of the moment, and when I said, “Medan,” he said, “that’s where we are from.”
“Why were you there?” he asked.
Well, I tried to be honest and careful, explaining that our geographic area of the Lutheran Church was related to the HKBP in central Sumatra.
“You mean the Nommensen University people?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“HKBP are good people,” he said as he extended his hand. I extended mine, and said, “Horas!” and immediately all three kids lined up to greet this American in their native Batak!
We then visited at some length, sharing stories and places we knew in common. The Al Mashul Mosque, the Great Palace, Nias, Parapat, Samosir, the Batak history sites, Balige, the Nommensen memorial, Pematangsiantar, and on and on. The witness of the HKBP is recognized, appreciated, and honored. The HKBP is known at the University of Illinois, and in the Black Hills too.
Lowell
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Elim Orphanage
The Elim Orphanage aims to provide a safe, healthy place for children to live. When we visited they had just received 13 new children. One of them who was specifically introduced to us has been rescued from a life on the streets. The new children had just attended their first day of school. There is a Montessori-style preschool on-site, but school-age kids go to area schools.Besides providing food, clothing, a safe place to sleep and loving supervision, there are on-site opportunities for vocational training: animal husbandry (chickens), the textile trade (sewing), and human services (child care). At least one Elim graduate now works there caring for the children; another young man is hoping to attend seminary.
Scenery - Lake Toba
While we didn't go to Sumatra for the scenery, it was a nice perk. Lake Toba is a beautiful place to visit, and we particularly recommend the Sopo Toba Hotel.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Visit to STT-HKBP (The HKBP Seminary)
Tuesday July 29, 2008, 11:30A.M. the eight from Indiana and Kentucky met at the STT Seminary with Rev. Dr. Darwin Lumbantobing, Principal; Rev. Colon W.Z. Pakpahan; Rev. Dr. Bonar H Nababan; Rev. Sikpan Sihombing and Rev. Nellie Hutahaean. A report of STT-HKBP was made available; it lists the make up of the student body and lists the faculty and their curriculum.
During our visit, we saw the chapel and the dinning hall. The group having lunch were the incoming students during a few days of orientation.
Most students are single and live on campus; married students, though few, live off campus. The school has 33 lecturers; at present there are two teachers from Australia for one month. Students come from many islands and many religions. The cost for a student for one year is IRp 3,500,000 (approximately $400.00). The HKBP churchwide pays faculty staff salaries, average salary being IRp2,000,000 per month ($250). Classes are taught in Bahasa Indonesian and Batak except for English class.
Scholarships are necessary as the majority of students cannot afford the tuition. Students from the lower economic strata are able to attend if they sign a promissory note to pay (extended family usually help them). Outside support of the seminary, say, from individual HKBP congregations, needs careful planning. Support from a congregation for an individual seminarian may cut short funds for the seminary itself if the congregation reduces their benevolence level to the HKBP church.
The seminary is accredited by the church, but not to government educational accreditation. One of the main reasons for this is that the library is inadequate. Rev. Wilda Simanjuntak (pictured), is the librarian (and also teaches Hebrew). She showed us through the library and gave us each a list of books they would like to acquire. They are deeply involved in the process of computerizing the Library’s catalog and it looks quite advanced. Lowell has sent books to the STT in the past, but the cost became prohibitive when the U.S. Postal Service changed their fee structure.
Most students are single and live on campus; married students, though few, live off campus. The school has 33 lecturers; at present there are two teachers from Australia for one month. Students come from many islands and many religions. The cost for a student for one year is IRp 3,500,000 (approximately $400.00). The HKBP churchwide pays faculty staff salaries, average salary being IRp2,000,000 per month ($250). Classes are taught in Bahasa Indonesian and Batak except for English class.
Scholarships are necessary as the majority of students cannot afford the tuition. Students from the lower economic strata are able to attend if they sign a promissory note to pay (extended family usually help them). Outside support of the seminary, say, from individual HKBP congregations, needs careful planning. Support from a congregation for an individual seminarian may cut short funds for the seminary itself if the congregation reduces their benevolence level to the HKBP church.
The seminary is accredited by the church, but not to government educational accreditation. One of the main reasons for this is that the library is inadequate. Rev. Wilda Simanjuntak (pictured), is the librarian (and also teaches Hebrew). She showed us through the library and gave us each a list of books they would like to acquire. They are deeply involved in the process of computerizing the Library’s catalog and it looks quite advanced. Lowell has sent books to the STT in the past, but the cost became prohibitive when the U.S. Postal Service changed their fee structure. Ulos Factory Visit
We visited an ulos factory and talked with some of the workers about what they do.
We heard that the making of the ulos has a long history in the Batak culture. The government has been encouraging people to learn this craft in order to preserve this part of their culture.
The women start working here at about age 16 and it takes 3-4 months to learn their craft. A well-skilled worker can make an ulos, measuring 2 meters in length, in about 2 hours.
In this factory there are about 50 workers. They work long days and their pay is based on the number of ulos they produce. A wageof about 600,000 Rupiah per month (about $65) is considered a good wage.
We heard that the making of the ulos has a long history in the Batak culture. The government has been encouraging people to learn this craft in order to preserve this part of their culture.
The women start working here at about age 16 and it takes 3-4 months to learn their craft. A well-skilled worker can make an ulos, measuring 2 meters in length, in about 2 hours.
In this factory there are about 50 workers. They work long days and their pay is based on the number of ulos they produce. A wageof about 600,000 Rupiah per month (about $65) is considered a good wage.
Rain
During our first week in Siantar we had rain everyday. A couple times it rained VERY hard as you can see here.
The rain made it easy for this big snail to stroll across the sidewalk outside of our hotel rooms.
Thankfully, the really heavy rain only happened a couple times, and the rain we did get didn't have much impact on our itinerary.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Love Offerings Help Feed the Hungry Using Floating Fish Nets
While Jean and I were on the Island of Nias (off the west coast of Sumatra) to visit sites where I-K Synod Love Offerings were put to use, we saw what might be a miracle under construction.
One Muslim fishing village had been devastated by the tsunami, and then was leveled four months later in the subsequent earthquake. There were no homes left standing in the village. This was made more serious by the fact that the people of Nias depend on fish for protein and sustenance, and so they depended on the catch of these workers. These Muslim fishermen had lost their boats, their nets, their piers for the boats, and everything else that fed the people on the village, and gave them a livelihood by fishing.
At the recommendation of the HKBP, this fishing village received Love Offering funds to rebuild their fishing occupations and, in the process, help feed the people of the island. Traditional net fishing involved driving long poles into the bottom of the Indian Ocean in a square, with stringers between the corners. They built their traditional fishing platforms, but within two weeks, the entire frame sank below the surface of the water.
These are uneducated fishermen, but people who know their trade and the needs very well. They devised in their minds a system where the net structure would float on plastic barrels on the surface, and because of that, could be towed from bay to bay where the fish were known to be present. A small floating net system was tried, which was eminently successful, far better than their old system.
One Muslim fishing village had been devastated by the tsunami, and then was leveled four months later in the subsequent earthquake. There were no homes left standing in the village. This was made more serious by the fact that the people of Nias depend on fish for protein and sustenance, and so they depended on the catch of these workers. These Muslim fishermen had lost their boats, their nets, their piers for the boats, and everything else that fed the people on the village, and gave them a livelihood by fishing.
At the recommendation of the HKBP, this fishing village received Love Offering funds to rebuild their fishing occupations and, in the process, help feed the people of the island. Traditional net fishing involved driving long poles into the bottom of the Indian Ocean in a square, with stringers between the corners. They built their traditional fishing platforms, but within two weeks, the entire frame sank below the surface of the water.
These are uneducated fishermen, but people who know their trade and the needs very well. They devised in their minds a system where the net structure would float on plastic barrels on the surface, and because of that, could be towed from bay to bay where the fish were known to be present. A small floating net system was tried, which was eminently successful, far better than their old system.
So the Ecumenical Nias Island Counseling Center requested additional funds to build a much larger floating net system, which we saw under construction on the beach. An island contractor had been hired to oversee the project. Tools ranged from rope lashings to a laser level. They would have the frame finished in two weeks, just in time for the next high tides to assist them in getting it into the water.
They told us that they knew of no other floating frame net system like this anywhere in the world. Their catches in their first, smaller system were beyond all expectations. The beauty of the whole story is that these uneducated fishermen may have developed a new system that will assist in feeding the hungry in tropical island areas all around the world. And our Love Offerings helped make it possible.
They told us that they knew of no other floating frame net system like this anywhere in the world. Their catches in their first, smaller system were beyond all expectations. The beauty of the whole story is that these uneducated fishermen may have developed a new system that will assist in feeding the hungry in tropical island areas all around the world. And our Love Offerings helped make it possible.
Lowell
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
A Christian-Muslim Encounter
Paul Harder had said that if the Islamic world wanted a pattern to follow in finding a way to live with other people in the world, the Nation of Indonesia would be a good model to use. After an experience that I had, I might amend his comment in this way: “If the Christian and Islamic peoples of the world wanted a pattern to follow in finding a way to live with others, the Nation of Indonesia would be a good model to use.”
Edison, our driver, had picked us up at the Medan Airport on our return from the Island of Nias, to take us back to Pematangsiantar. Edison spoke little or no English, and would use his cell phone to call someone from the HKBP whenever he was in doubt about times, addresses, schedules, or whatever.
He picked us up in mid-afternoon, and we immediately headed south towards Pematangsiantar. About a third of the way to our destination, he pulled off at a gas station and food store owned by a Muslim couple. He had obviously eaten there many times, by the way he was greeted. I asked for coffee, and was handed a cup and pointed to the coffee urn. I tried to pay for it, but was told that it was “free.”
But there were two riders with him this time, who did not look like Batak people at all. “Where were we from?” Jean and I finally understood. “America,” we said. No emotions were shown, but I sensed distance from the couple. “I no visit America,” was what the husband finally got out, “I visit Saudi Arabia.” “Riyadh?” “Yes!” “Mecca?” “Yes, two times.” He had made the hajj pilgrimage twice. I gave him the thumbs up, and he smiled broadly.
Then I dug one of the calling cards out of my shoulder bag that Paul had prepared for us. “ELCA/HKBP” it said across the top. And “Pdt.” in front of my name. “HKBP Preditgan?” he asked. “Yes, pastor, from America.”
And the husband extended his hand, now with a big smile on his face, shook it firmly, respectfully, and with a smile on his face. “HKBP,” he said, and he nodded his head in affirmation. And with that, the conversation became animated, haltingly, with puzzlement, with care, and with certainly some misunderstandings as well. But we were HKBP and that was good.
When we were ready to leave, everyone, including their children, had to shake our hands. As the van backed out of the parking place at the store, the couple stood in front of the windshield, walking in front of the backing car, waving warmly, with broad smiles, intended for the American HKBP Christians.
What are the impacts of a Church’s ministry? It looks like a Muslim couple greeting you warmly and waving farewell with a big smile. That’s the witness of the HKBP. Well, done, my brothers and sisters.
Lowell Anderson
Edison, our driver, had picked us up at the Medan Airport on our return from the Island of Nias, to take us back to Pematangsiantar. Edison spoke little or no English, and would use his cell phone to call someone from the HKBP whenever he was in doubt about times, addresses, schedules, or whatever.
He picked us up in mid-afternoon, and we immediately headed south towards Pematangsiantar. About a third of the way to our destination, he pulled off at a gas station and food store owned by a Muslim couple. He had obviously eaten there many times, by the way he was greeted. I asked for coffee, and was handed a cup and pointed to the coffee urn. I tried to pay for it, but was told that it was “free.”
But there were two riders with him this time, who did not look like Batak people at all. “Where were we from?” Jean and I finally understood. “America,” we said. No emotions were shown, but I sensed distance from the couple. “I no visit America,” was what the husband finally got out, “I visit Saudi Arabia.” “Riyadh?” “Yes!” “Mecca?” “Yes, two times.” He had made the hajj pilgrimage twice. I gave him the thumbs up, and he smiled broadly.
Then I dug one of the calling cards out of my shoulder bag that Paul had prepared for us. “ELCA/HKBP” it said across the top. And “Pdt.” in front of my name. “HKBP Preditgan?” he asked. “Yes, pastor, from America.”
And the husband extended his hand, now with a big smile on his face, shook it firmly, respectfully, and with a smile on his face. “HKBP,” he said, and he nodded his head in affirmation. And with that, the conversation became animated, haltingly, with puzzlement, with care, and with certainly some misunderstandings as well. But we were HKBP and that was good.
When we were ready to leave, everyone, including their children, had to shake our hands. As the van backed out of the parking place at the store, the couple stood in front of the windshield, walking in front of the backing car, waving warmly, with broad smiles, intended for the American HKBP Christians.
What are the impacts of a Church’s ministry? It looks like a Muslim couple greeting you warmly and waving farewell with a big smile. That’s the witness of the HKBP. Well, done, my brothers and sisters.
Lowell Anderson
Sunday, August 3, 2008
We're home
The SALT team arrived back in Indianapolis on Saturday, August 2. We were greeted by Pastor Heather McCulloch of the synod office and a few of our family members. Here we are with the sign by the synod staff welcoming us back. The flights were long and we were tired of sitting but all of our luggage arrived with us. Thanks again for all of the prayers. We will be posting more stories and photos in the days ahead.
Friday, August 1, 2008
On our way home
We've had a great trip to Indonesia and a wonderful visit with the HKBP people. We are now en route back home and expect to arrive in Indy about 10 AM Saturday. It is currently 3PM Friday in Singapore and 3AM for you back home. We leave here at 5 and will have a short stop in Teipey (I don't think I spelled that right) on our way to L.A., then Cincinnati, and finally Indy.
Thanks for the prayer.
Peace,
Jean
Thanks for the prayer.
Peace,
Jean
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
From Danielle Burrus, I-K Synod Communications:
Once again, I received a call from SALT team member Jean Eisen this morning. She reports that the team had just finished meeting with 35 HKBP pastors, teacher/preachers, Bibel Frau ("Bible women" who have attended a school to learn to work with women and Sunday Schools), and deaconesses who all meet on a regular weekly basis for Bible study and sermon preparation.
The team also met with the HKBP version of the Global Mission committee and both groups discussed and made plans for the future direction of the I-K Synod/HKBP companion relationship.
On Thursday, the team will drive three hours to Medan, the capital of the province of North Sumatra and the third largest city in Indonesia, and enjoy some sightseeing in the afternoon.
On Friday, the team will leave Medan to board their flight home which will include several layovers in various places. The entire voyage home will take approximately 36 hours and the eight weary travelers will arrive in Indianapolis mid-morning on Saturday.
Jean reports that the trip has been very successful and that she will post much more about it after her return, so we can look forward to more entries and photos.
Once again, I received a call from SALT team member Jean Eisen this morning. She reports that the team had just finished meeting with 35 HKBP pastors, teacher/preachers, Bibel Frau ("Bible women" who have attended a school to learn to work with women and Sunday Schools), and deaconesses who all meet on a regular weekly basis for Bible study and sermon preparation.
The team also met with the HKBP version of the Global Mission committee and both groups discussed and made plans for the future direction of the I-K Synod/HKBP companion relationship.
On Thursday, the team will drive three hours to Medan, the capital of the province of North Sumatra and the third largest city in Indonesia, and enjoy some sightseeing in the afternoon.
On Friday, the team will leave Medan to board their flight home which will include several layovers in various places. The entire voyage home will take approximately 36 hours and the eight weary travelers will arrive in Indianapolis mid-morning on Saturday.
Jean reports that the trip has been very successful and that she will post much more about it after her return, so we can look forward to more entries and photos.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Nias Update
Jean and Lowell spent 3 very productive days on the island of Nias. We knew before leaving Medan that the schedule would be ad hoc, as we were told we had to book our return flights from the island. We were greeted at the airport by Senia and the Ecumenical Nias Island Counseling Center (ENICC) staff including Fredi, Pope (pronounce Poppi), and Eva. As we tried to make our return reservations, we were told all flights were full.
We spent the rest of Saturday afternoon hearing an overview of all of the ENICC projects, all of which have been funded through the Indiana Kentucky Synod Tsunami Love Offerings. We finished off the afternoon with a visit to a young man who had sustained a spinal cord injury in a motorbike accident nearly 2 years ago. Doan (pronounce Doe-on) had given up hope of recovery and it was hoped that a visit from two Americans might lift his spirits. During our visit, the young man's father discovered we did not have a return flight to Medan. While we were praying with Doan, his father, having many contacts, secured our flight reservations, totally unbeknownst to Lowell and Jean. The rest of our visit included gracious hospitality and delicious dessert pastries. We also tried the infamous heavily aromatic fruit, Durian.
On Sunday we worshipped at an overflowing congregation which is now in a new building. The former building was destroyed in the 2005 earthquake. Once again the singing of the congregation and 5 choirs was very powerful. We had lunch with leaders of the congregation.
The remainder of Sunday included visits to ENICC projects on an intensely hot and humid day. The first visit was to a Muslim village where the women are learning to use embroidery sewing machines. There are 10 women in this group, 2 of which are currently proficient.
Our second visit was to a pig raising project. They are currently a group of about 7 families. This group is Christian. They also are able to operate a credit union for saving and borrowing money. After a meeting with the group leaders, we saw 5 pigs.
On Monday we met with leaders of two different kinds of fishing projects, one being pond raised fish, and the other a floating platform with nets in the ocean. The fish pond project has struggle a bit and they are still modifying their procedures for better results. The floating net system originally was to have a stationary platform with pilings driven into the ocean floor. Two platforms were in place when both unexpectedly sank below the water. The fishermen have devised a plan to make a framework that floats on the surface, using many float barrels. This system will be able to be towed to various locations where the fish are more numerous. This concept is quite revolutionary.
Later Monday we were able to return to Medan and on to Siantar and rejoin the group.
We spent the rest of Saturday afternoon hearing an overview of all of the ENICC projects, all of which have been funded through the Indiana Kentucky Synod Tsunami Love Offerings. We finished off the afternoon with a visit to a young man who had sustained a spinal cord injury in a motorbike accident nearly 2 years ago. Doan (pronounce Doe-on) had given up hope of recovery and it was hoped that a visit from two Americans might lift his spirits. During our visit, the young man's father discovered we did not have a return flight to Medan. While we were praying with Doan, his father, having many contacts, secured our flight reservations, totally unbeknownst to Lowell and Jean. The rest of our visit included gracious hospitality and delicious dessert pastries. We also tried the infamous heavily aromatic fruit, Durian.
On Sunday we worshipped at an overflowing congregation which is now in a new building. The former building was destroyed in the 2005 earthquake. Once again the singing of the congregation and 5 choirs was very powerful. We had lunch with leaders of the congregation.
The remainder of Sunday included visits to ENICC projects on an intensely hot and humid day. The first visit was to a Muslim village where the women are learning to use embroidery sewing machines. There are 10 women in this group, 2 of which are currently proficient.
Our second visit was to a pig raising project. They are currently a group of about 7 families. This group is Christian. They also are able to operate a credit union for saving and borrowing money. After a meeting with the group leaders, we saw 5 pigs.
On Monday we met with leaders of two different kinds of fishing projects, one being pond raised fish, and the other a floating platform with nets in the ocean. The fish pond project has struggle a bit and they are still modifying their procedures for better results. The floating net system originally was to have a stationary platform with pilings driven into the ocean floor. Two platforms were in place when both unexpectedly sank below the water. The fishermen have devised a plan to make a framework that floats on the surface, using many float barrels. This system will be able to be towed to various locations where the fish are more numerous. This concept is quite revolutionary.
Later Monday we were able to return to Medan and on to Siantar and rejoin the group.
Back in Siantar
Much of the group has been back in Siantar since Saturday and they have been BUSY.
Saturday they went to Balige to visit the Deaconess School, the Biblefrau, and Salib Kasih.
The group met some marvelous Biblefrau. This was a case in which the language barrier was frustrating because they had so many years of experience between them but we were unable to converse effeciently. Some of the women were bed-bound but they are still able to pray, which is the primary calling of the Biblefrau women.
At Salib Kasih, everyone including Gloria made it to the top of the climb to see the view that Ludwig Nommensen had when he heard god call to bring the Gospel to the Batak people.
Sunday they worshiped at a church on a palm oil plantation and followed that with lunch and a tour of the facility. After a break in the afternoon, they attended a birthday party for Eriste, the wife of Praesses Plasthon.
Saturday they went to Balige to visit the Deaconess School, the Biblefrau, and Salib Kasih.
The group met some marvelous Biblefrau. This was a case in which the language barrier was frustrating because they had so many years of experience between them but we were unable to converse effeciently. Some of the women were bed-bound but they are still able to pray, which is the primary calling of the Biblefrau women.
At Salib Kasih, everyone including Gloria made it to the top of the climb to see the view that Ludwig Nommensen had when he heard god call to bring the Gospel to the Batak people.
Sunday they worshiped at a church on a palm oil plantation and followed that with lunch and a tour of the facility. After a break in the afternoon, they attended a birthday party for Eriste, the wife of Praesses Plasthon.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Update after language training
Horas from Indonesia,
We've heard many stories of faith and courage of the Batak people, stories of sorrow, injury, even hiding from those seeking to harm them. English language training was wonderfully successful for all, both our Batak sisters and brothers and our delegation. Most of us received nicknames in Batak. Lowell is "tulang" which means "uncle". We've experience many forms of worship, including various dramas, mime, music, hymns from Western Europe sung in Batak, and lots of humor. The Batak people love to laugh and their smiles warm the whole room.
Lowell and Jean made the ferry crossing yesterday so they could return to Medan where they will catch a flight to Nias Island today to check on IK Synod supported projects. The lake had some big waves making for an interesting crossing as the chairs started moving across the deck. Lowell will preach tomorrow at a HKBP church in Gunungsitoli on Nias.
Lake Toba is beautiful, like a travel brochure in all directions, the mountains rise from the shore of the lake probably 1,500 to 2,000 feet. There are flowers everywhere; the air seems to bloom. Lowell had orchids in his room on arrival. Although beautiful, some of the people are aware of the pollution problems for the lake. The hotel has a host/owner family of great hospitality and generosity, who are members of the HKBP. There are still many geckos but none of them are selling insurance.
The basic foods have been fish and rice, with some chicken. The fresh tropical fruits we ate include many we've not heard of, with wonderful flavors. The pineapple continues to be indescribable. Other foods we've enjoyed include fried bananas, a squid casserole, rice noodles with peanut sauce, marquisa juice, papayas, guavas, curried beef, and some unidentified dishes.
A few have had very minor health issues but nothing more than 24 hour traveller problems.
The rest of the group is leaving Samosir Island this morning to visit various HKBP ministries.
Blessings from Jean and Lowell and all the facilitators and participants.
We've heard many stories of faith and courage of the Batak people, stories of sorrow, injury, even hiding from those seeking to harm them. English language training was wonderfully successful for all, both our Batak sisters and brothers and our delegation. Most of us received nicknames in Batak. Lowell is "tulang" which means "uncle". We've experience many forms of worship, including various dramas, mime, music, hymns from Western Europe sung in Batak, and lots of humor. The Batak people love to laugh and their smiles warm the whole room.
Lowell and Jean made the ferry crossing yesterday so they could return to Medan where they will catch a flight to Nias Island today to check on IK Synod supported projects. The lake had some big waves making for an interesting crossing as the chairs started moving across the deck. Lowell will preach tomorrow at a HKBP church in Gunungsitoli on Nias.
Lake Toba is beautiful, like a travel brochure in all directions, the mountains rise from the shore of the lake probably 1,500 to 2,000 feet. There are flowers everywhere; the air seems to bloom. Lowell had orchids in his room on arrival. Although beautiful, some of the people are aware of the pollution problems for the lake. The hotel has a host/owner family of great hospitality and generosity, who are members of the HKBP. There are still many geckos but none of them are selling insurance.
The basic foods have been fish and rice, with some chicken. The fresh tropical fruits we ate include many we've not heard of, with wonderful flavors. The pineapple continues to be indescribable. Other foods we've enjoyed include fried bananas, a squid casserole, rice noodles with peanut sauce, marquisa juice, papayas, guavas, curried beef, and some unidentified dishes.
A few have had very minor health issues but nothing more than 24 hour traveller problems.
The rest of the group is leaving Samosir Island this morning to visit various HKBP ministries.
Blessings from Jean and Lowell and all the facilitators and participants.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Tuesday, July 22
From Danielle Burrus, I-K Synod Communications:
I received a phone call today from Jean Eisen in Indonesia. The SALT group is now at the Sopo Toba Hotel, located on the island of Samosir. They will not have good access to the Internet during the next few days, so I will fill you in on what they are doing.
For Jean, it was Tuesday night when she called, although it was only Tuesday morning here in Indianapolis. Samosir is 11 hours ahead of us. The last of the HKBP SALT workshop participants had arrived, bringing the total count of participants to 30, including the eight I-K Synod members. The entire group had already enjoyed its first SALT workshop session by the time Jean called, and she reported that it went extremely well. They will be at the Samosir Island location until Friday.
Jean related that the group is eating delicious Batak and Indonesian food three times a day, with two snacks. Earlier during the trip, they had eaten goldfish, served with heads intact!
The weather has been hot and humid, with rain every day except for today. The evenings cool down pleasantly.
On Sunday, members of the group preached in four different congregations. The Gospel text for last Sunday came from the book of Job. In the Batak culture, the Gospel text is not just limited to the four texts that we use.
Driving on the Indonesian roads amidst other vehicles, motorcycles, scooters and bikes has been quite the experience, Jean says. The road conditions are not the best and drivers of all vehicles pass each other whenever they wish. Surprisingly, though, Jean has noted very few accidents.
Jean will fill us in with more details next time, such as the abundance of geckos on every front porch and the huge snail crossing the sidewalk that the group encountered one day!
Stay tuned for more...
I received a phone call today from Jean Eisen in Indonesia. The SALT group is now at the Sopo Toba Hotel, located on the island of Samosir. They will not have good access to the Internet during the next few days, so I will fill you in on what they are doing.
For Jean, it was Tuesday night when she called, although it was only Tuesday morning here in Indianapolis. Samosir is 11 hours ahead of us. The last of the HKBP SALT workshop participants had arrived, bringing the total count of participants to 30, including the eight I-K Synod members. The entire group had already enjoyed its first SALT workshop session by the time Jean called, and she reported that it went extremely well. They will be at the Samosir Island location until Friday.
Jean related that the group is eating delicious Batak and Indonesian food three times a day, with two snacks. Earlier during the trip, they had eaten goldfish, served with heads intact!
The weather has been hot and humid, with rain every day except for today. The evenings cool down pleasantly.
On Sunday, members of the group preached in four different congregations. The Gospel text for last Sunday came from the book of Job. In the Batak culture, the Gospel text is not just limited to the four texts that we use.
Driving on the Indonesian roads amidst other vehicles, motorcycles, scooters and bikes has been quite the experience, Jean says. The road conditions are not the best and drivers of all vehicles pass each other whenever they wish. Surprisingly, though, Jean has noted very few accidents.
Jean will fill us in with more details next time, such as the abundance of geckos on every front porch and the huge snail crossing the sidewalk that the group encountered one day!
Stay tuned for more...
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Saturday
Today we made visits to STM HKBP, the vocational technical school run by the HKBP church. The students learn skills in auto mechanics, computer maintenance, electricity, and machining. The students are about 15-18 years of age and attend classes Monday through Saturday. A few of the teachers took part in SALT 1 in 2006 and will be returning participants to the SALT 2 workshop next week.
We then went next door and visited the director, staff, and children at Elim Orphanage. Some of the children have lost both parents, others come from families who are too poor to care for their children. The children go to local schools and have chores to do on the orphanage campus every day. The orphanage does not seek to have the children placed for adoption because of the risk becoming child servants.
Late in the afternoon we visited a new Women's Crisis Center. This center is run by another Lutheran church body, the GKPS. This meeting was very informative as we discussed domestic violence in Indonesia and also brought our experience of the U.S. and Latin America. The role of the church to educate and enlighten not only the congregation, but also the clergy and the community was also discussed. The women we met will be attending the SALT workshop and will bring wonderful gifts of knowledge and experience to the workshop.
Once again it is raining, but it did hold off until after dinner. Tomorrow we will worship in 4 different congregations and bring greetings from the I-K Synod. In the afternoon, we will move to Samosir Island where we will have the SALT conference. We don't know what our internet access opportunities will be so you might not hear much from us this next week.
Blessings,
The SALT Team
We then went next door and visited the director, staff, and children at Elim Orphanage. Some of the children have lost both parents, others come from families who are too poor to care for their children. The children go to local schools and have chores to do on the orphanage campus every day. The orphanage does not seek to have the children placed for adoption because of the risk becoming child servants.
Late in the afternoon we visited a new Women's Crisis Center. This center is run by another Lutheran church body, the GKPS. This meeting was very informative as we discussed domestic violence in Indonesia and also brought our experience of the U.S. and Latin America. The role of the church to educate and enlighten not only the congregation, but also the clergy and the community was also discussed. The women we met will be attending the SALT workshop and will bring wonderful gifts of knowledge and experience to the workshop.
Once again it is raining, but it did hold off until after dinner. Tomorrow we will worship in 4 different congregations and bring greetings from the I-K Synod. In the afternoon, we will move to Samosir Island where we will have the SALT conference. We don't know what our internet access opportunities will be so you might not hear much from us this next week.
Blessings,
The SALT Team
Friday
Friday we had a morning meeting with Praeses Plasthon Simanjungtak, the leader of District 5. He presented a plan for our visit and what we will be doing during our time here. We also had discussion of the goals for the SALT workshop. We may need to change the format a bit from our original plan to better accomplish the goals envisioned by our companions.
We had lunch at a Batak restaurant and had the opportunity to eat traditional foods in the traditional manner....with our fingers.
After a rest period back at the hotel, we visited an ulos factory. An ulos is hand-woven cloth that is used during many ceremonies and celebrations. They are colorful and may include special patterns and bead work. They are part of Batak artistic culture that was in danger of being lost but the government has encouraged the skills to be taught to younger women so the culture can be carried on.
The president of Indonesia came through Siantar today and some streets were lined with people wanting to wave and catch a glimpse of their President.
In the evening we went to dinner at the International Restaurant. We ate many traditional Indonesian foods and had the opportunity to sing Karioke. We were seranaded by Pastor Sondang and also by Erista (P. Plasthon's wife).
In the late afternoon we had a big rain storm. This is supposed to be the dry season but they have been getting frequent rains.
We had lunch at a Batak restaurant and had the opportunity to eat traditional foods in the traditional manner....with our fingers.
After a rest period back at the hotel, we visited an ulos factory. An ulos is hand-woven cloth that is used during many ceremonies and celebrations. They are colorful and may include special patterns and bead work. They are part of Batak artistic culture that was in danger of being lost but the government has encouraged the skills to be taught to younger women so the culture can be carried on.
The president of Indonesia came through Siantar today and some streets were lined with people wanting to wave and catch a glimpse of their President.
In the evening we went to dinner at the International Restaurant. We ate many traditional Indonesian foods and had the opportunity to sing Karioke. We were seranaded by Pastor Sondang and also by Erista (P. Plasthon's wife).
In the late afternoon we had a big rain storm. This is supposed to be the dry season but they have been getting frequent rains.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
We've arrived
Thursday, 8:30 PM
The S ALT group arrived in Medan this morning, somewhat tired, but eager to see and experience the Island of Sumatra. All of our luggage arrived with us. We are staying in Pemtangsiantar at the Hotel Siantar the next couple nights and will learn more of our schedule tomorrow when we meet with some of the HKBP Global Mission Committee. We're all calling it an early night. More later, hopefully with pictures at some point.
The S ALT group arrived in Medan this morning, somewhat tired, but eager to see and experience the Island of Sumatra. All of our luggage arrived with us. We are staying in Pemtangsiantar at the Hotel Siantar the next couple nights and will learn more of our schedule tomorrow when we meet with some of the HKBP Global Mission Committee. We're all calling it an early night. More later, hopefully with pictures at some point.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Intro Angie
Hello Everyone!
I am Angela Shannon, known as Angie by my friends. I am a second-career pastor, working in a variety of social work situations prior to becoming a pastor. In January 2008, I celebrated 11 years in ordained ministry. I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana where I currently serve as the pastor for mission, outreach and evangelism at Trinity English Lutheran Church http://www.trinityenglish.org/. Trinity had the blessed opportunity to spend time with the HKPB delegations during their visits to the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. It was a wonderful opportunity to share a meal as we celebrated our diversity and our common destiny in Christ Jesus. When the opportunity came to join the I-K Synod delegation for this trip, I jumped at the chance!
I have traveled extensively in this world, that is, at once joyous but all too often sad. Each time I travel, I learn again that God is infinitely more expansive and “has healing in his wings” more than I anticipated or could ever imagine. Then too, I am reminded in a very tangible way, the transforming power of Christ’s love, which brings the hope that does not disappoint. Hallelujah!!!! Oh, er, I digress. Well, as you see, I enjoy preaching and singing God’s praises.
My family is important to me. My mother is living and my brothers and their wives live in the Midwest. I have two nephews and a niece who are the joy of my heart and the light in my eyes. I have a large extended family and many friends who are like my family. I also have two cats, Hiram and Rudi, who think they are my joy and light. Don’t tell them otherwise—just let them keep thinking it!
I am Angela Shannon, known as Angie by my friends. I am a second-career pastor, working in a variety of social work situations prior to becoming a pastor. In January 2008, I celebrated 11 years in ordained ministry. I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana where I currently serve as the pastor for mission, outreach and evangelism at Trinity English Lutheran Church http://www.trinityenglish.org/. Trinity had the blessed opportunity to spend time with the HKPB delegations during their visits to the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. It was a wonderful opportunity to share a meal as we celebrated our diversity and our common destiny in Christ Jesus. When the opportunity came to join the I-K Synod delegation for this trip, I jumped at the chance!
I have traveled extensively in this world, that is, at once joyous but all too often sad. Each time I travel, I learn again that God is infinitely more expansive and “has healing in his wings” more than I anticipated or could ever imagine. Then too, I am reminded in a very tangible way, the transforming power of Christ’s love, which brings the hope that does not disappoint. Hallelujah!!!! Oh, er, I digress. Well, as you see, I enjoy preaching and singing God’s praises.
My family is important to me. My mother is living and my brothers and their wives live in the Midwest. I have two nephews and a niece who are the joy of my heart and the light in my eyes. I have a large extended family and many friends who are like my family. I also have two cats, Hiram and Rudi, who think they are my joy and light. Don’t tell them otherwise—just let them keep thinking it!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Intro Lowell
Hello,
My name is Lowell. I’m a retired Pastor, and have served congregations in Michigan and Indiana. I’m a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN, and LSTC in Chicago. I’m a South Dakota native; I’m married, and I have two sons.
Throughout my life, I’ve always been interested in languages, how words and concepts are used, and the nuances and hints that differ from language to language. I have some familiarity with about ten languages, and have been fluent in a couple of them in the past (but not now!). I have traveled in Europe and Central America. In Guatemala, I gained a deeper awareness of linguistic insights from indigenous languages there.
My hobbies include woodworking, restoration of antiques, gardening, bird watching, working to care for the environment, hiking, canoeing, water coloring, reading, writing, plus too many other things as well.
In my work as a pastor, I have most enjoyed preaching, worship, and adult education. I’ve served on many committees for the Synod, but found most satisfaction in my work in preparing candidates for service in the ministry. I’ve always been a person who worked for and stood by the least, the last, and the lost.
I look forward with much anticipation to my trip to Sumatra, but also have a measure of hesitation over being an “ambassador” (as St. Paul uses the term) for my Congregation, my Synod, and my Church. I also look forward to learning a great deal more from fellow sisters and brothers in Christ.
Hi, I'm Paul and it's always a joy to visit what has become my second home, North Sumatra.
I was a Fulbright Researcher in the Batak lands during the academic year 2003-2004. And, just last year, I was a visiting faculty member at the STT-HKBP, the largest Batak Lutheran Seminary. I hope to introduce the SALT group to some wonderful Batak pastors and theologians in the HKBP like Rev. Dr. Fridz Sihombing and Rev. Nelly Hutahaen.
Prior to my life as an adopted Batak, I was a missionary for the ELCA in Indonesia from 1993-1999 in Yogyakarta. I still have trouble moving back and forth between the cultural milieu of Java and Sumatra because the Javanese and the Bataks have very different customs and mannerisms.
I have many fond memories and working relationships with many pastors, educators and church leaders in Indonesia. Currently, I'm a faculty member of Valparaiso University but my heart lies in Batakland. Perhaps it's because I have the same birthday as Ludwig Nommensen (February 6)? Who knows.
Horas!
(The photo above is of me and my friend Fridz Sihombing from the STT-HKBP).
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Intro Gloria
Hi!
My name is Gloria Sheneman. I am a retired bookkeeper and I was a volunteer English as a Second Language tutor for thirteen years with the Literacy Council of Saint Joseph County, Indiana.
My husband and I live on a small farm near North Liberty, Indiana and attend Bethany Lutheran Church in South Bend. We have been married almost 52 years; we have three children and five grandchildren.
This will be my first ever mission trip and I am excited and looking forward to meeting new people and developing new friendships.
My name is Gloria Sheneman. I am a retired bookkeeper and I was a volunteer English as a Second Language tutor for thirteen years with the Literacy Council of Saint Joseph County, Indiana.
My husband and I live on a small farm near North Liberty, Indiana and attend Bethany Lutheran Church in South Bend. We have been married almost 52 years; we have three children and five grandchildren.
This will be my first ever mission trip and I am excited and looking forward to meeting new people and developing new friendships.
Intro Mary Beth
Hello! My name is Mary Beth, and this will be my second SALT adventure and my third international mission trip. I'm a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in West Lafayette, Indiana. My husband and I have been members since we rolled into town in 1989 as fresh-faced and newly-married graduate students. Since then we've earned a few degrees, had a couple of sons, and been blessed in a thousand ways by our church. It is because of the saints that surround me and my family that I can step out in faith on another mission trip.
Other facts about me:
- I grew up in Galveston, Texas, and went to St. John's Lutheran school and church. Later, I attended and graduated from UT-Austin. I had a wonderful time in the Plan II Liberal Arts Honors program there, and met my husband while working at the University Co-op bookstore. We were wed at University Lutheran Church by Pastor Charles Born.
- I have two Master's degrees from Purdue: one in Rhetoric and Composition, and one in Counseling and Development.
- My husband works for an oil exploration company. He is away from home for five weeks at a time, working on a ship that might be on any ocean of the world. Then he comes home for five weeks and reconnects with family and friends, fixes things around the house, works on geological research at Purdue, and (as of very recently) plays with his sailboat. We've been living this half-empty/half-full lifestyle for about 10 years now. Sometimes it wears thin, but we mostly count our blessings.
- By God's grace, I've been a stay-at-homeschooling mom for most of those 10 years. Part of my 'curriculum' is to rejoice with my boys in the diversity of God's creation and His people. We love ethnic food, global music and new experiences.
- On this SALT journey I'll be accompanied by Will, my brother-in-faith and pastor. What a pleasure it will be to get to know him -- and all the SALTers -- better!
Intro Will
My name is Will. I serve as pastor of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in West Lafayette. I enjoy gardening and am leaving some wonderful harvest time goodies for friends to enjoy. I enjoy traveling and meeting new people. I have traveled to Africa several times. This will be my first opportunity to experience an Asian culture. I look forward to the people to people contact we will have. I’ll also be interested in how the HKBP does the church’s mission.
What's the cuisine like in Indonesia?
There's really no such thing as "Indonesian food," because in a pluralist country with 11,000+ islands and hundreds of different ethnic groups, the only commonality will be white rice. Yes, steamed white rice is the staple food and is served with every meal in Indonesia.
If you want to see what Indonesian food looks like in Java, here's a good blog. I suppose if there is such a thing as "Indonesian food," it would be mainly the cuisine of Java.
Here's a blogger with some amazing photography of Indonesian food. The first page is mainly about the food of Bali.
The second page of that same food blog, here, has a nice posting about Babi Panggang, a famous Batak dish. It's roasted Pork. The Bataks and Indonesian Chinese argue about who invented it. The Dutch discovered it when they were the Colonial masters of Indonesia and brought it back to Holland where they now claim it as their own.
Finally, the Batak national dish is Saksang, pork cooked in a thick stew. Here's a page devoted to praises of Saksang, but it's not in English unfortunately. The picture shows Saksang on the right and the fresh Batak waterbuffalo cheese on the left and some Babi Panggang in the back.
If you want to see what Indonesian food looks like in Java, here's a good blog. I suppose if there is such a thing as "Indonesian food," it would be mainly the cuisine of Java.
Here's a blogger with some amazing photography of Indonesian food. The first page is mainly about the food of Bali.
The second page of that same food blog, here, has a nice posting about Babi Panggang, a famous Batak dish. It's roasted Pork. The Bataks and Indonesian Chinese argue about who invented it. The Dutch discovered it when they were the Colonial masters of Indonesia and brought it back to Holland where they now claim it as their own.
Finally, the Batak national dish is Saksang, pork cooked in a thick stew. Here's a page devoted to praises of Saksang, but it's not in English unfortunately. The picture shows Saksang on the right and the fresh Batak waterbuffalo cheese on the left and some Babi Panggang in the back.
What's it like to visit the Batak homeland?
Well, here's a decent account. It was written for the New York Times almost 25 years ago but it is still quite relevant. (Ignore the author's comment about the Pastor beating a drum to ward off devils. That's the only clunker in an otherwise well-written piece).
Sad to say, actually, that the number of visitors (i.e., tourists) to the Batak highlands dropped radically after the 1998 economic crisis and fall of the dictator Soeharto. Lake Toba used to attract many bus loads of tourists, mainly from western Europe. Today, Lake Toba is visited mainly by young backpacker tourists. If you want to see some of their accounts of travels to Lake Toba today, click here.
Sad to say, actually, that the number of visitors (i.e., tourists) to the Batak highlands dropped radically after the 1998 economic crisis and fall of the dictator Soeharto. Lake Toba used to attract many bus loads of tourists, mainly from western Europe. Today, Lake Toba is visited mainly by young backpacker tourists. If you want to see some of their accounts of travels to Lake Toba today, click here.
Batak Culture
So, who are the Batak people? As briefly as possible, the Batak people are an ethnic group on the island of Sumatra in the Republic of Indonesia. The Batak people number roughly 9 million. The largest of the Batak sub-groups are the Toba Batak, about 5 million in total. The Toba Batak people are predominantly Lutheran today and are active members of the worldwide Lutheran communion.Although traditional Batak culture is still vibrant and visible to visitors (as in this women in traditional dress holding an Ulos), Batak kids grow up playing Xbox and eating at McDonalds just like their counterparts in the USA.
Originally from the area around Lake Toba, the Batak people have migrated to many places in Indonesia, especially Jakarta, and to Europe and the United States. It is possible that today as many as half of all Bataks live outside the historic Batakland of North Sumatra. The reason that many Batak people have migrated away from the historic Batak homeland has to do with their strong emphasis on education and vocational success. Because of the cultural Batak emphases on nurturing and educating their children, Batak children grow up and become national leaders in the Indonesian military, sciences, business and industry. These successful Batak people bring their Christian faith and churches with them and have established Batak churches in the rest of Indonesia, South East Asia, Europe and the United States.
Our Lutheran Companion in North Sumatra: The HKBP
Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP)
HISTORY
The Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP, pronounced, "hah-kah-bay-pay") grew out of the efforts of the German Rhenish Missionary Society, which began work in Batak country in 1861. In 1940, the HKBP became the first major independent and self-governing church body in what was then the Dutch East Indies. The majority of the members were rural folks, engaged in small farming and living in villages, but many of the members reside in cities.
Led by a resolute and clear-sighted missionary, Ludwig Ingwar Nommensen, "the Apostle to the Bataks," the missionaries moved northward toward Lake Toba from the area near present-day Sibolga. They translated the Bible into Batak, and led whole villages and tribes to become Christian, instead of making individual conversions.
PRESENT SITUATION
Women have an important role in the life of the HKBP. Choirs, study and prayer groups, and service groups engage women of all ages. An increasing number are gaining leadership roles, not only as ordained pastors but also as Bible women (parish educators). There also is strong emphases on youth ministry, social services, health care, and development. The singing of many choirs in Batak worship are a vibrant expression of spiritual life and an invitation to the common praise of God. It is not uncommon for each Sunday morning worship service to feature 4 or more different choirs (men's choir, women's, youth choir, etc).
The major ELCA participation in health care in Indonesia has been through the Community Health Development program of the Bethesda Hospital, an institution and program of the Simalungun Christian Protestant Church. It has an integrated rural health and development program which works with family planning, school health, nutrition, and maternal and child health.
The HKBP Theological College serves most of the Lutheran and other Protestant churches in North Sumatra. Most students come from rural villages and have not been well prepared for university work. The college concentrates on reading skills, learning English, and bringing their general education to an acceptable level as well as theological training. A Theological Education by Extension program based in Pematangsiantar provides theological education for congregational leaders.
The HKBP Nommensen University, opened in 1954, is the largest Lutheran university in the world. It has campuses in Pematang Siantar and Medan in North Sumatra. It has schools of education, agriculture, economics, technology, business administration, and language and the arts.
The ELCA also relates to other Lutheran churches in Indonesia:
Christian Protestant Church in Indonesia (GKPI) -- 255,601 members -- joined LWF in 1975
Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church (GKLI) -- 16,895 members -- joined LWF in 1994
Simalungun Protestant Christian Church (GKPS) -- 190,417 members -- joined LWF in 1967
And the Karo Batak Protestant Church (GBKP) -- 225,000 members
The ELCA is companion to two Christian universities on the island of Java with graduate programs in religion which make significant contributions to interfaith understanding: Satya Wacana Christian University (its graduate program on Religion and Society) and Duta Wacana Christian University (its Center for Religious Studies).
QUICK FACTS
Web Page www.hkbp.or.id
Church Leader Ephorus Rev. Dr. Bonar Napitupulu
Location Sumatra, Indonesia
Headquarters Pearaja, Tarutung, Sumatra
Languages Indonesian and Batak
Members 3,000.000+
Church Structure 26 Districts
Memberships:
Lutheran World Federation (LWF), since 1952
World Council of Churches (WCC)
Christian Conference of Asia (CCA)
United Evangelical Mission - Communion of Churches in Three Continents (UEM)
Communion of Churches in Indonesia (CCI)
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Intro Natalie
Natalie Gessert is the youngest member of our SALT II group and is a“visiting member” of the IN-KY Synod. She arrived from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN and has interned at Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, IN since August 2007 under the guidance of Pastor Jerry Castleman. Prior to seminary Natalie graduated from Roanoke College in 2003. She has a long history of relocations with her family: born in ND, then NE, MI, Germany, Slovakia, VA, MN, and of course, IN. Her parents and youngest brother reside in Fairfax, VA, while her middle brother works as an engineer in VA Beach, VA. Natalie takes delight in the ministry of the church and supplements her work with running, reading, and challenging others to rounds of Scrabble. Natalie is excited, curious, and filled with joy at the opportunity to develop relationships with members of the HKBP!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Intro Jean
Hi and welcome to our blog. My name is Jean and I am currently the chair of the Global Mission Committee of the Indiana Kentucky Synod of the ELCA. I am beginning my 6th year on the committee and was able to travel to Chile in 2007 to visit our other companion synod. I live in Louisville and work as a cartographer.
The group has been preparing for this trip for several months and we are now about 10 days away from our departure. I am excited about this journey and am looking forward to the people we will meet and work with.
I hope that people of the Indiana Kentucky Synod along with family and friends will be able to join us on this journey by visiting our blog often.
The group has been preparing for this trip for several months and we are now about 10 days away from our departure. I am excited about this journey and am looking forward to the people we will meet and work with.
I hope that people of the Indiana Kentucky Synod along with family and friends will be able to join us on this journey by visiting our blog often.
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