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.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
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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