Ripe Harvest

Our journey takes us across Central Java to Sulawesi. The program is intense: we visit Bible schools, house churches, social projects, and evangelistic training sessions. It shows how diverse and fruitful ACP's work is here. The highlight of our trip is a visit to the Tajek tribe, who live in isolation in the jungle of North Sulawesi. To reach this tribe, our team travels a grueling route: first a motorcycle ride on narrow, dusty, winding paths, then a hike through fern forests, through mud and rivers, and under threatening rock ledges.

Church for Faith and School

We are particularly moved by our visit to a house church that is courageously building a congregation in a Muslim environment. Pastor R., who is supported by ACP, lovingly cares for this small bush community. Upon arriving in the village, we first marvel at a small wooden church that Pastor R. built together with the residents. Here, he not only shares the love of God, but also teaches the children to read, write, and do arithmetic.

We meet the men in a simple hut. Together we enjoy the chocolate and specialty dried meat from Switzerland that we brought with us. The locally grown cocoa drink goes perfectly with it. It is an almost sacred moment of fellowship. Gradually, women and their children join us. We say goodbye with a prayer together. We give each man a Swiss Army knife with the message: " Every time you use it, think of someone who does not yet know Jesus." After a warm handshake, we set off on our way back, deeply moved by what God is doing among the Tajek.

Marriage forced by pressure

On the way, we visit a Christian family who are also cared for by Pastor R. The parents are being forced to give their 15-year-old daughter in marriage to a Muslim man. They are being severely intimidated and pressured by those around them. The sad eyes of the girl and her parents speak volumes. Pastor R. tries to give families in this region hope and perspective. Among other things, he arranges for the children to stay with Christian families in nearby towns during the week, where they can attend school and make friends with Christian peers.

Seen through spiritual eyes

In the city of Palu, which was hit by a tsunami in 2018, our team experienced impressive church services filled with joy, jubilation, and passion. Our input about the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well called on people not only to look at what is visible, but to see with spiritual eyes where God's harvest is ready. The very lively church, which spreads much hope despite the natural disaster and great poverty, became the embodiment of this message. The entire trip left its mark on our hearts and shows that God is at work and the harvest is ripe.