New Beginnings and Renewed Hope

Dear Ministry Partners,

A new class has begun in Makassar, bringing a fresh opportunity for learners to study God’s Word and grow in their faith. We are thankful for this new beginning and look forward to seeing how God will work in the lives of the learners and their communities. Alongside the joy of starting new classes, we remain committed to encouraging those already on the journey.

I recently held a teacher meeting in Southeast Sulawesi, where I had the opportunity to encourage and mentor teachers. Teachers play an important role in helping learners remain faithful to their studies, and they, too, need encouragement. These gatherings provide opportunities to strengthen their commitment and remind them that they are not serving alone.

Teacher's Meeting in Southeast Sulawesi

Visiting a class in Southeast Sulawesi where learning activity had begun to stall presented a different challenge. It reminded me that ministry requires patience, compassion, and a willingness to stand beside those who are struggling. Matthew 12:20 reminds us: “A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench, till He sends forth justice to victory.”

This verse illustrates how Jesus ministered, strengthening those who were struggling so they could rise again. I, too, must learn to minister in that same way. When learners become discouraged, they need someone to come alongside them with understanding and hope. It brings me joy to encourage them, helping them find the strength to keep going and not give up. My prayer is that each visit will help renew their desire to learn and deepen their confidence in God’s faithfulness.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and generous support of this ministry in Indonesia. Your partnership helps us encourage teachers, mentor learners, and nurture opportunities for studying God’s Word. Please continue to pray for the new class in Makassar and for renewed strength and perseverance among the teachers and learners in each community we serve.

With gratitude,

Frids and Renny Lumba

CCI National Director of Indonesia

Testimonies

"My name is Indra Gunawan, and I am a pastor. I am grateful to be able to run the CCI program at my local church. My wife, five congregants, and I have been studying in a CCI class; we have just finished Book #2 and are moving on to Book #3. CCI has truly equipped us, and I have greatly benefited from this training. My five congregants are well-equipped and have become increasingly active in our church's ministry. I no longer fear or hesitate to leave the congregation for activities that require me to be away for days or even weeks, as all ministries can be handled by members trained in the CCI class.

We are all growing, and I can see the fruit of the CCI training in our local church. I do not need to invite and pay for guest speakers because we have an abundance of people ready to serve within our own congregation. Thank God for CCI, which has prepared and equipped my church. Before the classes began, our church had only a dirt floor; however, after a year of the program, we are grateful that the floor is now tiled, windows have been installed, and we have seen significant improvements to the building. This progress is largely due to the impact of CCI, which motivated the congregation to give and raise funds for the church building's construction."

"My name is Pastor Obet. I serve at a local church in a remote area of West Sulawesi. I have a wife and a child. My ministry requires me to travel to a mountainous region every two weeks, a journey of approximately three hours on foot up a steep trail. My wife and I studied for four years, earning our Bachelor of Theology degree, and subsequently began serving in our local church. However, I am grateful to have participated in the CCI classes and to have completed Book #1. I gained a great deal from Book #1, particularly regarding the skill of careful observation; the interpretation methods have been incredibly helpful and have further equipped me for ministry in my local church."

New Class

Praise the Lord for the new class in Makassar.

Staff Update

Oktavianus Bulu Mila, Sumba Area Coordinator:

The Dassa Elu II class studied Book #5, Bible Doctrine, over five sessions. Participants explored Adam’s creation as a fully grown adult and gained a deeper understanding of sin. They expressed conviction as they recognized that actions they had considered minor in daily life were sinful from a biblical perspective.

The Rajaka class studied Book #6, Personal Spiritual Life, over two sessions. Participants learned that diligent study of God’s Word helps answer life’s difficult questions. They also recognized that knowledge of God must be accompanied by obedience for spiritual growth to occur.

During a visit to the Gollu Tana class, participants studied Book #9, Church History. They examined how liberalism and ideas of progress have influenced church history. While grateful for the benefits of modernization, they reflected on how materialism draws people away from the church and continues to affect their own congregations.

Dassa Elu II Class

Rajaka Class

Gollu Tana Class

Daniel Pua Padang, Mamasa West Sulawesi Area Coordinator:

Please enjoy some photos of classes in West Sulawesi.

Masewe Class

Bonehau Class

Parondonbulawan Class

To learn more about CCI, go to cciequip.org.

Crossing Cultures International

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