A New Review!

So, I occasionally get free books! Pretty cool! But one of the stipulations is that I write a review of the book and post it. So here is my review of Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado.
Now, I have to be honest, I tried reading this book, but I had a hard time getting into it. Now, that can be due to a number of reasons, one being just unable to concentrate! So, I had this book in my hands for a while...and then one day, as I was at my travel companion's place to plan for Indonesia, he mentioned that he liked reading Lucado. So, I said....do I have a book for you!

So, Mark has submitted the review below!


Its about making an impact in peoples lives. Your correct, its all about what we are trying to do in Indonesia. However, its a reminder of something larger than ourselves; its unity in the faith, focusing on what we have in common in Christ for the greater good of humanity. Remember the 120 churches, the 52-54 denominations in Salitaga? If the Holy Spirit can soften the hearts of God's people in this one city and unite them; could you imagine the impact? The book for me was a reminder and a challenge to what we should be about. Unity in Christ and doing good and looking after widows and orphans. We hope that what we do lives on. This is only possible to the extent we take seriously our faith. What does God expect of us and want to do through us? Faith and Action.

Mark S

The final chapter

So here we are in Vancouver. We went from Jakarta to Singapore then to Hong Kong and the 12 hours to Vancouver. After taking an hour to get through customs we came to our gate here and now our flight is delayed. Go figure! This is the first time we are significantly delayed. Welcome to Canada!

Anyway, I have uploaded some pictures on my FaceBook from our travels. I have had about 2 hours of sleep since we left! Must stay awake... Must awake stay.....stay must awake.....

The following took place from 4:00 pm until who knows when

When we arrived at the airport, the man behind the orphanage had a driver waiting for us. I have to admit, I have never seen my name held high at an airport, not even from my own family. The funny thing was that there were two signs with my name. The driver and a driver from the hotel that we were staying at. I be big shot! Or sorry, Mark be big shot too! I graciously thanked the hotel driver and went with the one that was provided for us.

The hotel in Jakarta was beautiful...we went for a swim and a sauna then off for dinner. Yes it was time to eat. We want just something light, like a soup and salad. So we ordered a prawn Tom Yum soup, which is a spicy soup. And to cool our taste buds we ordered a Thai seafood salad. Ok, then you think Thai, maybe you are thinking ginger, sweet, a little garlic.....ummmm not this salad. I couldn't figure out why Mark needed water so bad. He thought that he had a pepper from the soup, which he did, that was giving him the heat. Nope! It was the salad. This salad was HOT, I mean it was so HOT that I had to use the soup to cool my mouth. We are still laughing about it.

We had to be up by 2:45 am to leave for the airport at 3:00am. We got a couple of hours of rest and now we are in the airport in Jakarta, waiting for our flight to leave for Hong Kong in one hour. When the driver took our luggage from the hotel, I told mark to sit in the front, he was so tired that he went to the "drivers side" to get in. Here in Indonesia the wheel is on the right and they drive on the opposite side that we do. Needless to say the driver had a good laugh as well.

So, we get though security at the airport...without a hitch....so I thought until at the check in counter, guess who gets pulled aside? Guess whose suitcase they wanted to go through? I figured that the guy lurking around us was up to something but I thought that Mark was the target....he is so much prettier than I am. But nooooooooo, he wanted to go through my bag....go ahead buddy, nothing but wet clothes! So, now we are in Starbucks and waiting to depart. I believe our total airtime is around 21 hours today and we plan to be home at around 11 pm! Wednesday...and it is Wednesday here in Jakarta....truly that day when the sun stood still. See you all soon,

The following took place from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm

We met our contact and proceeded to a Bible store to buy 65 Bibles for the kids at the orphanage upon the pastors request. The store was a little surprised at the amount of Bibles needed.....I laugh!...Ha Ha! Anyway, one of the board members from the church that we were at on Sunday wanted to bless us with Batik shirts and we had to go to a special mall to pick them up. After walking around for a bit, 3 teen girls asked if they could interview me for an English project at school. Both Mark and I took some time with the girls as they were learning English. They did a great job in the interview and later in the day I received an email from one who is also a Christian. I think I need to connect some of our youth to these kids.

It was about 12:30 pm and our hosts wanted us to do lunch, but we gratefully declined...yes your read correctly...I declined lunch. Only because we were still full from breakfast. They wanted to treat us for pizza, because it was "Crazy Tuesday" which meant it was two for one. Since we were not able to get out to the orphanage, Mark had the brainstorm to deliver pizza's to the kids....so we did!

Then we were off to the airport. I must admit both Mark and I were pretty somber leaving Solo to Jakarta. But it is all good.

The following took place from 8:00 am until 9:00 am

We had a meeting with the head of the orphanage, although we were getting worried when he was not on time. We actually thought that he might not show....but he did. We had a great meeting and came to understand more about the orphanage and had more questions answered. We finished the meeting with a positive plan to implement for the children. At the end of the meeting Soul Sanctuary was presented with a hand carved "picture" of the Lord's Supper. It is carved from one piece of wood and it is absolutely beautiful. Now we just have to get it home without it being crushed.

Now we eat! Did I say that? Sushi and Dim Sum and fruit and an omlette yum!

The following took place at 5 am.

I woke up! Really? 5 am and I am wide awake!

The Following took place between 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

We made it back to our hotel and freshened up for dinner with our host and his family as our guests as well as our interpreter and his wife. It was a buffet and did I mention that the food was fantastic...squid, shrimp, duck, seafood galore and the list goes on and you would think that the buffet we ate as was $50 per person at the very least...not even close. All I can say is that you need to come to Indonesia to experience the food...and play with the kids. Our host and his family are amazing, never mind our interpreter...who by the way is blind.

After dinner Mark and I have been sitting and talking, processing and planning...and of course blogging....I'll let you tomorrow how things pan out, but as per usual I will probably be up in about four hours...creeping facebook.

I forgot to add that Mark's wife, Rhonda, doesn't believe my take on this whole adventure! So, she asks Mark what really happened!!?/ Rhonda, IT IS how you read it! :) Later all..it is 11:00 pm and I will be up in about 4 hours....ughhhhh! I wish I could sleep. But after playing basketball, badminton (my butt hurts) and soccer...maybe, just maybe I will get 4 and a half hours of sleep!

The following took place between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm

I promised the kids I would take them to my Facebook page and when we went to the computer lab, the internet was not working. As a matter of fact they have had a problem with it for some time...so Mark and I made a commitment to make sure that it would be fixed shortly!

It was then time to start the worship time with the kids. They used the amp and mics and the pastor jumped in using his bass. It was a difficult time as they knew and both Mark and I knew that we were leaving. They sang, asked us to share before we left and then they shared with us as well. I cant speak for Mark, but I believe that we shared the same feeling of genuine love and compassion for these kids. When the music was over, we were surrounded and the tears began to flow on both sides. It was very difficult to drive away with them all standing under the roof waving goodbye. But it is not over....

We found out that they need guitar strings and Bibles with the Old and New Testaments...and plastic chairs...so guess what we are planning to do tomorrow? Tomorrow morning we have a meeting with the man who is the head of the orphanage at the hotel that we are in. At around 10:30 we are back to that music/sports store and we are going to pick up some strings...maybe a volleyball or two and then we are going to get Bibles for all the kids and then we are going to buy a bunch of plastic chairs! Our hope is that we will have the time to deliver the Bibles personally...even if we are there for only a few minutes. We have to be at the airport at 1:30 as our flight leaves at 3 to Jakarta.

The following took place from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

So, we pulled up to the orphanage and saw the basketball net to the side of the parking lot and all the boxes still in the office. The only thing that was opened was the amp. Well, I came ready to play! I was dressed to sweat and sweat I did. The first thing we did was got the basketball net out and filled the base with water and then passed out the four balls.... IT WAS MAYHEM. The joy and the laughter was a sight to behold. The next thing was that the boys, with the help of our host, began to set up the badminton net in the middle of the parking square. They had to dig holes without shovels...that was a sight as well. Eventually, we got it up and running and I found out my host was a badminton player. Actually, it was his idea that we buy the kids a badminton set...a great idea at that.

So, after having shooting practice, I arranged a 5 on 5 scrimmage with the boys. What a blast...I am not sure how long that went on, but when that was over I went to play our host and the pastor of the orphanage a game of badminton. My teammate and I got our clocks cleaned, but that was great fun. So, by this time it was extremely PANAS...that means hot. The heat and humidity was easily close to 100 degrees. All during this time I had Mark working. You see, I am the boss....I get to play with the kids and Mark get to work with the pastor and staff. As Mark says, he is just the "sheepole." You ask him about that one.

Mark worked had asking questions and gathering data for us, but it was time to play soccer. So, waiting for Mark to finish gave me a moment to cool off and drink 2 litters of water in less than a minute. It was during this time that we handed out all the clean canteens that we brought with us. I told all the boys that they had to fill them up with water and we would take them to the soccer pitch. Sure enough they did. We had enough canteens for everyone, and yet it was interesting because the girls didn't realize that they canteen were for them as well. They stood by politely until I clued in as to what was going on and then I made sure that they all took one as well.

Mark FINALLY finished working...man alive it was about time and we were going to play soccer. But Mark decided to stay back at the orphanage to play with the kids who were not going to play. So, the boys and went to walk about 15 min to the pitch along the way we witnessed a motorcycle accident. Their motor cycles are our scooters, but it was an amazing crash none the less. Both riders walked away with minimal damage, but it was scary. As we walked through the area, every eye was on the foreigner. People would come out of their homes to watch me walk with the boys and some even got on their scooters to see where we were going. So, here is this huge Londo Gamuk (Fat white guy) walking with all these boys, and what a sight it was. I am wearing my glasses, my New Hope golf shirt, shorts and my Jamaica head band. as one of the kids at the orphanage said: "I looked like a robber."

We finally made it to the pitch and played a group of Javaneese kids. What a bunch of fun! The most interesting thing was that this was a dirt pitch, but it was also used as road for cars and scooters. Now, add a Londo Gamuk standing in the goal at one end...and it was a sight to see cars and scooters slow down and take a double look. The game was 1 - 1 when we had to call it due to rain and the kids had to be back for 5:30. We started walking back when the clouds opened up and the rain came down....I WAS SOAKED. By the time we made it back everyone was under the roof waiting for us and there was a thunderous roar from the kids as they saw me like a wet rat. I had the opportunity to take a traditional Indonesian shower and freshen up...the orphanage does not have our style of showers, you have a ladle and a tub of water from which to draw from and you pour....

Our interpreter was with me and he was soaked as well. I had brough an extra shirt with me, justin case....it was the Youth Jamaica Team shirt that they gave me. I presented to our interpreter to put on and he did....We are not sure if we got a picture but you have to imagine this little man with my shirt on him, it went down to his knees. It was great, and he was grateful! And I told him what the shirt was about and how it was from and that meant the world to him. He wore it to dinner tonight, underneath his coat! :)

The following took place from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm.

We started our day by visiting a local Christian radio station that broadcasts all types of Christian influenced programing from music to Pentecostal preaching. It was the station on the radio in the van that we were in all the time. On my last visit to Indonesia I was interviewed on that station, so it was interesting to see just how far they developed the station. The outreach from the station is amazing and not something we in the west would expect from a country like Indonesia.

After our visit at the orphanage, both mark and realized that the kids were missing something. Some serious toys! Yes, I said it, toys. So we were on a mission to find a sporting goods store and we did! Not only was it a sporting goods store but also a music store (Sam would be impressed). Sporting goods on one side and music on the other. The owner is Christian and because our host has dealt with him before he gave us a discount on all that we purchased.

So this is how it started. We were looking for a portable basketball backboard, actually two and we found 2. So, we added 4 basketballs, a badminton set (net, rackets and birdies) and new ping pong paddles. Last night they were having problems with their micas and amps so we also bought two new mics and a new amp. Of course we tested the system before we bought it. We were worried as to how we were going to get everything in our van. BTW vans are a little smaller here! Then we find out that they were going to deliver all the material for us. So, we did not tell the orphanage that the gifts were coming! I would have loved to see their expression when the truck pulled up.

After all that we went for a quick bit to eat and then off to the orphanage!

The following took place from 6:00 am to 10:00 am

Well, we probably woke up before 6 am, but I will say 6 for the blog. After just the morning easy and then going down for breakfast, we made our way outside to the pool to wait for our ride...this was about at 9 am. Yes, RIGHT! Suffering for Jesus poolside! So, when I got down there, Mark was topless, no seriously he was... and soon I was too. We sat for about 30 mins in the sun...and we both got burnt. 30 mins at 9:30 am... that is hot!

At 10 am our ride came to pick us up.

The following took place between 10:00 pm and 10:15 pm.

I have been working on the blog and I had the opportunity to greet Soul Sanctuary! I am praying that God will speak through out Youth Missions team as they share about their experience in Jamaica Mon! We are up for breakfast when I get up! Our ride picks us up tomorrow at 10:00.....and then a new adventure begins before we arrive at the orphanage again...and we are planning huge soccer game.

The following took place 1:30 pm until 7:00 pm

We drove down some roads that reminded us of Winnipeg's pot hole situation. Naw, Winnipeg is worse. And we pulled up to the orphanage that we sponsor. No sooner that when we got out of the van than we were swarmed by mainly girls grabbing our hands, holding our arms, smiling and so appreciative that we came to see them. I was moved to tears and this was only the first of many throughout the day.

We passed out the blue wristband to everyone reminding them that this was a gift from our kids to them! we have some great pictures of that. We had suckers, some frisbees and a couple of little foam footballs and of course, soccer balls. All of these were such a hit with the kids, the youngest being in grade 7. We played soccer and passed the frisbees and tossed the footballs for a while, then the kids sang us a song! INCREDIBLE!

Mark and I had a tour of the place and then we had lunch....more food! After that we just hung out with the kids asking questions and answering their questions. But when the girls found out I had four boys! Look out!

We took the boys for a walk around the area and saw the town, then it was the girls turn. Our interpreter was getting really tired as he kept trying to keep up in the sun and the heat! WE HAD A BLAST!

At 5:30 we went into the meeting area and had a time of worship and prayer and testimony with the kids. WAS THIS EVER MOVING. Not only could these kids sing, but they also could worship. The tears that were shed by the kids, shook me to the core. We heard a testimony from one of the boys and the presence of God was so strong during our time together I cannot wait to show the video to Soul.

At 7 our ride came to take us back to the hotel and now both Mark and I are in a place of reflection. Praying for Soul Sanctuary this evening!

Any questions? Feel free to ask! .

The following took place from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

LUNCH! Need I say more? The Indonesian hospitality is absolutely incredible and the variety of food is to die for. Today we went to a traditional Javaneese establishment and again FANTASTIC and they had quail eggs, of which I indulged. Not to mention all sorts of meat and I had a dish simular to spinach, but it was papaya leaf (With red chili peppers) DID I SAY FANTASTIC?

We also had the opportunity to talk with the evangelist and ask very direct questions about how ministry is done in Indonesia. we were enlightened and encouraged that God is at work in this country in such a way that is NOT reported in main stream media. We were blessed beyond belief and encouraged. All I can say is what out, next Sunday is Easter! Be ready!

The following took place from 6:30 am to 9:30 am.

Yes, you read it right, a 3 hour service. This would make the most passive of Mennonites rebel in Canada, BUT WAIT! We are in a Mennonite church, but it is in Indonesia. From the onset of the very first song you sensed the very real presence of GOD. They sang, and sang and sang with gusto. Some of the choruses we knew, some of the hymns we knew but for the more part, we worshipped along, not knowing the language. They had a special pastor today, and no it is not me. It was an evangelist! And when I say evangelist, this brother was Pentecostal to the core. (Mark thought he was in heaven) .

The pastor is known for a healing ministry here in Indonesia and Pentecost came to a Mennonite church today. As the pastor preached, he was funny, captivating, dynamic and direct. At one point he showed a video of people being healed in his church and I hope to receive that video so that I can share it with Soul. He also used another video to illustrate a point...this guy was good!

But the climax of the morning was when he gave the altar call to come and receive healing. I HAVE NEVER SEEN people rush to the front of the church like I did today. I mean RUSH! This church had never had a service like this before and it was evident that they wanted a tangible experience from GOD. There were two altar calls and it was like an old time camp meeting with people being prayed for, moved by the Holy Spirit and some falling under the power of the Holy Spirit.

I had the opportunity to lay hands on one man and he broken down in such a manner that it moved me to tears. The presence of God was so rich this morning, that we left speechless and uplifted.

The following took place from 5:30 am to 6:30 am

Mark got up a little earlier than me because he wanted breakfast and went down for a little bit before our ride was to pick us up at 6:00 am for church. My breakfast was St. Arbucks VIA. mmmmmm Anyway, at 6 we left the hotel and had to cross the main street, and to our surprise the entire main street was closed to vechiles and open only to pedestrians. It was Wellington Cres at a whole new level. There must have been thousands of people out for a Sunday morning walk. I am talking 6:00 am and the road was closed to major traffic until 9 or 10 am. After the initial shock of watching Indonesian participaction...we were off to church.

The following took place from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Supper! Why is it I am always writing about food? Because it is so good out here! We were taken for dinner to a local restaurant and as we walked in we were greeted with a few familiar faces. There were a number of the students who are a part of our scholarship program, that we met earlier in the week as well as a graduate. Not to mention their families showed up as well. Not too mention that a number of people from the local church showed up. Mark and I estimate that there were about 60 people there tonight. We talked and laughed and I heard from parents just how much they appreciated how your gifts have contributed to the well being of their children and ultimately their families.
Tonight is touching as you genuinely feel the appreciattion for all that YOU have done!

I had the opportunity to phone John E while he was at hockey and he talked with our interpreter who was THRILLED to talk to someone in Canada. Our interpreter has a radio show in which he uses to teach people English. After numerous pictures we have finally made our way back to the hotel only to be up and ready by 6 am for church. Hopefully that should not be a problem for us since we don't sleep through the night. Mark is worried about getting breakfast before church, but I know we will be doing breakfast after church. FOOD! I wonder if Mark's wife is aware as to how much this guy eats?

Until we eat, I mean meet, again!

The Following takes place from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Mark and I went exploring around the hotel to see what there is and to familiarize ourself with the area. Needless to say, we found the pool! Yes, because it is so hot and humid we went for a quick dip. We made our way back to the hotel and now we are off to walk around the area and explore. At 6:00 we have Dinner! YEAH! We will be having dinner with a number of students who have had their education sponsored over the last 8 years. Promising to be a good time, but now we are off exploring the neighborhood!

The following takes place from 11:30 am 1:30

LUNCH! But before that we went to the office of Pak Paulus and he began to show us what he now des for the MDS. Mennonite Diakonos Service. He administers relief for various areas around Indonesia. He has helped out after the tsunami hit Indonesia, earthquakes and flash floods and the list goes on. He is an arm of the MCC and he also works for conflict resolution between Islam and Christianity. Pak Paulus presented me with a plaque as well a hand carved bust of......wait for it.......wait for it......wait for it..... ahhh you will have to wait until I get home.

Enough said! We had lunch with Pak Paulus and his family, the pastor of the local church that we will be attending tomorrow and Susilannie.
We were informed that tomorrow there is a special speaker with a healing ministry! NO IT IS NOT ME! But I am sure that it will be a great service. BTW it starts at 6:30 am!

We have now checked into our hotel.

The Following takes place from 10:30 am to 11:30 am

We are in Solo and arrived safely at our hosts house. Pak Paulus is our connection here in Solo and we were by him and our old (from 8 years ago) interpreter Freddy! We promptly went to the elementary school where we raised the funds to have a state of the art English computer lab installed. I was impressed. I asked that the teacher pull in a few students to show me how it works and it was amazing to see how excited the kids got when they could participate. Without question, this has been one of the biggest and best investments that we have made. The room is dedicated to the memory of Alana Fife and I had the opportunity to see the plaque that they made in her memory.
I must admit, there has been a tug at my heart as I remembered Alanna. I believe that she would be proud to see this done for the children of Indonesia.