At our age, we are somewhat reluctant to leave the comfort of our own home and go to another country. In our life time, we had travelled much especially during the last four years as the International Secretary for South Pacific and East Asia prior to retirement. Altogether, we had visited 26 countries and lived in six during our active officership.
Anyway, we responded positively to an invitation to join a group to visit Batam, Indonesia. They Army has started work on this island. So on 30th April, Madam Low Mui Lang, Ivoine Tang, Helen Ho, my wife and myself formed the group.
We left on Saturday and spent the weekend there. Monday being Labour Day was a public holiday in Singapore. The ferry was crowded, but we got there safely. We were warmly welcomed by the officers and taken to one of the Outposts where we had the welcome meal given by the hospitable Indonesians.
We went to our Hotel some distance away - Hotel Punuin. We had a good night's sleep and woke up early to have breakfast. We attended the Sunday morning meeting at the Outpost. I was asked to give my testimony. I complied and spoke in Malay which is similar to Indonesians. Madam Low also testified.
It was a good meeting conducted by the Corps Officers - the wife led and husband gave the message in Indonesian. He kept on emphasizing on our One Army, One Mission that is to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ. After the meeting, we were treated to a lovely lunch provided by Indonesian salvationists. They came from different parts of the country as far as Jakarta and Palu.
That evening we were taken to another Outpost. The officers informed us that they hope to purchase the adjoining land and build our church. The building was made of wood and zinc, very simple structure. The attendance was good. My wife was asked to give her testimony. This time Captain Eko Wandono led the meeting and his wife gave a powerful message.
In between meetings were able to tour the island.
By the time we got back to the hotel it was quite late, We had to be up very early at 5-00 am. and left the hotel at 5.30 a.m. without breakfast. The van took us to the harbour where we boarded the 7.20 a.m. ferry for home.
Well the best part of the roaming is the homing. We had a lovely weekend, Praise be to God.
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