According to an article in yesterday's Indonesian newspaper

Since last Wednesday (23/03/2016), South Jakarta Metro Police have investigated seven suspected cases of exploitation and trafficking of children. From the results of the investigation, the police succeeded in proving the existence of a child trafficking syndicate in Jakarta.

One of our "at risk" kids saved from the possibility of human trafficking. Thanks to our donors she will continue to grow up in a loving, caring environment where she will be educated, choose a trade or profession, be able to make a living, make her own choices and determine her own future. 

Eating out is always fun.

Two of our school-aged children and two of our babies with their care givers had lunch in the Mall yesterday. 

Two of our "at risk" babies enjoying the day at an amusement park in Jakarta.

A trip to the grocery store.

 Two of our babies with two of our school age kids. 

We are family. 

A Little Field Trip

Sometimes it's good to just get out of the house for a while.

 

Daniel holding Daniella after the wedding.

 

 

Watching a sea lion show at Ancol -- an amusement park near the ocean. 

 Picnic near the beach. 

More Photos of Ria's Wedding

Preparations For A Toba Batak Wedding

Today and tomorrow I will be posting photos of a wedding being conducted at Connor's House. Today everyone is busy making preparations. First the multi-purpose room where all our classes, seminars and public meetings are conducted is being dressed up to look more like a place for a Batak traditional marriage ceremony. The bride is one of my English language students whom Daniel has been working with in my absence and Daniel will officiate at the wedding. The marriage is a kind of arranged marriage. When both Ria and her intended were still children the parents of both families had agreed that the two would be married someday. The years passed and the arrangement was neglected or forgotten. Only recently the two met and made their own decision to make a lifetime commitment to each other. The bottom photo here shows the women preparing the food that will be served. More photos tomorrow. Oh, most of the natives of the province of North Sumatra, Sumatra are members of the Batak tribe of Indonesians. The Bataks are divided into several different sub-tribes one of which is the Karo Batak tribe among whom we worked from 1968 until 1970. One of the largest of the sub-tribes is probably the Toba Batak tribe. Each of the sub-tribes speaks its own language and has its own culture. 

If you're interested in learning more about the Batak people and culture, use the following link to a good article with many photos highlighting the history and culture of these interesting people. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batak

   

Most Recent Photo of Our Latest Baby

"T" this morning. Our latest baby.

The Seminar

About 30 people attended our Bible seminar today conducted at Connor's House by Colin McKee and Daniel Setiabudi. There were members from at least 2 other congregations plus a few listeners to our weekly radio program made possible by World Radio. The seminar consisted of two lecture sessions plus a question/answer session. These seminars usually start around 9:00 or 10:00 and end by 2:00 or 2:30 PM. Food and drink is provided for all in attendance. 

Colin & Ellen McKee arrive in Bekasi March 6, 2016

Long time missionaries, Colin and Ellen McKee, worked together with Jeanie and me in Medan, N Sumatra and Tanah Karo for the first three years we were in Indonesia. My family then moved to Jakarta to carry on the work there; but, Colin and Ellen stayed behind in Sumatra until Colin's health forced a return to America. Later they returned to Jakarta and worked for several more years. Now they make annual trips to the islands preaching, teaching and encouraging everyone they meet. Colin's lanuage ability far out-ranks mine and he helps us with our translating and printing efforts. He also serves on the Advisory Board of our Indonesian foundation through which Daniel and I now work. It's always a pleasure to have these two visit us at Connor's House. Colin will conduct a Bible seminar in the coming days before proceding on to help the work in other locations. We pray that God will give them many more years of active service in our archipelago.

Of A Personal Nature: Latest photo of "T."

Of A Personal Nature: Latest photo of "T."

Latest photo of "T."

All our babies and older children are healthy and growing in all the normal ways.

Through a third party, we have learned that two mothers who were to deliver their babies at Connor's House will not be able to come. Our third party tells us that they have been told they cannot leave their place of employment until all their bills are paid. If we knew where these women were being held and if we were convinced that they were being held against their will, we would know what to do. But at this point, there isn't much we can do. 

Please pray for the babies.