Jakarta Under Water

Flooding continues all over Jakarta. Some report that it is worse this year than most. I still remember when it was a meter high in my bedroom when I lived in Menteng in 1977.

Un-wed Mothers

It is possible that there might be a 20-year-old unwed mother out there who is in great fear of family members finding out. In cases of this kind it is not unusual for an unwed mother to think of aborting the child. Some times they even take medicines for this purpose. We, of course, are opposed to abortion and offer loving care for mothers like this providing pre-natal care until the birth and continuing care of the baby afterwards. Please pray that all unwed mothers will take advantage of the care we could provide. Thanks.

Another Unwed Mother

We have just learned that one of the ladies that works for us (cooking, laundry, ironing, house cleaning) got married last year on one of her visits to her village but without knowing that the groom was already married. This can be legal in Indonesia as Islam allows a man to have 4 wives if he can adequately care for all of them. Our servant, however, does not want to be a 2nd wife and so divorced him soon after the marriage. Later she realized that she was pregnant. We noticed that she was gaining weight but didn't realize her true condition until earlier this week when she asked for our help. Yesterday we took her to a doctor to start prenatal care and we will continue to do this until she gives birth. Whether or not we are able to keep the baby will depend upon the "husband"; but at this time he is still not wanting to accept the divorce. In the mean time, medical help is needed and we will provide it. We, of course, believe that it is in the best interest of the mother and baby to stay in Connor's House so that the baby can be educated in private schools and perhaps even through the University level. We ask for your prayers in this case.

Daniella and flooding

Flooding in Jakarta today and a new photo of Daniella just received this morning. She's a doll...! I asked Daniel to attach her to an email and send her to us here in the States. Wouldn't that be wonderful if it were possible??? Anyway, enjoy the photos.

Traveling

Haven't posted for a few weeks. I've been traveling. Made a trip to Oklahoma, eastern Iowa, south central Iowa, south central Nebraska and this Sunday I'm headed to a congregation north of Fremont here in Nebraska. I enjoy these trips and meeting new people and making new friends while raising additional funds for our work in Jakarta. While going through some old photo albums I found this photo taken back about 1974. It's a photo of the congregation that met in central Jakarta at that time. Thought it was interesting.

Happy Thanksgiving

The family photo is of Daniel Setiabudi, Naomi (his wife), Michael (his youngest), Eliza(his first born) and Jessica. Eliza has two children of her own. The other photos are of the new babies (Daniella and Queen) in Connor's House plus one that includes one of the mothers. Things are going well with the new ones. They are healthy and growing. These photos were received just this morning. If we don't get to post anything before next week...let us wish all of our supporters a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving Holiday. Your prayers and donations are what make this work possible. Thanks.

Giving Unwed Mothers New Hope For The Future

Taking care of unwed mothers until they give birth is not the end of the story. Do we send the unwed mother back into the same situation from which she came? If we do, many of these women will be abused verbally or otherwise for bringing "shame" upon the family unit. Even though she wears no "scarlet letter", the neighbors, in some cases, will know of her situation and have no sympathy or understanding. Both in the family and in the neighborhood she might well be an outcast. We would rather help her learn a new skill, or set her up in a small business of her own where she can make a living for herself, have hope for a brighter future and not be at the mercy of others. But it takes money to do this kind of thing. That's why I'm not bashful about asking for your help. Even a small donation might tip the scales in her favor. I thank you in advance.