Living in South Central Timor District comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to communication signals. In this district, tucked away behind hills, accessing the internet is far from easy. However, a recent afternoon proved to be an exception. As I accompanied Rev. Maxen, the pastor who graciously provided transportation, we ascended a hill, and to our surprise, the cell phone signal strengthened. Dozens of delayed notifications flooded in, but I resisted the urge to check them, focusing instead on navigating the steep and muddy path ahead.
The timing was fortuitous, for Pastor Maxen had cautioned us the day before that any rain would force us to cancel our visit to Pastor Yoktan's house and church. Fortunately, we were blessed with clear skies the next day. Anticipating the unpredictable weather, we wasted no time and embarked on our journey. However, it remained a time-consuming endeavor. The car could only take us as far as the end of the asphalt road. Beyond that point, we had to traverse muddy terrain, impassable for a regular vehicle.
Living in South Central Timor District comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to communication signals. In this district, tucked away behind hills, accessing the internet is far from easy. However, a recent afternoon proved to be an exception. As I accompanied Rev. Maxen, the pastor who graciously provided transportation, we ascended a hill, and to our surprise, the cell phone signal strengthened. Dozens of delayed notifications flooded in, but I resisted the urge to check them, focusing instead on navigating the steep and muddy path ahead.
Rev. Yoktan, co-pastor alongside Rev. Maxen, faced an even greater challenge in his ministry's geographical location. We sweated under the scorching sun as we walked a two-kilometer path, devoid of houses or electricity poles. Yet, amidst the weariness, there was a certain beauty in the arduous journey. Rev. Maxen, with his observant eyes, paused for a moment, plucking ripe guavas from the trees that lined the roadside.
"Does no one else have these fruits?" I asked, gratefully accepting a
guava from him.
"No one does. All these plants belong to us," he chuckled, continuing
to gather guavas for everyone.
After approximately forty minutes, we arrived at a modest church enclosed by a wooden fence. It was here that Rev. Yoktan faithfully shepherded his congregation for many years. Rev. Yoktan himself exuded simplicity, warmly greeting us and inviting us inside, despite our muddy feet potentially soiling the freshly mopped church floor.
"It's alright, come in," Rev. Yoktan assured us, dismissing any concerns about the dirty floor.
Beside him stood his devoted wife, a pillar of support in his ministry. Once we had cooled down, our discussion commenced. We delved deeper into the details of Project Light's missionary work and the transformative potential held within the Light Packages we carried.
Rev. Yoktan's congregation consisted of a small number—approximately 15 families residing in the village. Worship services were carried out with minimal resources. While there was a loudspeaker in the church building, it relied on electricity from a generator. However, even fueling the generator posed a significant challenge, given the treacherous terrain that had to be traversed. Moreover, Rev. Yoktan did not own a vehicle.
Intrigued by the hardships faced by the congregation, I posed a question to Rev. Yoktan.
"With such minimal resources and living in such remote conditions, how do you find fulfillment and joy?" I asked deliberately, noting the absence of fatigue or sorrow on his face.
He chuckled before answering, "All of this is because of my calling... If it weren't for the calling, we wouldn't have persevered. But when God calls, He also equips."
The word "calling" echoed resolutely within the walls of the simple church, now marked by our muddy footprints
Living out God's calling is far from a smooth voyage through calm waters and blooming gardens. It entails braving severe storms, enduring heart-wrenching losses, and grappling with moments of loneliness and helplessness. Yet, as Pastor Yoktan wisely shared, when one's calling is rooted in God's divine plan, an unwavering strength emerges, enabling individuals to persevere and experience remarkable growth along the way.
In the quietest corner of the hill, nestled within the smallest locality, reside fifteen families who hold a special place in Pastor Yoktan's heart and soul. Together with his devoted wife, Pastor Yoktan dedicates himself not only to encouraging their attendance at weekly services but also to nurturing their personal fellowship with Christ. It was, therefore, no surprise that Pastor Yoktan radiated enthusiasm upon receiving news of an impending visit from the Project Light mission ministry team. Witnessing the neatly packed Light Package, prepared to bless his congregation, filled him with deep emotion.
Time flew by in a warm and engaging discussion with Rev. Yoktan, extending well over an hour. We yearned to linger and savor more captivating stories, but Pastor Maxen's timely reminder of approaching clouds served as a cue. An impending downpour would undoubtedly complicate our journey home.
Before bidding farewell, we united in prayer and were kindly invited to witness the warmth of Rev. Yoktan's abode. His traditional wooden house, topped with a thatched roof, exuded a serene charm. Its oval-shaped design, reminiscent of the honai houses found in traditional Papuan culture, effectively regulated temperatures, offering comfort during both day and night.
The modesty demonstrated by Rev. Yoktan during our encounter served as a powerful reminder in an era when personal comfort often takes precedence. It highlighted the existence of individuals who wholeheartedly devote themselves to the service of God. Rev. Yoktan's relentless struggle to nurture his congregation deserves our prayers and unwavering support through the mission ministry of Project Light.
ODB friends, the Project Light mission ministry represents our shared commitment to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible accessible and comprehensible to all, including Christian families residing in remote regions devoid of electricity. Hand in hand with pastors from local churches, the dedicated ODB team endeavors to ensure that the support you generously provide is distributed effectively and efficiently.
Let us continue to support this noble cause and offer our heartfelt prayers. Through the ministry of Project Light, may the radiant Light of God's Word be ever-present, bringing blessings upon every family it touches.