I have been called to serve as a pastor for the Gereja Kristen Protestan Simalungun (GKPS) church. Although my role involves helping other disciples of Jesus in their weakness, I have lived with my own “weakness” since birth. I have an autoimmune disorder which means that my immune system mistakenly attacks my own body tissues. […]

I have been called to serve as a pastor for the Gereja Kristen Protestan Simalungun (GKPS) church. Although my role involves helping other disciples of Jesus in their weakness, I have lived with my own “weakness” since birth.

I have an autoimmune disorder which means that my immune system mistakenly attacks my own body tissues. I need to regularly visit the doctor and I have low vision. There have been times when the doctor has told me I am near to death. There are a lot of reasons why nobody would want to use me, and I believe, those are all the reasons why God chose me.

When I was little my mother was regularly unwell. Anytime she called the church, a pastor came to visit us in our home. This pastor was caring towards my ill mother. He spent time in prayer with my mother and reminded her of God’s faithfulness even when she was feeling frail. It was through his expression of love, that I was inspired to also serve in this way.

After four years, GKPS noticed that, although I am differently abled, God had called me into this pastoral role. Who God calls; he also equips. Moses had a speech impediment. Paul had a thorn in the flesh. We all face struggles. Yet the gospel affirms that this doesn’t disqualify us from being used by God. We do not have to be perfect to be used by God. We are simply invited to be open and willing.

Due to my disability, there are tasks which are typically required of pastors but in which I cannot participate. Yet, as a disabled pastor, I have also realised that my weakness is my strength, as I learn to rely on God in the midst of my disability. Despite my limitations, I can surrender each day to God’s control and lean into the strength which only he can bring. I have even discovered abilities which God has given me that others may not have, and I have learnt the importance of allowing myself to be the recipient of the spiritual gifts which have been given to the body of Christ

In the moments when I am weak and selfish, when I hurt others and live in ways that oppose everything I say I believe, when my fear is overwhelming, when I feel ready to give up, when I doubt and when I feel abandoned, the Holy Spirit speaks his grace to me in the darkness: “I am here. You are so beautiful. Take heart child and know that you stand clean before me, forgiven of your sins, redeemed by the blood of Christ, awaiting your home in heaven.”

All of us, whether able-bodied or disabled, want a sense of belonging. If God can accept us, disabled or otherwise, then we should be able to accept others too. I am so thankful to the Lord because I know he has kept me protected my whole life. He has given me wisdom so that I can surrender my mind to his will. Jesus is my happiness and my rock. I have witnessed his miracles in my life.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Indonesia at www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/indonesia/