‘I’m no longer broken!’ These words, spoken two years ago by a pastor who is a leader in an LCA partner church of 300,000 people in Indonesia, continue to touch my heart and remind me of the power of the gospel. As I began a four-hour seminar with leaders of that church, along with their […]
Living in the physical darkness of the Indonesian rainforest and the spiritual darkness of the religion of their ancestors, the Suku Anak Dalam are a nomadic people from Sumatra who survive by hunting, foraging and trading. Otherwise known as the Sanak people, their name roughly translates as ‘people of the forest’. With no access to […]
The death of loved ones here in Australia and New Zealand presents us with the heartbreaking reality of grief and the consequences of our fall from God’s original intention for humankind. But for all the heartache we suffer, we can usually count on the ability to bury our dead with dignity and the support of […]
During our retirement, my wife Ruth and I have been blessed with good health and able to volunteer in a number of countries. In each case, there were new faces, a new language and a different culture. As strangers in foreign lands, we knew there would be challenges. But there were also many kindnesses. When […]
‘Selamat Hari Paskah’ means ‘Happy Easter’ for members of the Batak churches of Indonesia. Easter is an all-day celebration despite being a regular workday for most in this predominantly-Muslim South-East Asian nation. Women play a particularly important role in traditional observances which, in many places, begin at 5.00am. Pre-dawn prayer and song In rural areas, […]
Recently Rev Matt Anker, Assistant to the Bishop – LCA International Mission, and Australian Lutheran College (ALC) Principal, James Winderlich, signed an agreement that will see LCA International Mission and ALC jointly support the continuing development of a Lutheran Study Centre in Pematang Siantar, North Sumatra, Indonesia. With LCA International Mission managing this partner-church relationship, […]
In 2004, Rosemary Winderlich resigned from several positions and completed a TESOL course (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). For the next 15 years she was a ViMO (Volunteer in Mission Overseas), with the Angkola Church, a very small, very isolated Batak church in Indonesia, then to Debora Home, also in Indonesia. Panti Asuhan […]
The inauguration of the Luther Study Centre (LSC) in Pemetangsiantar in northern Sumatra has realised a long-held hope of the Lutheran churches of Indonesia. The centre was opened on 4 December 2020, as members of the Indonesian churches were joined online by friends and partners from around the world. Although COVID-19 robbed the participants of […]
I was blessed to have the opportunity to attend a Biblical Reconciliation workshop in Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra, in 2019. These workshops aim to equip and encourage pastors and teachers in Indonesia, and are offered as a service of the Lutheran Church of Australia. The workshop was based on six lessons: Remember whose you are Repent […]
Grace Lutheran College has been partnering with schools in Indonesia since 2006. For many students and staff, the partnering program becomes a highlight of the years they spend at Grace College – connecting with like-minded peers and forming friendships that will last a lifetime. In 2020, students around the world faced new and unfamiliar challenges. […]