Rim of Fire, Ring of Protection, Ray of Hope

by Bob McCroskey

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Indonesia lies in the part of the world designated as the Rim of Fire and characterized by volcanoes and earthquakes. Disasters, both natural and man-made, are a regular part of life here. But it seems that in these last few years we have seen an accelerating pace of major disasters.

In recent months, we have had major flooding in Jakarta, an earthquake in Sumatra, two ferry disasters, and two airplane crashes. Constantly, we are reminded of the ring of protection that God has placed around us. Many times in the past I have been on that plane that crashed in March. In fact, fellow missionary, Larry West, and I were on this very flight 48 hours before it crashed. We are thankful for the many letters, packets, and E-mails sent regularly from family, friends, and fellow Nazarenes around the world assuring us of their faithful prayers. In the midst of all these tragedies, God has opened doors of opportunity and ministry for the Church of the Nazarene to help others and share the gospel.

During the Jakarta flooding and the Java tsunami, our churches became temporary shelters and food distribution points. In the areas of Aceh and Nias, we are operating an ongoing compassionate ministries project helping children overcome the trauma of these disasters. In Yogyakarta we have been helping rebuild earthquake-destroyed homes. A Work and Witness team from the Korea Nazarene University International English Church recently helped rebuild four houses. Please continue to pray for us that we might always be a ray of hope to others.

Bob McCroskey and his wife, Rosa, have been in Indonesia for over 30 years working with Indonesian Nazarenes.

Holiness Today, July/August 2007

 

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