Help Continue the Work of the Church in Indonesia through Healthcare
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Alex Goodwin- OCMC- November 2015
Last month, the OCMC was blessed to welcome Fr. Lazarus Sucanto from Indonesia. While with the staff, he shared how the Church is growing in Indonesia, but also some of the challenges that the Church faces as it tries to more fully establish itself in a country of more than 250 million people, only about 10% of whom consider themselves Christian. It has taken years, but Indonesia is now home to over 20 Orthodox communities. Many are small and gather for worship in the homes of fellow believers. Orthodoxy in Indonesia, however, is by no means hidden. The Indonesian Orthodox have chosen to express their faith in some truly beautiful ways. Throughout the country, there are Orthodox Christian schools, an orphanage, feeding programs, and even a hospital.
OCMC sent its first short-term mission team to Indonesia in 2015. Team members visited several communities, offered catechism, and taught the faith. The Indonesian people were strengthened by the team members’ service, not just through what they taught, but through the bonds of fellowship that grew over the time that the team was there. They also learned of how the Church in Indonesia would like to partner with the Church in North America. The next step in this partnership will take place in May 2016 when another team will assist with healthcare outreach at the Theotokos Orthodox Hospital in Medan, North Sumatra from the 9th to the 21st. This team will also help with the continuing education of the hospital staff.
Pediatricians, gynecologists, dentists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to apply. This team will not only provide much-needed care, but also show Christ-like love to the Indonesian people. If you or anyone you know would be a good fit for this team, visit http://www.ocmc.org/about/view_team.aspx?TeamId=177, e-mail teams@ocmc.org, or call 1-877-463-6784 ext. 141 for more information or to apply.
