Last post?

I feel like I need to post one more time, explaining a few things observed.  Now a slight disclaimer.  For those who will be at our presentation on Sun., you will hear this there - you are forewarned!  I believe I mentioned earlier that Tarutung means "Love of the Cross" and that it is the cradle of Christianity in Indonesia.  German missionaries arrived 120 years ago, evangelized the area, then sent out Batak throughout Indonesia - converting many.  The area around Tarutung was over 90% Christian, at one time.  Now, like America, if you are born Batak, you are a christian (little 'c' intended).  By the way, for those relatives that may read this, their was a slight error with the Tobin cannibals.  It was actually the Tobing tribe - so we are not related :-) whew!!

The village the farm is outside of is called Huta Namora, which means "Village of the Rich".  We are not sure why :-)

The Dutch owned Indonesia for centuries.  At the start of WW2, Japan ousted the Dutch and took over.  When they were defeated at the end of the war, they began to leave Indonesia.  The Indonesians saw this as a window of opportunity and declared independence - with Japan's help.  In 1949&50, the Dutch attempted to come back and take possesion.  After several years of war with the Indonesians, they gave up. 

This next story was related to us one day as we were having lunch with Turbo, the farm foreman.  2-3 years ago, Turbo, the original owner of the farm property, was 'camping' out on the property, praying for God to bring water to his land.  (There was no 'house' on the land yet).  Suddenly, he saw a large piece of ice on fire.  He heard a voice tell him that in one year a man would come wanting to buy his land and that man would bring water.  A little over a year later, 'R' heard about this land for sale and went out to see it.  As soon as Turbo saw him, he 'heard' or sensed that this was the man that would bring water.  Interestingly, to me, is that 'R' is from Alaska (the ice?).  Turbo sold him some land and leased him some other and that is how the farm began.

Another observation is 'R' & 'H's visions for the farm and cows.  'R' wants to provide another protein source for the people.  Beef is rare and expensive.  He is hoping to be able to sell enough beef to lower the price of it and of water buffalo so that almost anyone can afford it.  He is also looking at selling milk, door to door, as a protein (meat) alternative.  He wants to start a discipleship school at the farm that would train those nursing students that follow 'the Way' in sharing and farming, then send them out to villages that need all 3!  He is also hoping to have some English classes at the hospital compound to improve the chances of success for those who attend and to share the Truth.  'H's vision is similar, yet different.  He is looking at the dairy to provide milk to schoolchildren at low or no cost.  He doens't think the beef will make a difference as the people have no taste for it.  He would like to see more citrus and/or vegetables with a co-op started to help the farmers market their crops.  He wants English classes at the compound house for the same reason as 'R'.  It is possible there may be two ministries before it is all said and done!

'R' is seriously wanting us to partner with him.  As his last child is graduating this year and moving to the states for school, he is wanting to spend part of every year here to be with kids and grandkids (can't blame him for that one).  He would like us to spend part of every year in Indonesia (conveniently the part that he is gone) overseeing the farm and ministry.  This would be a radical change for us!!  We could see ourselves going back again, but not sure when or for how long.  Obviously, much prayer is needed!  .

I hope this has tied up any loose ends and is clearer than mud!!  I will check back a few times in case anyone has any questions that I didn't address.  This has been fun, but I think it's purpose is over.  Until next year!!