By Alexa Fortney
Our first city stop of four, and wow was it a life-giving experience.
Upon arriving we were greeted by our main missionary contacts, Uria and Krisna (native missionaries), who would end up doing ministry and traveling with us the rest of the journey.
During the few days here, we hosted a full day Women’s conference to serve and encourage Women in and around the city of Batam!
We did this through sharing our stories, Bible teachings, engaging with them in fun activities, and making sure each woman went home with a personal gift that was either a hand-sown feminine hygiene kit, or a market bag (items that were made through Threads of Blessing, a ministry of International Women’s Ministries)!
The same day of the conference, an opportunity became available last minute to visit a local orphanage where there was a girls home of 22 girls and a boys home of 19. It was enlightening connecting with them, and hearing about how the ministry is making an effective impact to help rebuild security in these children and serve as an environment that fosters spiritual growth.
After our visit to the orphanages, we attended and participated in a youth and young adult meeting where we witnessed the joy of the Lord expressed on so many young people’s faces, and a hunger for God that felt palpable.
There were testimonies through the night, but one that stood out to me was at the end when a girl came up to me emotional and deeply touched…I looked at her as tears welled her eyes, and I asked her how I can pray for her.
Her simple response was that she wanted to be closer to Jesus.
PRAISE GOD!!!
She believed, but was now ready to step into full surrender with Him.
The following day, the 3 of us from International Women’s Ministries brought a message to 3 different local churches in Batam!
God moved in Batam and continues to in all of our hearts even after our visit there. It’s amazing what you can learn, experience, and pour out in just a few days.
I am still unpacking all that God did here, meanwhile, I am grateful to invite others into celebrating what HE has done and have faith for what He will continue to do in the hearts of all who were impacted 💛
