Ang runs an engine
repair business on a small island just off the coast of Indonesia.
Although not many people in this nation are Christian, most people on
the island where Ang lives are nominal Christians. He was raised in a
Christian home, yet never had an intimate experience with Jesus Christ.
“My life was instead characterized by the works of the flesh, including
dishonesty, irreverence, and self-indulgence,” Ang explains.
Still, Ang was open to Christianity, and when a friend invited him to
an evangelical church service, he accepted. “I felt out of place and
embarrassed," Ang says. "I could not keep up with the songs or relate to
the worship, so I left before the service ended.”
Hunger for God.
But the experience stayed with him. He was moved by the way the
people in the evangelical church prayed directly to Jesus, not through
other people. “The smiles and joy that people wore and the intense way
they worshipped touched off a spiritual fervor in me and a swelling
hunger for God,” Ang says “The next Sunday, I went back to that church
to worship and sing praises to the Lord”
After the service, Ang began going to a Bible study. "This is where my
understanding and practical knowlege really took off," Ang smiles.
"After a few months, I was leading Bible studies, and I became both a
Sunday school teacher and youth leader at the church."
The pastor recognized his leadership gifts, and chose Ang to attend
one of Bible League International’s church planter training classes.
Church leaders are trained to establish new churches, many in areas with
no previous evangelical presence. In Ang’s country, more than 80% of
the population is Muslim, and less than 9% is Christian.
“With this training, I was able to establish a church on this
island,” Ang rejoices. “My vision is to share the Good News with every
person on this island and help new Christians grow in their faith.”
Read more about our work on our website
www.bibleleague.com.au
