From Katie McNerney

Today, Wednesday, was our last full day of formal teaching with our clients.  We were happy to welcome Brett, who presented the final two P’s, People and Process.  David, Joey, Richard, Larry, and Paul (see picture) acted out the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Mt 20:1-16).  Their performance was so well received, they have decided to stay in Indonesia and pursue their acting careers full time.  They plan to try out for of one reality tv show here in which Westerners take on the roles of Indonesian works, such as tuk tuk drivers (see picture) and spice vendors.  The prize is 100,000 rupiah  (~US$10).

Richard, David, and Joey performing the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

Amy showed her true speaking talents again with a thought-provoking presentation on the topic of affirmations.  Several clients commented on how her words sincerely impacted them.  Her client, Cakra, went to the store at lunchtime and bought a cake to celebrate his birthday.

Brett led the clients in a discussion about the sphere of influence.  Each client took time to think about the number of people they interact with in their family, church, business, and community.  It was encouraging to see so many of them realize that they have the potential to make a major impact on Indonesia. 

In the afternoon, the clients got together in their Triplets, the small groups in which they will meet after the end of the venture.  We encourage our clients to meet regularly to share their repurposing experiences.  For many of our clients who are business owners or entrepreneurs, they haven’t had time to cultivate friendships with other businesses.  This structured network will provide opportunities to connect and share networks.

We wrapped up the day in prayers of thanksgiving to God.  He has shown up in big ways every day during this venture, and we are grateful to Him and His powerful work.

It is not my official day to report… actually, I don’t have a day to report, but while the team is sleeping I thought I would sneak in a note. This is Brett Johnson and I flew in to Jakarta yesterday afternoon. I am pleased to report that the team is doing very well. I met all of them, except Larry who was off in another part of the country. He is well matched with his cient. It is always so exciting to see the dual work that God is doing in the clients and consultants. Bob and Amy briefed me when I arrived. Amy is finding her New York roots useful and attaining a new level of sanctification in dealing with the hotel staff. She and David are being a great support to Bob on Ops. Each team member is making a special contribution. Stella is glowing… I thought it was a God thing, but since heard a past client paid for the women to all have facials! Whatever it is, she is shining. Paul came back with some great stories after a stretching day with his client where much was accomplished in the Spirit… he had a New Testament kind of day, which he can best describe for you at a later stage. Richard continues to play bumper cars with his client, although yesterday he got bumped by Amy on the go cart track, I hear. (This he did only after going with Paul to anoint some factory equipment etc. with oil. Jessica Pillay was in on this action too.) Speaking of Jessica, she got the full Chinese alternate medicine treatment on a sore foot…. don’t know what the problem was, but it sure smelled good. Strong, but good, if you like curry. Katie continues to make up for lost time by eating fish on a routine basis. She is totally blessed by her client. Joey has had some recent progress with his client who has had challenges… the earthquake has had its toll on customers, extended families. etc. and this included Joey’s client.

I have heard excellent reports on the teaching that the team has done. Tonight I get to review scorecards after we wrap up with People and Process today. Tomorrow we do visioning with the clients… always a great day!

Finally, Bob is doing an excellent job leading the team. This is the first team that I have not been on from the outset, and it feels great! Especially when they are in such capable hands. Thanks to all the intercessors in the US, South Africa and elsewhere who are standing in the gap for this team. It continues to be “a good fight” as we reclaim that for which Jesus died: people and households in the marketplace. I had the opportunity to spend time with Bob, Suparno and Seemun, and Julian Foe last night, and we strategized about how to have a deeper impact in Indonesia. These people are a precious gift to us. Pray for our local brothers and sisters who carry the work here.

Unofficially signing off…

Brett Johnson

From Stella Au

Today, we covered 3-P’s: “profit”, “planning”, and “place”.  It was a wonderful day and the teachings were good.  Clients had a chance to think about ministries and actions that they could do to address the giants (problems in the country), actually “super” giants as one of the clients said, in Indonesia.

Amy did a great job teaching about the importance of the place of business.  She used many pictures to illustrate how our senses of smell, sound, sight, touch and taste can tell us about a place.  Katie used the construction of the Transamerica building to show how a building can become a landmark or symbol for a place.

There was a breakthrough for my client.  My client has a fastener trading company.  The breakthrough came when we were working on the “place” section.  Katie asked a good question about “how you can modify your approach to a place to reflect God’s glory in a new way?”  We had been focusing incorrectly on the nuts and bolts (fasteners).  Then we realized that people should be the focus.  My client has a place of business that is visited by many people, i.e. customers, potential customers and the public.  Now, we’re focusing the plan on using the place of business to connect people and to connect people to God.  Also, my client will use the place of business to bless everyone who comes. The company is focused on providing everyone with high quality, good services and products.  Most importantly, discrimination is discouraged in the store.  Every person will receive good quality service and attention regardless of their outward appearance.

Richard led worship in the morning during devotion time to start our day.  At the end of the day, we enjoyed a steak dinner at the Outback Steakhouse.  We had a great time enjoying each other’s company and western style food there.

Stella with her client Lydia

First of all, I want to assure all our supporters and prayer partners that we are all safe and sound here in Jakarta. The 5.9 earthquake was in Yogyakarta. We should keep the affected families in our prayers.

After a long and blessed week of consulting, getting to know our clients, and acclimating to the Indonesian culture, the team had a day of rest. We visited and made announcements for an upcoming marketplace ministry seminar at 3 churches around Jakarta. The church service that Paul, Richard, and Katie visited was conducted in the Indonesian language. What a treat to just feel God’s presence and worship with the people we are serving.

At the church service that Bob, Jessica, and I attended, we were reminded about missionaries – that all of us are missionaries in our immediate areas and that we need love, courage, perseverance, strategy, and teamwork. And, in fact, Indonesia today is similar to the way England was in the year AD 596, before the missionaries came and introduced Christianity. Indonesia is ripe. We must all remember that non-believers are not the enemy; they are the victims, and we must love them.

We were given a great gift today from past clients SeeMun and Suparno — traditional Indonesian massages! How thoughtful and how generous of our dear friends!

And, we finished the day over a delicious fish-filled dinner at our client Johan’s place of business—Naked Fish. We prayed over this place for increased profits and presence. What a great day.