spicy vegetables we head off to bed for a good
night’s sleep before the adventure begins.
The mornings always start with prayer at 5:30am.
All of the village – children, leaders and visitors,
assemble in the large church hall. We sit on the
floor and the youth begin to lead the prayer time
with beautiful singing. It rises up as one voice with
glorious harmony and fills the air. I always find
myself teary eyed as I hear these children worship
Jesus.
How wonderful that in the middle of this
jungle that has in the past been characterized by violent tribal wars, cannibalism, fear and neglect – the healing presence of Jesus is present. What a privilege
to come here and be a part of this miracle.
Over the next few weeks the daily routine for Toni
and I consists of countless appointments to examine the children’s teeth and then schedule any
work that needs to be done. Toni is able to do
basic dentistry at the village in the well-stocked
surgery. Fillings, extractions and cleaning – it is
hard to believe we are in the middle of the jungle
as I look around at the first class facilities that
have been provided here for the children.
The Indonesian children are so brave. They sit
quietly and allow Toni to extract and fill teeth
with no fuss. The tightening grip on my hand is
often the only give away that they are anxious.
The older youth take turns translating for us
and we practise a few words of explanation and
comfort in Indonesian. When the day at the clinic
is over and we’ve had our third meal of rice and
veggies, we spend the evenings sitting in the
undercover area playing games with the children
or help them practise their English.
These children all have a story of how
their lives have been changed for good
by coming to the village.
Many were very sick and neglected. Some have
suffered terrible abuse that has taken many
months to heal. All will tell you that they are so
Page 37