During April, we spent time with our Indonesian colleagues discussing TWR project options that could bring relief to young parents among poor people in Indonesia. While I was there I heard many tragic stories of families struggling with poverty, but one mother’s story has stayed with me since.
Poverty in Indonesia is a world away from my experience. Yet for Mariati, struggling to feed her children was just the beginning. Mariati’s husband was locked in gambling addiction. He stole from his own home, plunging them into debt, and became violent when she tried to stop him.
Mariati felt helpless to save her children from going hungry, and despaired. Until by chance she switched her radio to TWR’s broadcast and was taught to pray. She began praying with her children. And one day her husband quietly joined them…
Since then, the family has given their lives to Christ, Mariati’s husband stopped gambling and they have the best chance they’ve ever had to work their way out of the devastating cycle of poverty.
Stories like Mariati’s underpin the TWR – Indonesia and TWR – Australia agreement to a test a new broadcasting model during 2009. Over the next few years this model could see hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of young Indonesian parents and young people becoming healthier and better equipped as parents. We’re also praying that God will weave miracles in people’s lives.
Indonesia is an amazing country of nearly 240 million people. Some say that 25% lean towards the teachings of Jesus.
The desired outcome is to see changed lives among individuals, families and communities. The new model will be designed to promote life-enhancing health and educational messages, and community-building initiatives designed to release people from dysfunctional physical, emotional and spiritual circumstances in which they find themselves. (Luke 4: 18, 19)
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