Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people! (Ps 66:5)

I love this verse. You can almost hear the excitement in the psalmist’s voice as he can’t wait to tell of what he has witnessed God do. I especially love this verse because it’s how I feel as I return from another trip to Indonesia. I am in awe of what God has done and I want to tell of the “awesome miracles he performs for people!”

One year ago we were in East Java with the Compassion First staff, praying and dreaming about a much needed shelter. A place where teenage girls who have survived the horrific trauma of being trafficked could find sanctuary. A place where they could find hope, begin to heal, and encounter the Savior who says to them, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28).

But a year ago this was only a prayer, only a dream. There was no shelter, no money, no staff; but there was hope. There was hope because we know the God who says, “I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jer 32:27). There was hope because we know the God who “rescues the helpless from the strong” (Ps 35:10) and who uses His people to “rescue the poor and helpless; delivering them from the grasp of evil people” (Ps 82:4).

We returned this February and saw with our own eyes that our hope was not in vain. We witnessed firsthand that God is faithful. Not only did He provide the funding within a year, but He has already provided a shelter, Grace House, which is currently being prepared to open as a refuge for the hurting and brokenhearted. We met the staff that God has provided; incredible people who are working hard, recruiting more staff, and getting everything in place for the first girl. They are selfless people, who are willingly entering into this work that can only be described as authentically Christ-like.

God has answered our prayers. God has made our dreams come true. God is faithful. All of this came flooding into my mind and heart as our team stood in a circle and prayed over Grace House. It was undeniable that God was there with us, and I was struck by the reality of His love, His faithfulness, and His power.

Our God loves. Our God cares. Our God can do anything.

So let’s keep praying, keep dreaming, keep hoping, keep asking.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. (Eph 3:20)

Written By: Pastor Ben Potloff, Grace Community Church (Dallas, Oregon)

Categories: East Java,Updates