June 15, 2007
With more than half the population in Indonesia under the age of 18, The Alliance is gearing up to reach this huge and often neglected people group. “There are many open doors [to minister to children] in Indonesia because kids matter to God,” says C&MA missionary Judy Gaskin, who has been networking with groups such as Children at Risk, Compassion International, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Awana, and Kids’ EE to bring the love of Jesus to the youth of Indonesia.
One way The Alliance in Indonesia has been meeting the need for outreach to young people is by training and equipping Sunday school and children’s ministry leaders. In addition, the Awana program has been introduced at Alliance churches in Indonesia. “Praise God for this wonderful opportunity to evangelize and disciple thousands of C&MA children in God’s Word,” says Gaskin.
C&MA camping ministries also are impacting youngsters with the gospel. Good News Camp began 15 years ago and continues to grow and develop. In the past 29 years, thousands of children and young people attended summer camps hosted by Jakarta C&MA churches. “We rejoice in the life-changing decisions that have been made,” Gaskin says. More than 500 children and youth will attend four Alliance camps this summer. Campers will be involved in Bible lessons, quizzing, choir competition, hiking, games, and more. “We will train new counselors who will minister along with Bible teachers, camps coordinators, cooks, and other helpers,” says Gaskin. “Many young lives will be changed for eternity.”
More than 20 years ago, C&MA missionary Ann Grinnell said, “Speak, Lord,” and Team Joshua was born. The handful of youth that began meeting with Grinnell has grown to more than 400. When a team member was asked to teach classes about religion, including a lesson on salvation, at a local public school, nearly 60 students received Christ. Recently, Team Joshua has been spearheading efforts to stop the spread of AIDS in Papua. The group is handing out brochures with a hotline number at all the major youth gathering places and is providing training on AIDS counseling to its volunteers.
Last month, Team Joshua held an AIDS awareness rally and concert. C&MA missionary Barry Jordan, who ministers with the organization, says, “It is exciting to see young people catching a vision of how they can help save their generation from AIDS.” Future plans include the opening of a youth center that will provide HIV/AIDS testing, education, and youth counseling.