The earthquake that hit Padang on the island of Sumatra was not felt here in Tarakan. The MAF program in Aceh on Sumatra sent one of their planes to help in the relief effort. They didn’t need to stay very long since the main airport was able to open very shortly after the earthquake.

The team from Palangkaraya was able to return home this week. The air quality finally went from “dangerous” to “good”. I know they were ready to get back to their home.

Rebecca Hopkins, a MAF pilot’s wife, invited several people to her house last Tuesday to celebrate the one-year anniversary of a Muslim friend’s conversion to Christianity. Let’s call her Ann. About a year or so ago, Ann started having dreams which led her to ask questions about Jesus. She went to the MAF ladies with her questions and as a result of their interaction, Ann became a believer. The one thing that had kept her from making a commitment for quite a while was the reaction she knew she could expect from her family. And she was right. When Ann finally told her parents about her conversion to Christianity, they kicked her out of their house. Fortunately, Ann has taken the first step toward reconciliation with them. Pray that her parents would be open to hear the words of the gospel.

Monthly, the wives of all the MAF staff – American and Indonesian - get together for a time of prayer and fellowship. Last week, the meeting was held at Ibu Helen’s home. Ibu Helen is the widow of Pak Simeon. Pak Simeon was right hand man to David Holsten, MAF’s program manager here in Tarakan. Pak Simeon had a fatal heart attack in June of this year. It has been a huge blow to many people. Pak Simeon was such a crucial part of MAF here in Tarakan that the word indispensable comes to mind. His wife, Ibu Helen, shared with us about her struggles as a widow. But mainly, she was able to express her faith that God is a good God whose plans are for our good. Ibu Helen is a really neat Christian woman and I look forward to getting to know her better.

Tomorrow we start our 7th week of school. How time flies. I need to post a picture of my new student. Maybe I’ll remember that tomorrow.