Our first gathering as the USA consultant contingent of the Jakarta rēp team was very exciting! Evita Twerdahl, who is originally from Indonesia and who lead the first rēp team to Jakarta, gave us some cultural training as we make our final preparations to head to Indonesia in November. It was also a blessing to have Errol Smith with us - he has been with rēp South Africa for a few years and is now supporting the rēp work in Jakarta for a season. Errol was able to share first-hand about what the Lord has already been doing in the marketplace in Indonesia and we are all excited to be a part of this as we consult with Christian business men and women in Jakarta shortly.

Day 1

As I stand looking out the window of my hotel/apartment room, I can see downtown Jakarta with its high rise buildings, similar to any other large global city – skyscrapers for businesses, and high rise apartments for the upper middle class. But if I look immediately below me, across the street, I also see a very poor shanty community, enclosed, covering about 4 acres, primarily full of garbage and then metal tops to at least cover them from the rain – early this morning I see one person living there, leaving with his little, mobile food cart, to hit the streets to try to sell little products. And then directly next door to this, a couple hundred yards away, is a standard Jakarta mall, 6 stories high, that draws the young middle class to buy cloths, pirated DVD s, and other consumer products. Many other social or cultural contrasts are juxtaposed, as we walk in the immediate vicinity – the area is called the Golden Triangle – overall, there are 20 million people in the greater metropolitan area of Jakarta.

We had a first meeting together, Saturday night, to get oriented to our venture schedule – Dr Saparno and Felly (both from Jakarta) met with us; Dr. Saparno gave us a brief overview of the economic and cultural overview of Indonesia; it’s the largest Muslim country in the world, but the spiritual climate of very open; many Muslims are frustrated with their religious expression because it’s not very personal – its public gatherings are still done in Arabic, and its not an acceptable practice to actually pray for each other – so they are attracted to the fact Christians do this for each other when they have a need.

Economically, the country is somewhat stable, but the labor laws are so restrictive that they lose a lot of manufacturing jobs and opportunities to China and other Asian countries because of these restrictions; in addition, you have a lot of hopelessness in the society because there is extensive unemployment (10%) and “underemployment” – those who only have work at harvest season. This must be overcome to restore hope. Dr. Saparno also reiterated that corruption is still rampant within government and its officials – this, too, is a cultural malady the Indonesians must see God break.

Many of the believers in the culture are young, as they have seen positive conversion growth in the country over the past few years. So one of the key areas to accelerate the gospel’s impact is through business owners bringing economic vitality to the country and then serving their employees and looking to impact the actual social challenges of the greater culture.

Tomorrow we start the consulting venture with 10 different Jakarta business owners, with different business areas (i.e., air transport company on a different island, a real estate development company, and gas station owner, etc), who are ready to make a deliberate step toward the alignment of their business and God’s purposes.

Pray for focus of these owners – pray for the right matching of client to us as consultants, and for God to create ‘ready’ hearts to a full reconsideration of how god is calling these owners and their business to a higher call of God’s Kingdom through their roles. (written by Rod Howard)

Picture: Group picture after kick-off dinner meeting at Dr. Suprano’s home

Day 2

Patrick (consultant) and Hendry (client)Today was our first “official” day of consulting. It began with our initial meeting with our Indonesian Christian business client/owner(s) whose businesses ranged from a full-service chiropractor to an apple farmer to a builder of shipping supplies not to mention a non-profit organization that seeks to restore the “oppressed” of Indonesian society. Today was first about getting to know our clients better and guiding them to define or redefine the most important aspect of their business – their purpose.

The highlight of the day was listening to a past client passionately share his story of how the purpose for his life and his business were redefined (i.e., repurposed) to pursue those things that truly matter (i.e., eternal things). He shared how he had lost U.S. $300,000 in foreign exchange speculation when he pursued money versus how God has restored him with several new businesses which include blessing those within the Indonesian government.

The key difference is that he now seeks first God’s values over the world’s values and, as a result, God has blessed him with a renewed vitality for his life and business. The joyous smile as he finished his testimony was a beautiful reflection of God’s glory in his life.

We look forward with eager anticipation to see how God will work to transform our current clients businesses to better reflect His purposes and glory!! (written by Raymond Yuen)

Day 3

Today’s agenda is what is called an unscheduled day within our program. This was an opportunity for each of the consultants to visit their clients operations. For each of us we found ourselves catapulted into the average day of an Indonesian Christian business person. Our mission:

1. to learn their products
2. check marketing & sales plans
3. understand sales cycles and pipelines
4. review revenue statements.
5. upate 10-P profile
6. meet key people within their organization
7. pray for the business

(Felly, Lilli, William and Stevens on an unstructured day)

As we returned at the end of the day there was a vibrance not seen in the morning departure. One sensed as we went around the room that yes there was darkness within a predominate Muslim country known for it’s poverty, corruption and pollution. Yet each of us with our own eyes saw God working within our clients. One example being a man whose life started in poverty, developed a electronics company only to be cheated. Then driven into debt using the remainder of their money they started an apple farm in east Java. A poor student entered their lives seeking food. Not only did they give him food but they paid his utility bills.

Years later we find our client to have a successful goverment contracting company and commuter aircraft company servicing the outlying areas. His desire to serve Our Lord has grown as each day he now feeds 90 people through a rice ministry from the back of his house. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness. (written by Rich MacStay)

Day 4

Richard (consultant) praying with clients (Stephanie, Roby & Daug)On Wednesday, we met with our clients to discuss different aspects of the business. We focused specifically on the company’s products and presence, and how to align their business with God’s purpose for the company. Also, we spoke of the struggles that Indonesia deals with including corruption, false teachings, unemployment, inequality, and hopelessness, etc. Then we prayed over each of the issues and asked God to reveals to us how to fight the giants, like how David beat down Golaith.

The highlight of the day was hearing several testimonies from past and present clients. We heard from Leonai who has an air conditioning business. The business is already profitable before the venture. After lifting up the business to God, his sales doubled within months. Most importantly, he doesn’t see the company as a vehicle merely to make a living but as a vehicle to serve God. Now he uses the business to serve the poor by lowering the price for his air conditioning service so that even the poor can afford it.

Current client Thomas also shared his testimony on how God bless him. Thomas was invited to build for a government contract to build roads. Many contractors bided even thought they didn’t have the capital. However Thomas declined the contract because he told the official that he didn’t have enough capital. The official decided to give Thomas the project because of his honesty. Thomas continues to lift up his business to the Lord by serving the community with giving out rice to the poor. It has been a blessing for me and the team to hear what God is doing in Indonesia. Wish you were here too. (written by Steven Chan)

Day 5

Suprano & Rod (consultants) and Stella (past client) with her new book Today was another unstructured day where consultants meet with their clients at their businesses. We usually think in order to have an impact we must plan and do something big. But today we learned that the simple unplanned things can make a difference. A day or two ago a consultant and client were waiting for the driver to pick them up for a ride. However, the driver was an hour late. Although the driver deserved to be reprimanded, the consultant demonstrated patience and grace. This afternoon the driver opened up to the consultant probably because he remembered how he had treated him earlier.

My client’s birthday was today. His employees gathered together with a cake to celebrate during lunch time. The client shared with me that every employee’s birthday is celebrated with a birthday cake. He mentioned that one time one employee cried when her coworkers celebrated her birthday with a cake because she had never in her life had a birthday cake not even from her own family. She was so touched by this simple gesture. This afternoon my client asked me to pray over his own birthday party so I thanked God for his life and the relationships he has with his family, friends and coworkers in front of his employees. Many of them do not know Christ. I wonder how this simple unplanned prayer can make a difference. I would not be surprised if it does.

Later that night we had a rep alumni dinner, a chance to meet clients from past ventures. For those consultants who have been to previous Jakarta ventures, it was a blessing to see familiar faces. It was a time to catch up and a time to find out what are in the hearts of former clients. One client shared that her young daughter had asked how God loves her.
She decided to go in this journey to try to explain in a simple way God’s love so God directed to write a childrens book. In tears the former client shared her journey and showed us the copy of the book. It was a popup book with very simple phrases pointing to God’s love. We were touched and we encouraged her and of course prayed over her. It is always great to see a product that is from the heart. (written by Richard Lai)

Day 6

Katie Busk (daughter of Paul)
We just wrapped up the first week here in Jakarta. It’s hard to believe we are half way through – the time has really flown by. We have been extremely busy and abundantly blessed during the past week.

Here are a few highlights of the venture so far:

We have ten clients representing a wide range of industries including shipping, real estate development, software development, IT support, and chiropractic services.

One of our clients is an EFCA missionary who has been involved in disaster relief and redevelopment efforts in the areas impacted by the 2004 tsunami. His heart is for church planting and he sees the need to develop some business disciplines to make his work more effective.

Another client, Thomas, is a major supplier to the regional government of Papua which is the only Christian province in Indonesia. He shared with us that, not long ago, he was quite poor and living in a poor area. Although he did not have much himself, he shared what little rice he had with his neighbors. A few years later, one of those neighbors was given a job in the regional government of Papua with responsibility for rewarding major contracts. Remembering Thomas’ integrity and generosity, he asked him if he could do some of the work. Thomas initially declined the work, explaining that he didn’t have the resources to manage such a large contract. Because of his honesty, the government official insisted that he be awarded the contract and provided all the necessary resources to start up the business - all because he shared a little rice!

Friday, as we were training on the topic of positioning (both the marketing aspects as well as the scriptural truths regarding one’s position in Jesus Christ), Katie shared her story of how she, a thirteen year old, came to be on a business missions venture. Katie bravely stood up in front of over 30 business leaders and talked about how she had wanted to be a part of what her mom and dad had been doing ever since they had gone through the initial training course almost two years ago. It was a perfect illustration of a point that we strive to convey to every client - that rather than seeking to have God involved in their business, they should seek to be a part of His business because God is pleased when his children get excited about and involved in what He is doing. (written by Paul Busk)

Day 7:

Rich MacStay It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through the venture. So far it has been almost nothing like what I expected it to be. First of all, I figured that the meetings would be boring. Thankfully I was wrong. There are so many interesting stories to be told about how God has done miracles in businesses and changed lives forever. Second of all is the traffic. In order to get from one place to another, you have to make a million u-turns. Plus, the traffic patrol men sometimes do not allow you to make a u-turn in a particular place so you need to go to the next available opening. While were zooming through the traffic I wonder, what is it like in India. Anyway, here are some highlights from today.

We got to go to the Taman Safari today for our Saturday event. Our drive there was uneventful, but we saw how poor most of the Indonesians are and the poverty most of them face. We got to ride through the Safari in a bus with a tiger face and claws. We even drove through an African village. After our Safari tour, we went to the baby animal zoo. Everyone had a chance to hold some animals including an orangutan and a lion cub. On our drive back to the hotel, we had a nice display of lightning and rain that caused us to see streams that had not been there that morning. We praise God for the wonderful day we have had. (written by Katie Busk)

Day 8

Integration was the topic of the sermon at the Jakarta International Church Fellowship (JICF) this morning where our team attended church. We were so encouraged by this sermon since integration is a key principle underpinning all rēp Ventures, including our particular venture in Jakarta. After the service we shared with the Canadian pastor about our rēp activities in Jakarta and he in turn was so encouraged, pointing out the particular need to see integration in the Indonesian marketplace. Our visit to JICF was also a reminder that God is working in so many ways in Indonesia through believers from all over the world; we are only part of His larger strategy to reach out to the Indonesians.
Following church, the team was treated to a brunch at the Ritz Carlton, a far cry, of course, from the villages we drove through on our way to and from “Taman Safari” yesterday. Indonesia is a land full of contrasts: expensive international hotels and local slum housing, Japanese sushi and American-style pizza, daunting shopping malls and small street vendors. Earlier this week Paul reminded the team that it is typical for people around the world to become so accustomed to the societal issues that surround them that these become almost invisible to them—much like a fish becomes so accustomed to the water in which it swims. I cannot help but think that such apathy is part of what the Lord refers to in Scripture as a “lukewarm heart”—something that he cannot tolerate. On the other hand, it has been deeply touching to hear some of our clients share about their work on behalf of the poor in Indonesia: hope remains on the horizon for this country.

To end a very busy week, the team were then treated to a traditional Indonesian massage—a gift from Dr. Surpano to the team and the perfect preparation for a busy week ahead! (written by Rebecca Muir)

Day 9

Felly, Dr. Suparno and Errol celebrated client’s (Daug) birthdayThis is the fifth rep venture that I have been involved in since I joined as a client in equip1 two years ago. As always there are quite a few things that made a deep impression on me.

A)The dedication and passion of the consultants. They flew in from afar, they raised the funding for the trip, they used their vacation time, they prayed, they fasted, they listen, they seek to understand more, they encourage, they exhort, they do score carding, they pray again, they teach, they love, they grief over injustice, corruption and the other giants of the land, they cried out to God, they pray and fast again. A few got sick but they bounced right back into the venture. They remind me of Superman and Jacky Chan (internal joke). They are a blessing to Indonesia. We the locals asked ourselves what drives them. There is only one answer, the Love of God that compels them to love others.

B)The joy when the client understand. My client is planning to open a gas station. Initially he hopes to tackle the giant of unemployment in the land by providing employment to at least 30 people. However, yesterday he got the bigger picture that we should be tackling poverty instead. He wants to operate the best gas station with superior profit so that his people could benefit from the profit sharing scheme. He would also train them with management skills so that they would be promoted to better paying jobs in the future. He also wants to teach them how to manage money God’s way so that they could also have financial freedom and experience the joy of giving to others. He is also concern about their spiritual poverty. Surely, all these are more than just providing employment.

C)The blessing from hearing a great testimony. One of Equip3 client, Ivan and Irma, shared today about how after they have understood their role as a market place minister that the Lord started giving them more and more projects. How they have used the profits to bless the employees and their neighbors. How they plan to reach out to a hundred couple with the gospel and message of reconciliation. This reminds me about the parable of the sower and of the good seed that brought forth a hundred fold harvests. It is testimony like this that keeps me going and encourages me that what we are doing is right by Him. What we are doing will not be destroyed when tested by fire at the end of time. They are for eternal. (written by Dr. Suparno)

Day 10

Harjono & Michelle with clients (Sintya & Thomas) on an unstructured dayAll consultants were off on their merry way this morning, some early and some not so early to meet with their clients to minister and discover more of the clients “home ground”.

My time was especially special in that I was able to chat with the next level of managers at my client’s (the MD) request and “discover” more of what happens at the next level and how they perceive the company.
Contrary to the normal cultural constraints, it was VERY refreshing to find myself running out of time because of the free flow of the discussions. They almost seemed hungry to share so many aspects of the business issues with me.

The cherry on the top was to be invited by the wives of the MD & his brother and also their sister, to join them for lunch. What lovely ladies and great conversation (eat you hearts out because I’ll NEVER divulge what the table spread was all about - I’ll just say that my shape is NOT improving).
Our team meeting at three this afternoon has provided for extra time for making progress with all the deliverables that we need to type up and get ready before Thursday. This has been another special day for us all. (written by Errol Smith)

Day 11

Today is the last official training day. Yet the formal training starts as they step out from the classroom and walk back to their businesses. It is our prayers that they can incorporate head knowledge into daily practice. We cannot emphasis enough that the two weeks venture is a process, a starting point of their journey. As Errol said, the 10P (one of the tools we use to evaluate a business) is like a can opener, it allows people to open issues either they are unable or unwilling to see.

Being soaked into training for days, I was surprised when it was announced that the official training was over. Under the leadership of Rebecca, we were able to quickly organize the crowd into four rows: from tall to short. As I look at our group picture, I feel both blessed and sad. The same “strangers” I met at Dr. Suparno’s house merely a week ago start to become part of the REP family. We heard of their struggles, victories and testimonies. We cried (sometimes), we laughed (often) and we ate (frequently…). I give thanks for the opportunity to share the venture with them and wish them the best. (written by Michelle Yiu)

Picture: Class of Jakarta REP Nov 2007 Venture

Day 12

Raymond prayed for his clients Lanny & HenryToday we had Vision-Stretching Session. The group was divided into two groups: one led by Dr. Suparno & Rebecca and the other led by Paul Busk & Errol Smith.

One issue that occurred to several of our clients are in regard to their personal commitment to God and relationship with their families and household.

Like Daug Pranoto with CityLife Chiropractic, after stretching vision he realized that he can make an impact to the nation through his work. Another client Sugiman and Darmawan with PT. Wintermar realize the importance of using intercessors to pray for their company. Rico and Felicia with EOI find their marriage strengthen as they surrender themselves to God during the venture. William with PT.Youngindo Utama is encouraged to see how God call and bless him through the venture. Thomas and Sintya with Wide Wijaya. It is amazing how God reveals to our clients. (written by Felly)

Day 13

Like father like daughter: Paul & Katie getting a stretch “It is a great day.” This became the opening statement for daily morning devotion to give our thanks and praise to the Lord. The expression could always be found on our faces with sleeping eyes but beaming smiles, ready to start another venture day with our clients. Today was client presentation day, the last day of the venture. Clients took turn to present their current business model, challenges and top 3 Ps they decided to pray and improve. It has been a blessed experience for us to gather from the venture how a business can impact society and fight those society giants (serious issues). We experienced greater joy to watch our clients (and friends now) sharing their passion and new vision and action items. One by one, each client’s presentation essentially answered the question why we and the clients spent two weeks of time at Jakarta. One by one, each client was commissioned as a new business marketplace minister. And one by one, each client gave a prayer to the US team. All of us became friends and Christian warrior partners to fight this good fight, no longer felt aimless.

After presentations were all finished, clients and consultants shared a dinner with more fellowship and carefree laughters, and participated a short appreciation event for the US consultants. Behind these, there was always a Christian brother or sister who took additional time and energy to organize the events.

Our sharings confirmed that each one of us in the venture team has gifts and a role to make the venture successful. When one felt weak, another one became strong. Rebecca (the glue), Richard (Jack Chan), Michelle (the faithful), Richard (the genuine Fred), Raymond (the orchid), Steven (the steadfast), Rod (the big father), Harjono (the humble leader), Katie (the encourager), Errol (the parables wiz), Paul (the team leader), Felly (the prayers) and myself (the humorous)

It is another great day. We give thanks to the Lord. (written by Patrick Wong)

Day 14 (Last Day of the Venture)

When I was in San Francisco in September Rich MacStay asked me what the team could expect during the venture in Jakarta. My response to him was “I don’t know” to which he quizzically enquired, but you’ve been there for awhile and you’ve been on previous ventures.  And so, the best I could do in response was, “I don’t know what God has planned. I just do the preparation, but expect the unexpected”.

Well, that about sums it up, but I will tell you just a little about what that unexpected was.

When I said that to him, there was only one client confirmed. When I got back to Jakarta after being with my wife and son in Cape Town (I got back on Tuesday the 30^th of October) I think we had two confirmed clients. By Sunday (4 November) we had ten confirmed and one still undecided. By Monday morning we had ten.

We had four local consultants and nine (including myself) “foreign” consultants. So, you can imagine the mind-shift that was needed to match up the clients and consultants in such a way that each local client who could not speak English was matched with a local consultant and one “foreign consultants”.

In the end we had three such clients and the rest of the clients were allocated one consultants each. Not our best foot forward (or so we thought).

As things progressed we were amazed (forgive us for our lack of faith) at just how this all worked out as such a blessing. You have, no doubt, read the daily updates that will give you a better sense of what transpired over this period as God revealed Himself in so many different ways and with so many surprises up to and including the last day in which the clients made their presentations.  This mix of clients and consultants left Paul Busk free to focus on the presentations and the overall daily routine. It would have been impossible for him to do that and have a client if the 11^th client had asked to join. That was God’s decision which we were grateful not to have to make.

And then there was Katie! At 13 years of age (Paul’s daughter) she was just a ray of sunshine and blessing. This was particularly so when she joined Paul to give her testimony of how God had positioned her heart to join her father’s own heart while staying subject to that and praying her father into coming in the first place.  What a blessing, but I cannot give you the full story on any one issue. You will just have to accept that if you want the whole story, you’re going to have to be there yourself. There are no shortcuts.

After the venture I asked Rich MacStay the same question he asked me when I was in San Francisco.

He confirmed that there is no way he has been able to explain to his family what it was all about. He has tried, but there are no words to describe such an experience.  It is powerfully personal and yet powerfully team oriented while at the same time powerfully God oriented and client focused.  What was it like? I don’t know because it is a work in progress. Each day I think of different things, of different impacts, of different relationships, of different responses and each day there are new ones that all originate from those two weeks.

And so, all I can say is that those two weeks will last into eternity because what God started way back in time was moved forward during these two weeks, but will continue on to eternity. So, please don’t ask me to tell you what happened, it’s still happening and I’m still trying to work it all out for myself.

Just come on the next venture (where ever that may be – Jakarta, Indonesia – Chennai, India - Cape Town or Johannesburg, South Africa or who knows where else next) and find out for yourself and then see if you can understand that it cannot be explained.

God’s richest blessings on you all (written by Errol Smith)

Rebecca praising the Lord

Rich MacStay and Katie

Richard Lai leading worship

The power of prayers