The Feast

Rahmadan is over. The fasting month ended September 21 & 22 with a celebration called Idul Fitri. This is also a time to reconcile with family and friends. During Idul Fitri, the cities empty out as people make their way back to where their parents live. Salatiga is one of those places people come back to. Over Idul Fitri the population of Salatiga swelled. On the advice of the school, we didn't venture out. Doing some shopping downtown days before Idul Fitri, Dana and I experienced just a glimpse of the growing number of people to our city. I had no desire to experience the full force of the multitudes during Idul Fitri. Like Thanksgiving or Christmas, Idul Fitri is a time to visit family, friends and neighbors. Our neighborhood had lots of visitors. Dana and I didn't do any visiting this year. Hopefully, our Indonesian will allow us to enjoy this visiting time next year.

In the midst of the Islamic fast, students from Mountainview began gathering Tuesday nights for "The Feast". The Feast is the equivalent of a midweek youth group gathering. I've enjoyed meeting with the leaders of the Feast and was pleased when it transitioned from an idea or concept to an actual gathering. So far, it's been student-led and the students are doing a great job. My role is simply to advise, encourage and be present as an adult sponsor. I'm excited about what I can learn from the practice of a student-led gathering model.


The first two gatherings have been in our home, spilling out of our front room and onto the porch. I can bearly describe what a blessing it was to have the prayers of the local mosque drown out by the praises coming from the mouths of 56 youth. Equally amazing, where the different races and cultures represented by the youth in attendance. During the gathering I remember thinking, this must be what heaven is like. The first gathering introduced the Feast at which time we celebrated Christ by sharing communion. I hope the Feast will continue to be a time of joy and encouragement to all.


It is custom to remove one's shoes or sandals when entering someone's house. We couldn't believe the pile of footwear that accommulated beside our door. Now that I think about it, I wonder where God will guide all of those feet in the future. I pray that our feet and your's are under God's control. Blessings, Jeff