Linda (left) and Esther.

Esther communicates via humorous and creative letters, outlining the struggles of daily life, particularly among the children that she tries to teach every day. Because working among the local people is not easy, I had visions of being an encouragement to Esther. But, as we arrived, and were greeted by some of these children, I marveled at how blessed I felt as one of them trustingly took my hand while Esther and I walked down the runway toward her house.

Indonesian teachers at the school in Mamit, along with Wes and Esther.

I watched Esther graciously help a villager by giving her a pair of reading glasses. She told me that many villagers need reading glasses as they get older to be able to read the Bible. I marveled at Esther’s ability to be gracious to so many, and was reminded that God calls us each to a particular ministry and empowers us for it.

As we left Mamit, I was the one who was encouraged. I had gone in to be a blessing, and had come out being blessed.