80 years of indonesian independance

Celebrating True Freedom. A Divine Journey in Jakarta on Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day.

On Sunday, August 17, 2025, the vibrant heart of Jakarta beat with pride and joy as Indonesia celebrated its 80th Independence Day, commemorating the historic proclamation of independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945. My partner and I, blessed to be in the capital during this milestone, found ourselves immersed not only in the nation’s festivities but also in a profound spiritual experience. We ministered in two churches, preaching on true freedom in Christ, witnessed the Holy Spirit’s powerful movement, and reconnected with cherished friends, praying together in a way that felt like a divine embrace. This day, woven with national pride and spiritual renewal, was a testament to the enduring power of God’s liberating love.

Jakarta Aglow with Independence

The city of Jakarta was filled with joy and celebration, draped in the red and white of Indonesia’s flag, symbolizing courage and purity. The official flag-hoisting ceremony at Merdeka Palace, led by President Prabowo Subianto, resonated across the nation, echoing Sukarno’s bold declaration of freedom 80 years prior. From the National Monument (Monas) to the streets, Jakarta buzzed with parades, traditional performances, and a dazzling night carnival culminating in fireworks that lit up the sky. The air was thick with gratitude for Indonesia’s journey, yet for us, this day held a deeper call to proclaim a freedom that transcends earthly victories, rooted in the eternal truth of Christ. Preaching True Freedom in Two Churches

Our day began with an extraordinary opportunity to minister in two Jakarta churches, where we shared a message on true freedom, drawn from Ezekiel 1, John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” This scripture became the heartbeat of our sermons, connecting Indonesia’s hard-fought independence with the spiritual liberty Christ offers, freeing us from the chains of sin, fear, and despair. And how each vision Ezekiel saw symbolize the different approach to situation that help us live free depending on God and not on men or their promises.

In the first church, the atmosphere was electric. The congregation’s worship filled the sanctuary with a symphony of praise, blending Indonesian hymns with heartfelt adoration. As we preached, we emphasized that true freedom is not merely political or social but a transformation of the heart, breaking every yoke through Christ’s sacrifice. The Holy Spirit moved mightily and burdens ranging from personal struggles to generational wounds. The power of God’s presence was undeniable, knitting hearts together in unity and healing.

The second church, was in the evening equally passionate community, welcomed us in the afternoon. Here, we focused on freedom as just like in the first church you know how the bible says in Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” We spoke of releasing guilt, embracing forgiveness, and living in the liberty of God’s grace. The Spirit stirred again, and we prayed for individuals praying fervently. A young woman testified that the message gave her courage and she asked us for prayers. In both churches, the message of true freedom resonated, intertwining the national celebration with the eternal victory of the cross.

Reconnecting with Friends: A Gift of Fellowship

Amid the ministry, the day brought another blessing: reconnecting with old friends in Jakarta. These were brothers and sisters in Christ whose paths had diverged over time, yet our reunion felt like a homecoming. Between services, we shared meals, laughter, and stories of God’s faithfulness. One friend, now leading a local ministry, sister Imel recounted how our past prayers had carried her through trials, and we were deeply moved by her gratitude. In turn, we prayed for one another lifting up their families, ministries, and Indonesia’s future. These moments, rooted in 1 Thessalonians 5:11’s call to “encourage one another and build each other up,” were a reminder that true freedom flourishes in community, where love and prayer bind us as one.

A Day of Eternal Impact

The convergence of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day and our ministry in Jakarta was no coincidence—it was a divine orchestration. The national festivities, with their vibrant displays of unity and pride, mirrored the spiritual celebration of freedom in Christ. Just as Indonesia’s heroes fought for liberation, Jesus secured our eternal freedom, a truth we proclaimed with boldness. The reconnections with friends and the Spirit’s movement in the churches underscored that true freedom is not solitary but communal, thriving in worship, prayer, and shared faith.

As we reflect on this sacred day, let it inspire you to seek true freedom in your own life. Surrender to Christ, allowing Him to break every chain holding you back. Reach out to someone a friend, family member, or stranger—and pray together, building the body of Christ. Share the message of true freedom wherever you go, whether through words, actions, or love. Let Indonesia’s Independence Day remind you to live boldly in the liberty Christ has won, trusting Him to guide your path.

Where in your life do you need to experience the true freedom Christ offers?

How can you foster deeper connections with others, through prayer and encouragement, to reflect God’s liberating love?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEMMA!

This morning was a beautiful start to my Sayanku's birthday, filled with joy, love, and divine confirmation that left my heart overflowing with gratitude. As the sun rose, I woke up with a deep sense of celebration for her life. We began the day in our cozy little hotel room by the harbor, where I prayed over her, declaring God’s promises and anointing her with love and faith. It was a sacred moment, one that set the tone for a day I knew would be special.

After getting ready, we stepped out into the crisp morning air and sat in front of the hotel for breakfast, the harbor’s gentle waves providing a serene backdrop. As we waited for our food, we felt a nudge to open the Bible and let God speak through a random verse. We flipped open to the book of Malachi, and the words resonated, but something stirred in me to go further. I wanted to give her a special gift—a Bible verse chosen just for her, a reflection of my prayers and God’s heart for her life. I told her, “This one is my gift to you,” and with anticipation, I opened the Bible randomly to Psalm 67.

When I read the words of Psalm 67, my heart skipped a beat. It was as if God had whispered directly to us. This psalm, with its call for God’s face to shine upon us, for His blessings to overflow, and for His praise to fill the earth, perfectly echoed the prayers I’ve been lifting for her every single day. It’s been my heart’s cry for her to walk in God’s light, to be a vessel of His love and grace, and to see His favor poured out over her life. The fact that this verse, opened so randomly, aligned so perfectly with what God has been showing me about her was nothing short of divine confirmation. It was overwhelming, humbling, and awe-inspiring all at once.

I’m struck by how God works, even in the smallest, seemingly random moments. Flipping open a Bible could feel like chance, but today it was a reminder that nothing is random with Him. He sees, He knows, He confirms His word in ways that leave no room for doubt. My heart is full of gratitude for this moment for the gift of her life, for the way God speaks so clearly, and for the privilege of walking this journey together, rooted in His love.

Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness, for Your Word that never fails, and for the joy of seeing Your hand so evidently at work. Today, Psalm 67 is our anthem, and I pray it will continue to guide and bless her in this new year of her life. Amen

PSALM 67

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
    and make his face shine on us—
2 so that your ways may be known on earth,
    your salvation among all nations.

3 May the peoples praise you, God;
    may all the peoples praise you.
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
    for you rule the peoples with equity
    and guide the nations of the earth.
5 May the peoples praise you, God;
    may all the peoples praise you.

6 The land yields its harvest;
    God, our God, blesses us.
7 May God bless us still,
    so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

TRAVEL

Today, I've been pondering the story of Abraham from the Bible – that ancient tale of faith, promise, and wandering. God appears to Abraham (then Abram), in Genesis 13:14-17, lifting his eyes to the horizon and declaring, "All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever." It's a sweeping promise as far as the eye can see, a vast inheritance for generations. Yet, what strikes me most isn't the acquisition, but what happens next. Abraham doesn't build a palace or settle into a life of ease. He pitches his tent, lives as a nomad, and teaches his children Isaac, and through him, the line of Israel to do the same. Hebrews 11:9-10 captures it beautifully: "By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise."

Why tents? Why not roots sunk deep into the soil of that promised land? I think it's because the promise wasn't just about possession; it was about process. Abraham's life was one of continuous seeking, a divine adventure that didn't end with the gift. He could have claimed comfort, built walls, and called it done. But instead, he embraced the transient, the uncertain, the horizon always calling. Tents are portable; they're for travelers, not settlers. They symbolize readiness to move, to explore, to chase the next whisper of purpose.

This connects profoundly to our own lives, doesn't it? In a world obsessed with "arriving"- landing the dream job, buying the house, achieving the milestone, Abraham reminds us that true fulfillment lies in the seeking, not the settling. Once we "get" something: a goal, a relationship, a success it's tempting to pitch a permanent camp, to stop adventuring. But Abraham's tents teach us otherwise. He had the land, yet lived as if the journey was ongoing. His faith wasn't in the dirt under his feet but in the God who promised more a city with foundations, whose architect is divine (Hebrews 11:10). It's like life saying: "You've seen this far? Great. Now keep walking, keep seeking, because the adventure expands with every step."

I see this in my own experiences. Remember that promotion I chased last year? I got it, celebrated, but then... what? The thrill faded if I didn't seek new challenges within it. Or that trip to the mountains the view from the peak was promised land, but the real joy was the climb, the uncertainty, the push forward. Abraham's story urges us to resist complacency. Teach our "children" our legacies, our mentees, ourselves to live in tents: flexible, open to new horizons, always adventuring.

How does this inspire continuous seeking?

It reframes adventure not as reckless wandering, but as faithful pursuit.

Seek knowledge, relationships & growth; not to hoard, but to expand. Adventure in life means viewing every "promised land" as a waypoint, not a destination. Pitch your tent, enjoy the view, but keep your eyes on the farther hills. God promises abundance, but it's in the seeking that we truly inherit it. Abraham was told by God he will be the father of all nation so I was telling Jemma my love if that is the case, then Abraham's promise land will not be enough for all nations. In other words, he needs to see more lands, he need at least travel around the world and have his eyes see. For the bible say as far as you can see I will give unto you. So even though he got the promised land, it wasn't enough for him as the father of all nations, so he sought for a nation whose architect is God. And that is the God who told him he will be father of all nations…

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Action step for tomorrow:

Identify one area where I've "settled" and plan a small adventure to reignite the seeker's spirit. Maybe a new skill, a spontaneous outing, or revisiting an old dream with fresh eyes.

Grateful for the tents,

GOD’SJEMM.

BALANCE

Yesterday, I felt the pulse of creation beneath the waves, diving into the ocean’s embrace on my partner’s parents’ catamaran. The underwater world unfolded like a sacred gallery of fish darting in vibrant schools, their scales catching light like living jewels, and the intricate, otherworldly patterns of brain coral, a testament to nature’s artistry. Each moment felt like a gift, a glimpse into the vast imagination of God the Creator, who sculpted this underwater cathedral with such care and wonder.

As I floated, weightless, well, I am not good at swimming, but Jemma and her parents made a DIY flotation provision of first a floating fender with a rope hold attached... but I was tossing and turning in the water aha trying to hold on! So instead I held onto the dinghy, the small boat, and Jemma’s parents kicked it along with a rope while they were also snorkelling. While I bravely held onto it and looked into the deep, I was struck by a deep appreciation for this balance of life. The ocean is both chaos and harmony; wild currents and serene depths, predators and prey, all woven together. My fear of not being able to swim, and the desire to see the underwater world coexisting in perfect balance. It’s a reminder that life itself is a delicate dance of opposites, held together by divine design.

I remember when my sayang’s (darling’s) parents picked us up and Pete was wondering why and how his two daughters had fallen in love with men that cannot swim and have nothing as much to do with the ocean, yet that is all that his beautiful daughters have lived for. The Creator’s hand is evident in the precision of this ecosystem, where every creature plays its role. I felt so small yet so connected, marveling at how such beauty thrives in hidden depths, unseen by most, yet existing for its own sake a quiet hymn to creation.

This experience grounded me. In so many ways there is truly no limitations. Life often feels like a rush to achieve, to fill every moment with purpose, but underwater, time slows. There’s no hurry, no agenda, just being. It’s a lesson in balancing striving with stillness, and ambition with gratitude. I want to carry this with me to appreciate the moment, to trust that, like the coral and fish, I’m part of something greater, shaped by a Creator who knows the rhythm of life. Yet I can only have what I truly need and not overindulging till I lose a sense of appreciation or gratitude for it.

I’m thankful for today—for the boat, the dive, my partner’s smile and love (Jemma Scott), and her lovely parents Peter and Nicky, and also the chance to witness this underwater world. It’s a call to live with intention, without limitations and to honour both the active and quiet moments, to see God and even more so Gods creativity in every detail, from the smallest polyp to the vastness of the sea. The sound the wind, space, time, conversation, emotions, and above all faith, in the God who created it all.

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?”

JOB 12:7-9

Moored at Sabayur Basar Island, Komodo’s, Indonesia.