May 23, 2019 From a machete to the Almighty

One of the most rewarding aspects of QHM Mission trips is the people you get to serve with, both those on the mission team itself, and our international partners in the field. May Forshee, our team leader for the September mission to Manado, Indonesia, recently returned from her introductory trip to the area. She shares this story of one of our partners:

On this trip, I had the privilege of meeting Pastor Ronell Mamarimbing. He was called to serve in the Manado & North Maluku Conference in 2017. His story reminds us of those we read about in the Bible!

As a child, Ronell experienced great loss, loneliness and fear as the family accompanied his father into dangerous, remote areas. He wanted to avoid following in his father’s footsteps and planned to study medicine. One day, however, he overheard his father praying for him. His father dedicated him to God, just like Abraham dedicated Isaac. Ronell was deeply touched. That experience so inspired him, he decided to study theology and become a pastorÑjust like his father!

When Pastor Ronell came to Indonesia, his first assignment was an evangelism meeting on the remote islands of North Maluku.  One evening, community members expressed a grave concern: some of the villagers planned to hide in the bushes until their chance came to execute Pastor Ronell. He understood the threat, and just like his father had done years before, kneeled before his mighty God.

That evening, Pastor Ronell opened his sermon with a surprising illustration: God is like a sharp sword, He declared boldly. Then he asked, Does anyone here have a machete? A villager walked forward and handed him a machete that had been hidden away.

Pastor Ronell thanked the man. Then, declaring God’s name, he swung the machete with all his might, cutting the pulpit in half to demonstrate the power of the blade. God is using me as a sword, to declare His mighty power, he told the group. Many of the villagers reacted with shocked silence. But God continued to spoke through Pastor Ronell, and slowly villagers who had been hidden in the bushes joined the congregation, laying their weapons before God almighty. Through this fearless testimony, Volley Village welcomed 45 souls to the Kingdom through baptism.

Our team members always make an incredible impact in the communities we serve. Just imagine the impact that will be made this September as we team with our international partner, Pastor Ronell, in Indonesia! He inspires us to never underestimate God’s power, even at times of fear and danger for he is with us. What a privilege it is to serve with those who know first-hand, how precious it is to trust in Jesus!