Feb 7, 2024 Mountain-Moving Faith

How far would you travel to share Jesus? Is any distance or sacrifice too much, for the One who gave all to save us? Truly the Lord’s matchless love compels these Indonesian pastors to respond to the gospel commission with, “I will go!”

Pastors Tanga Rerung, Julianto Patana, Yos Dalihi and Fery Simon all serve in the remote, rugged region of Luwu Tana Toraja, Indonesia. Each of their ministry regions consists of mountainous rocky trails that are very treacherous, and even dangerous after it rains. But these Pastors were determined that no distance, no challenge would stop them in sharing the Good News of Jesus! They claimed the unfailing words of Jesus, and praise God—their prayers were answered, through motorcycles!

“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:23-24

Pastor Tanga Rerung serves faithfully at the Riverside Simbuang Seventh-day Adventist Church, Tosik Sabbath School branch, while also pastoring and teaching at the Bawah Pohon Tosik Elementary School, in the remote villages surrounding Tosik.

Pr. Rerung has also organized community service efforts, such as cleaning up the local market and the district government office’s courtyard. His group’s service has earned commendation from the local government, recognizing his school as a commendable example in their community.

“This off-road motorcycle has been invaluable in navigating the mountainous terrain I minister in,” shared Pr Rerung. “Before, with my smaller scooter, the journey would take me 8 hours, then I’d continue by foot for 4 hours. Not an easy journey! This motorcycle has been crucial to reaching this region with the gospel. Praise God, many of my students have given their lives to Christ, and it’s my honor to drive them to our Adventist Academy in Toraja—and now 6 are studying at Klabat University, our SDA institution in Manado, Indonesia. Praise the Lord!”

Pr. Rerung also recently led two revival services in Sima Village and Tosik Village, and three precious souls committed their lives to Jesus in baptism. Praise God!

Pastor Julianto Patana serves the Imanuel Anak Dara Tabi Church, the Bure Sabbath School Branch, and the Paranta Sabbath School Branch. He shared how his off-road motorcycle has been a beacon of hope, enabling Pastor Patana to traverse challenging terrains that were once formidable barriers to his sacred work. For him, the motorcycle’s role in these communities is not just as a means of transportation but as a crucial tool in the evangelization efforts Pastor Patana leads. It symbolizes progress and the overcoming of physical and spiritual distances.

In 2023, Pr. Pantana conducted two revival services, and with God’s blessing, three precious souls gave their lives to Christ in baptism. Praise God for this blessing of his steadfast efforts!

Pastor Yos Dalihi serves in the Seko area of the North Luwu district, at the Seventh-day Adventist Church Jemaat Seko, Eno Association, Pantorroang Sabbath School, and Palondoan Sabbath School Branch are located. Seko, a district notoriously difficult to access due to severely damaged roads, requires a grueling journey that can take 1-2 days.

The donor funded off-road motorcycle has proven indispensable in his ministry, enabling him to cover the extensive, unpaved distances between his service locations and reach the community effectively.

“Last year, I held evangelistic meetings in Padang Balua Seko village” shared Pr. Dalihi, “And at the close of our meetings, 3 souls were won for Christ. Praise God!”

God is richly blessing and growing Pr. Dalihi’s groups: the Eno association has now been formally organized into a congregation, the Bethel Seko Adventist Church! Additionally, the Pantorroang Sabbath School branch, is building a church building! Praise God for this amazing growth and progress!

Pastor Fery Simon, the Adventist Mission Director Territory of Luwu Tana Toraja Mission shared, “Praise God, we’re now able to reach more remote regions, and expand our ministry reach! These off road motorcycles have truly multiplied our ministry impact, and bring God’s blessings on the people weI serve!”

Pr. Simon, talked about how blessed he was journeying to Bastem, full of breathtaking natural scenery: towering mountains, dense forests, and rushing rivers. These landscapes reminding him and the team of God’s greatness, and the beauty of His creation.

In Bastem, the local residents greatly appreciated our visit and were deeply grateful for the assistances we offered. The team brought aid and usable clothing. Their joyful smiles and words of thanks filled the Pastors’ hearts with happiness and fulfillment.

“I am thankful and proud to be part of a team that can bring hope, happiness, and positive change to the local community,” shared Pr. Simon. “Thank you, Quiet Hour Ministries and your many donors for making our mission possible! Please pray for us as we continue to bless many people in the remote areas of the Luwu Tana Toraja Mission.”