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BITS AND PIECES - 6/15/2008
(by Howard Ball - OpEd Columnist - June 15, 2008)
What the world needs
Jeff Hartensveld is home in Butler for a while. He had to travel halfway around the world, but he spoke at First Assembly of God Sunday.
Jeff and his wife Liz are missionaries to Indonesia. I have known them for a lifetime. Jeff's dad, Don, was a firefighter with Company Three in Wayne when I was out there drinking. When I had my miracle, Don and other members of the Full Gospel Businessmen helped me in my recovery. Jeff was just a kid then but he was filled with the Spirit of the Lord. He was active in Calvary Temple, Wayne, and it was obvious he was going to do something in the mission field.
Eighteen years ago Jeff and his wife Liz were preparing to go to Indonesia. As is the custom in the Assemblies, they went out to raise support for their mission. My little mission in Edgewater was one of their stops. I could see the enthusiasm they had for their mission and Jeff spoke with gusto about their goals and desires. They gave me a small picture card that I taped into my Bible on the last page of Acts. I promised I would keep them in my prayers from that day on. I have.
Indonesia is actually thousands of islands spread over the ocean. It is a dangerous land – not only from natural hazards but from social pressures and prejudice. Many missionaries of all faiths have been executed and there is serious resistance from government.
Jeff and Liz smiled and prayed and went about their business of making life better for the people. They built churches and schools and medical facilities. They ministered to the needs of the poorest people on earth, all the while raising a family.
People from Calvary Temple went to Indonesia for a building campaign and sweltered in 120-degree heat, but finished their tasks.
Jeff has preached the Word to thousands, but he has also been a first responder to the terrible disasters. The tsunami, which killed thousands and leveled whole villages, was a challenge for Jeff and Liz. They hardly had the finances to do what had to be done, but people around the USA pitched in and they were able to provide some relief.
Then came the earthquake, which was almost as devastating and killed many more people Again Jeff was in the air from island to island bringing aid and comfort to the people.
The bright young man who spoke so eloquently 18 years ago is even more eloquent today. He gave me a new photo for my Bible, but I am keeping the old one. I am putting the new picture at the beginning of Acts. I see Jeff and Liz as the way we can reach the people of the world. Their children go to Sunday School in the jungle. They contend with every kind of danger you can dream up. They answer minor problems for people. They answer major disasters in a moment. They bring a special message to Indonesia.
They spread a special word to the people love. That's what the world needs!
Pray for Jeff and Liz and send money.
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