This is a bit of an update about an earlier post on Setia Bible College.  The students are still split up, living and learning in tents in and around Jakarta.  They are still working to get their schooling in and become pastors, teachers, and the like.  Our Lutheran church here supports them financially with our offerings, but I fear it is not enough.  They are still 80 meals short on every meal.  Basically, if they were to actually give everyone a full meal, there would be 80 people who would go without.  As it is, they stretch it out as much as possible.

A woman at my Bible study group shared a great story about her time with some of the female students.  She was recently visiting them, praying and talking to them.  She asked, “Do you ever get angry with God for this?  Do you ever ask ‘Why me?’” 

The girl’s answer was, “No, usually I just think: ‘Why NOT me?’”

We talked about that at our Bible study and, of course, we talked about the issue of human suffering.  And it was on all our minds and lips: are we above suffering?  And if we are, why? 

The truth is, even after all the books about bad things happening to good people, etc. have been written, there is no one answer.  There is just sin in the world, sinful people, and a creation longing for it’s creator to return.  No one, no matter what they have done or have not done, is above suffering. 

The only human who ever lived that was above suffering was Jesus.  Ironically, he took on great sorrow and suffering FOR US.  Throughout the book of Acts, the disciples give thanks that they COULD SUFFER for the sake of Jesus. 

At the time of this writing, the school is looking to buy some land in a city called Sentul.  I encourage you to keep these students in your prayers as they attempt to find money to help them make that purchase.  These are surely the people that will help bring Christ to Indonesia in a very real way.

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