On Saturday we had the opportunity to work with members of the neighborhood surrounding the Surabaya Dua chapel in painting, cleaning and putting a new ceiling in the RTs office. Neighborhoods in Indonesia are governed by a local community leader known as the RT. it is a position designated by the neighborhood members that comes with a great deal of authority and power. For example, an RT can close down an existing church in their neighborhood if he/she so decides and the government can do nothing about it. Although only five branch members participated, the Timur elders were there and so were we!! I had such a great time visiting with the women and children in the neighborhood. They were all sitting outside watching the work being done...they laughed at my poor Indonesian but were so happy that I was trying to speak their language. The women here ALWAYS
ask me how old I am! We danced the Hokey Pokey and sang Do As I'm Doing, then passed out milk and sweet breads to the children (provided by the church). The church also provided chicken and rice lunches for all of the workers as well as the building materials. We had such a fun day!!
The banner hung in the street announcing the event
Elder Anderson and Elder Setiawan washing windows
The young elders with some of the children
Passing out milk and sweet bread to the children
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