Iron Sharpens Iron

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."

Proverbs 27:17

Greetings Ministry Partners,

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to reflect on October, a month in which I learned how to deepen my partnerships with fellow CCI workers in Asia, particularly with CCI Cambodia. I spent about ten days visiting CCI Cambodia, where I witnessed firsthand the study classes, heard testimonies from coordinators, teachers, and participants, and observed how they prepared for training activities. I was truly impressed by their dedication and performance.

The two-day training held in Siem Reap was especially motivating. The coordinators, teachers, and participants worked hard to organize the event, which, while sponsored by ABWE missionaries, did not require any financial contribution from them. The CCI members managed to attract over 90 attendees, with each individual covering their administrative costs, accommodations, and meals. This effort demonstrated the high quality of the training and the value it brought to their ministries. As a result, churches and mission organizations in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap were able to send representatives to participate.

The achievements of the Cambodian CCI members inspired me and filled me with hope that similar initiatives could take place in Indonesia. I also hope that in the future, CCI Cambodia can visit Indonesia again to train our members and help us develop our capacities to do what they have accomplished.

I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. David Nelson, the President of CCI, for granting me permission to travel to Cambodia and to the Director of CCI Cambodia, who provided invaluable support during my visit. Thank you!

Two Days of Training in Siem Reap, Cambodia

We appreciate your prayers and support.

Frids Lumba

CCI Indonesia National Director

Classes

Praise God that the Pelita Kasih Makassar class has completed Book 6 and is ready to continue with Book 7. In the last part of Book 6, participants learned about money, service providers, and giving. When they evaluated their financial management over the past five years, both participants were very grateful because they had managed their finances well, following the financial principles learned in the God's Finance Principles seminar. They felt that they had financial freedom.

I taught the class at Badak Street in Makassar, and they were very enthusiastic about learning. Day after day, they study the Bible carefully and are very grateful because they see it differently and clearly. They can understand its chronology, and it is easier to find the main truths taught in the Old Testament. They also study the guidebook for statements they do not understand and ask for explanations. This makes me excited to teach this class.

Staff Update

Pastor Daniel Padang, the Mamasa Area Coordinator:

On October 7, I visited the Sumarorong class to teach Book 10, which focuses on Evangelism and Discipleship. Participant Rev. Simonnonna shared that he was blessed by the lessons, as they clarified the responsibilities of a pastor in evangelism and outlined the steps involved.

On October 15, I visited Gabungan Sabara to teach Book 7. Mr. Van Hendrik commented on how the lessons highlighted the importance of God's Word in educating the congregation.

I visited the Balabatu class on October 20 to provide an update on the participants' learning and taught from Book 9. The next day, October 21, I taught the Sabara combined class. We started Book 8 but revisited concepts from Book 7. Pastor Tolayuk expressed gratitude for the lessons, saying he gained insights into the responsibilities of teaching God's Word within the congregation.

Finally, on October 25, I visited the Masewe class, which is studying Book 1. This session completed the teaching for Masewe and included practical application of the material. Deniati reflected on how the lessons helped her understand how to observe God's Word.

Oktofianus Bulu Mila, Sumba Area Coordinator:

In the Dassa Elu I class, I taught from Book 7 on Church Services Administration. This lesson emphasized that the church must address the fundamental needs of the congregation: spiritual, relational, emotional, and physical. Unfortunately, emotional and physical needs are often overlooked in practice, primarily due to a lack of awareness and programming within the church. As a result, an emphasis has been placed on fulfilling spiritual and relational needs. For the upcoming 2025 service period, our local church will aim to implement a service approach that better addresses these areas.

In the Dassa Elu II class, I taught four sessions, which covered the Old Testament Survey from Jonah to Malachi. The class engaged with the material, often seeking clarification. We spent additional time researching and uncovering the main truths in their assignments, which enriched their learning experience.

During my teaching of the Rajaka class, which focused on the Bible Doctrine Survey, participants expressed a desire for a slower-paced learning process. They emphasized the importance of thoroughly understanding Christian doctrines to avoid misteaching the congregation. We decided to take our time with the material to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

Additionally, I visited and taught the Waikabubak study class three times on Bible interpretation and rules. The participants learned various methods of Bible study, realizing that preparing a sermon requires thoughtful material selection and proper context for cross-references. I encouraged them to continue practicing these methods to enhance their sermon preparation skills. A participant named Maklon Neno, a pastor, mentioned that he had never delivered a biographical sermon in the systematic manner outlined in the guidebook.

Dasa Ellu Class 1

Dasa Ellu Class 2

Rajaka Class

Waikabubak Class

Testimony

"My name is Musa. I can't believe I've been studying in CCI class for 2 years, and because of God's grace, I've entered Book 7 after two years of studying. My eyes are opened with every truth that I've learned. The truth I got in class changed my speech, attitude, and character. I can be a person who has a spiritual impact on my family, workplace, and local church. My spiritual knowledge has increased, my character has changed, and I feel that my skills in conveying spiritual things are also being honed. Praise in Jesus name."

Crossing Cultures International

Website |View as Webpage