It might be up for debate when you claim someone or something is the greatest. How do you measure greatness? We measure by the best or highest standards of the time. The Koh-I-Noor 105 carat diamond is listed as priceless. It is known as the “Mountain of Light” when it was the world’s largest known diamond. It is currently owned by the British crown. Mt. Everest is the undisputed tallest mountain on the planet at 29,029 feet above sea level....

Eka, his mother, held his mouth to keep him silent. Hiding in a room of the head of their village. Christian’s family was in serious danger. This was the beginning of the conflict in the North Maluku region of Indonesia where organized militias were going from village to village looking for those of the Christian faith. Lody and Eka, Christian’s parents, were the only Christians who lived in a Muslim village. They had friends in the village,...

Winda was 30 years old when she lost her struggle with T.B. but found the hope of eternity. She was an amazing person. She was educated and could speak English as if it was her first language. She had a University degree in English language. Winda told me–she prefers to write in English because Indonesian words were too long. We would laugh but I know how difficult the English language is to master. She was academically gifted. The thing...

We think a hero might be the guy who makes the 50 yard field goal to win the game for his team. I think the greatest heroes are those who serve the sick and poor quietly, faithfully day-in and day-out. The heroes at the Hohidiai base are treating the struggling HIV patient and encouraging their families. It is the young nurse who cleans the room of the crippled 82 year old. She scrubbed until his room smelled fresh and clean. The hard working...

It has been at least seven years in process. It has been delayed, important documents lost or misplaced, prayed over and finally awarded. At long last the sun has risen and the KITAS visa has been approved. The directors of the Indonesia base have been given the best visa they could have. It allows then to remain in the country for a total of three years. It offers the right to own a business and purchase land. The social and medical work...

She has suffered more than almost anyone I know. She has seen unspeakable violence and the loss of her oldest brother. Her village was a target of attack back in 2000 where over 200 people were killed in one day of violence. Winda was only 13 years old and defenseless in the attack. She is one of the strongest individuals I have ever met. The many atrocities she has  seen and yet she is stable emotionally. Winda believes it was God’s help...

Baassee Cho is an Athabaskan phrase that means a deep thank you. It is set apart from the general thanks to express a warm and special thank you. That is the name given to the new house built on our base.  The funds to build it were given by a very loving group in Alaska. The house is being occupied by an amazing couple–Dr. Leo and his wife, Dr. Deni. Dr. Leo and Dr. Deni will be expecting their first child in April. We are thankful for...

We cannot say no to helping an abandoned new born. When they are left of unwanted we have said yes 50 times. We now have about 50 little ones ranging in age from new born to mid-teens. Our family has grown and continues to grow. It is a challenge to our staff and keeping up with facilities. These are our growing pains. We encourage our staff to adopt these unwanted children and the others we have in one of our two children’s home.There...

You would have to meet Dr. Naomi to know how what an awesome woman she is. She is a skilled physician and has the highest character. She is one of the lead doctors at our base in Indonesia. Naomi has been in the U.S. for the past couple months for an intensive training course on pediatric eye care. She is upgrading her medical skills by study here in the U.S.She is one of our best. What a blessing to have her as a part of our team. She could...

It happened very fast–one of our trusted staff members is here in the U.S. Hendra is known by many of those who have come to Indonesia on short-term teams. He is a gentle but strong young man.He first came to the U.S. in December 2009 when he escorted Tison to the Fairbanks. It was really cold and Hendra stayed for two months to assist with Tison’s transition. He made lots of friends and was able to share about his vision to start...