In September I went to Kalimantan
(Borneo) for a workshop on culture and conflict. It involved mostly
Dayak (indigenous Kalimantan) Protestants, Roman Catholics, and
Pentecostals. Christians are struggling to understand how their
faith relates to their culture. How can they develop their identity
as truly Christian and also truly Dayak? A highlight was visiting
an area where Dayak Christians and Madurese Muslims live in peace.
A couple years ago the Dayaks slaughtered thousands of Madurese.
The Madurese were successful immigrants who oppressed the local
Dayaks for years. Finally the Dayaks erupted, often reverting
to their old headhunting customs. I didn’t think there were
any Madurese left in Kalimantan, since many lost their heads and
thousands fled the island. But then I discovered this village
where World Vision has been active. In that area not a drop of
blood was shed during the whole violent conflict. If mobs came,
searching for either Dayaks or Madurese, all the villagers fled
together into the jungles. Even in the midst of tragedy, God’s
grace was still active.
Farsijana has also been busy. She works in the research and social
service center of Duta Wacana Christian University and is head
of the International Relations and Human Resources Office. In
that capacity she visited several Christian universities in the
United States that are interested in cooperation with Duta Wacana.
Farsijana is working hard to improve both the quality and the
quantity of research in all departments of our university. She
is also teaching anthropology of religion to a large class of
theological students, continuing her activities with the Indonesian
Woman’s Coalition, and spearheading numerous activities
at our home, Pondok Tali Rasa. Last week, we had three dinners.
On Wednesday my students from the Muslim University (IAIN) came
to our house for a lecture and to open the fast together at 5:45
p.m. On Thursday children came for dance classes and in the evening
we had several visiting professors over for dinner. Friday was
a meeting of the Indonesian Woman’s Coalition followed by
opening the fast. Since we get up at 4:00 and usually work into
the evening, we sleep well at the end of the day! We couldn’t
do it without the hard work of two helpers, Yani and Utami. They’re
great.
This semester I have four graduate classes, one at Duta Wacana,
two at IAIN, and one at UGM, the large, national university. They
are all variations of philosophy of social science and philosophy
of religion. It is amazing and wonderful to be teaching mainly
Muslim graduate students about philosophy of science and religion.
For me it is a great privilege and honor. I learn so much from
my students. They are full of deep questions. They range from
fundamentalist students who are very suspicious of all Christians,
to very progressive, liberal Muslims who are into post-modern
deconstructionism. At UGM I also have a few Hindus, Buddhists,
and Christians. The new teaching opportunities open up many invitations
to speak to Muslim groups. I am grateful and amazed.
We are looking forward to Idul Fitri and Christmas, two opportunities
to slow down and give thanks for God’s goodness. Farsijana’s
already planning a “tree of memory and love,” decorated
with pictures of all our friends around the world. We hope to
hear from some of you. Drop us a one-liner by email or send us
a picture for the tree! May you too, know the unlimited grace
of God during a season of hope.
Wassalam,
Bernie and Farsijana
The 2004 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
200 |
