We have just about finished setting up a platform for the members to take Family History to the next level in Cabang Dua. The Family History Online project in "tandem" with offering a Certificate of Completion is working well. We have translated the "Simplified Family History Charts" in Bahasa Indonesia. The enlarged printed posters in color are pasted to the wall behind both computers. The WiFi reception has been improved by technicians specially flown in from Jakarta at our request. Added by 2 laptops & more "gadgets" feeding off our "HotSpot" portable WiFi. It allows multiple members to add their FamHist Online onto FamilyTree. The small pocket "Legends" ( that show symbols of the various stages of Temple work ) enlarged & translated versions are added to the wall behind both PCs. The delayed improvement of equipment as well as delayed additional equipment is slowly but surely being resolved. The Branch President has called a mature couple to be the Branch Famiy History Assistants. Aided by a YM & YW from the Young Men & Young Women department. That will allow everybody learning to access to FamilyTree Online.
There have been some major changes in leadership callings. First of all our Indonesia Jakarta Mission President Rowley & his wife Sister Rowley have been called to be the Mission President in Singapore. Being responsible for some 4 countries in Asia. The "Interim" Indonesia, Jakarta Mission President is President Subandriyo and his wife Sister Subandriyo. They were the Mission Couple some years ago for Indonesia. On July 1st 2018 a new Mission President will be in charge for the next 3 years. Our Cabang2 President Didit Dwinanto was released and President Ardi was called to be the next Cabang2 President.
Due to our early in life experiences we have become very well adaptable & flexible to "Expect the Unexpected". Responding to many on a variety of moments in our lives. Thus no time wasted or hesitation to respond positively for us.
Because 'of "Spear Heading" and Initiating / Implementing all the activities and Programs since we arrived in Surabaya. The uncharted territory of living 24/7/365 just feet away from each other. The different life style here. Don't forget the every day being exposed to the chaotic but apparently well moving traffic on the roads day and night. Result: We experienced another "Expect the Unexpected:
*** We as Missionaries have hit a "Plateau" of sorts.***
The Programs we initiated and implemented are showing obvious progress. What took us by complete surprise, I suppose. There are strong forces to pulling it all back to the way things were done previously before we arrived here, to an, in our opinion, "chaotic & unorganized" manner. Compounded by the fact that there are more than 10 keys to the Family History Room "floating around." Too many can get ( & will) get in & potentially mess up things, including the PCs. To take things easy is a much liked approach in this area. To get ahead takes increased "Member Involvement." Something not practiced very well here. It often seems like trying to improve the traffic on the roads here. How much that is necessary is not considered a factor. To maintain the "status quo" appears easier. So, done & maintained. At times for us it surpasses being tired and gravitated to a condition of Fatigue, physically, mentally & emotionally. Like in: Mind boggling.
We sat down & had a series of "Pow wows" of sorts and have decided to change our "Approach" to how we are going to Magnify our calling from hereon. We have set in place a plan that will concentrate on visiting less- & inactive members and introduce the 4-Generations Online on a "1 on 1" basis. Again, treading into some uncharted areas. The increase of visiting members since a couple of weeks ago has seen positive results so far. This way we can forward them to the new called member couple. It has also increased the mutual respect and love of all involved as well as shown a much needed improvement as part of our goal to increase the "Member Involvement". We feel that backing off some & resort to Listening much more and leave the actual teaching to the new called couple. That should have implications far beyond the time we end our mission. Rests Sister Schmid to teach & me to motivate the recently called mature couple.
As a total surprise, but actually adding some clear support to our change of "Approach" Plan, I was called to be part of a new Elders Quorum Presidency with the assignment to visit those who need assistance from the Branch & District. During the interview by the District President Hadi, I was asked as to how to approach that challenge. I responded that the best way, in my view and experience is to approach the individuals and families that assistance will be best served is to invite these people back to activity, teach them about Jesus Christ, The Book of Mormon & the Restoration. With the promise attached that if they become active members again that things will work out. Going that route, the assistance will become a "two way proposition." They should know that when they Initiate their part FIRST, The Lord is more inclined to do His part. That will, most likely lead to Self Reliance. Church assistance will result in the people helping themselves. Teaching that a hand out without accountability does not work. Their are also plenty of opportunities to get educated with Church assistance & thus improve living conditions.
On 26 February we checked out the route to Kembang Kuling War Cemetery.
We met up with two "Indo" brothers from Holland visiting relatives graves. Paul & Walter Pattynama. After WW II, they too moved to Holland. New found "Indo" friends. They gave us the information to contact another "Indo" living in Scottsdale, AZ. They knew absolutely nothing about the Church. That was instantly taken care of. We exchanged business cards & gave them an invitation to look up the mormon.org site.
On 27 February we were invited by the Dutch "Oorlogsgraven Stichting" to attend a Memorial at the Surabaya Kembang Kuning WW II Honor Cemetery. We enjoyed a very well organized & emotional event. It honored those Dutch brave Heroes who battled the Japanese in the Java Sea in February 1942. The Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia flew in fro Jakarta to attend. The Military Attaché was there as well. By the way 3 Schmid family members are laid to rest at Kembang Kuning as well. Karl Julius Schmid, Herman Julius Schmid, Frans Schmid (no direct line Schmids) We met and talked to many in the "throat scratching" Dutch language. There is an "Dutch-Indo" club here in Surabaya. Yan Ferdinand invited us to stay in touch. We will surely make use of that invitation. Among meeting, listening to the some, I estimate, 16 Dutch-Indos, we will have the opportunity to introduce the Church.
Yesterday we visited Surabaya "Beach". It's an extensive recreation park. Disney Land style with a "Boulevard" at the Java Sea water's edge. And of course, plenty of eateries lined up. When taking a "dip", you can walk more than half a mile in knee deep water before you reach the deep Java Sea waters. Surprisingly, trees and shrubs lining the waters edge.
Today we visited the Surabaya Zoo. A very well maintained park with an incredible amount of well cared animals on display. I accepted an invitation to feed bananas to "Lembang" the friendly elephant. We are getting used to requests for taking pictures with individuals or groups. Today no different. It allows us to MILT, meet, introduce, listen & tell them why & what we are in Indonesia for. Use our "Intro-Line": Ask them what they know about eternal life.We ended our two hour visit enjoying a "Nasi Rames" and drinks at one of the many "Warung Makanan." (eateries ). Just when we arrived at the exit, an enormous downpour of rain welcomed us. The streets were flooded in a matter of minutes. They call "Jalan Banjir" here.
Sister and Elder Schmid.
