M&B

The Parish of St Barnabas has longstanding connections with many small churches in East Java, Indonesia.

One of these connections is through Hope for the Children Indonesia, and the other is a special relationship with Pastor Sihati, a village pastor.

Hope For The Children

A number of parishioners sponsor children through Hope for the Children Indonesia, a grassroots sponsorship program based in the city of Malang.

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Hope for the Children – Indonesia sponsors Christian children from poor families enabling them to complete their education and obtain jobs.

This benefits whole families and breaks the poverty cycle.

The scheme is administered by the local pastors’ fellowship.

Over the years, a number of people from St Barnabas have visited their sponsored children.

Pastor Sihati

In 2009 Hope for the Children Indonesia made it possible for individuals and groups to sponsor pastors as well as children. The Parish of St Barnabas established a special relationship with a pastor living in a rural village.

At the time Pastor Sihati was living with her elderly mother in poor living conditions and facing opposition to her ministry.

The Parish, together with Hope for the Children Indonesia, began assisting her with improvements to her living conditions – including roof-repairs, and building a bathroom and kitchen.

Sponsorship, assistance, prayer and encouragement from the Parish of St Barnabas have improved Pastor Sihati’s material circumstances.

They have also provided Pastor Sihati with strength and confidence to fully realise her ministry. In turn the Parish has gained a firm friend and an outstanding exemplar of faithful living.

A small group of parishioners visit Pastor Sihati and her community each year.