SALT’s Mission Trip to Nias

“Tomorrow’s Hope” in Nias, Indonesia, is a faith-based orphanage ministry dedicated to providing holistic care and a brighter future for vulnerable children. It was Pastor Michael’s heartfelt invitation—”Come and see what the Lord is doing in Nias”—that inspired our SALT cell group to embark on this mission trip in place of our usual fellowship road trip around Malaysia. It was a life-changing experience for many of us.

Preparation: God’s Provision Unfolds

As newcomers to the mission, Pastor Michael’s guidance was invaluable. He shared inspiring testimonies of God’s unwavering faithfulness over 28 years, including how he started Tomorrow’s Hope “with just one dollar” in his bank account. God’s blessings multiplied through church members, various mission teams, NTU students, and the Singapore Red Cross.

Ranging from age 3 to 69, we collaborated to best use our skills. We planned painting, craftwork, social enterprise, teaching problem-solving with games, and preparing Singaporean dishes.

Despite initial uncertainties, our program solidified quickly. We’re grateful to Sebastian for overcoming language barriers and Jenny for her steadying presence in the kitchen, preparing meals for 50 nightly. Insights from Hannah and the 2019 Nias team offered invaluable cultural understanding and practical advice. Our plans truly came together as we entrusted our “five loaves and two fishes” to the Lord.

Fundraising: Community in Action

We witnessed God’s grace unfold as Moriah Café, a simple, free, and open self-service area for fellowship on JCC’s ground floor, became a powerful platform for conversations about our Nias mission. Sales of bubble tea and drip coffee, combined with church-wide mission awareness about JCC as a sending church, enabled us to gather much-needed funds. Thanks to the prayerful support and generous giving by church members, we not only surpassed our original fundraising goal but also secured resources to purchase costly yet essential items like a refrigerator, water pump, and stove to meet practical needs in Nias.

First Impressions: Welcomed Home

Our arrival at Tomorrow’s Hope was met with a heartfelt welcome: children lined up in two rows, saluting us with a hand-to-forehead gesture that spoke volumes of their honour and respect. We quickly realized the extraordinary nature of this home—it’s powered by the children, for the children. We were deeply affected by their maturity and responsibility: girls skillfully prepared daily meals, boys capably managed plumbing and goat care, and younger children diligently harvested vegetables.

One memorable encounter was with a boy named Robin, who faithfully gathered sweet potato leaves every day to feed their ten goats. We were struck by the children’s ingenuity and faithfulness far beyond their age. These vital life skills are a clear reflection of the nurturing environment fostered by Pastor Michael and his wife, Ibu Sintha, proving that responsibility and resourcefulness can thrive in any circumstance.

Deepening Bonds: Cooking, Craft & Connection

Sharing food, a Singaporean favourite, deepened our bonds. Jenny and Jonathan taught the children to cook dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and Malaysian-style curry. The children savoured every bite, their contentment humbling us.

These hands-on moments revealed that discipleship thrives in everyday acts, not just sermons. Their eagerness to learn was striking. Khan Lian and Yen Luan taught them sewing, leading to ingenious creations from Batik cloth.

Shi Hui and Joanne introduced various crafts, like floral resin bookmarks and scented candles, which sparked joyful creativity. With Joash and Sebastian, language barriers melted as children learned teamwork through games. Finally, scrapbooking materials from Yen Luan and Kylie, along with Polaroid films, helped them create treasured memory books.

Powerful Moments: Growth and Insights

Beyond gifts, the children recognized our presence as God’s provision, significant after six years without a visiting team. At our final gathering, their songs and stories affirmed their deep enjoyment and eagerness to participate in every activity. They cherished the sweet fellowship and the presence of kind ‘Ibu’ and ‘Bapak’ (‘mothers’ and ‘fathers’). As Ibu Sintha noted, “This team doesn’t feel like it’s your first trip here,” signalling that for many, this mission is just the beginning.

While the children know Jesus, authentic faith is nurtured through intentional discipleship. Pastor Michael challenged us to share “what makes your faith in Jesus real,” prompting four of us to boldly share testimonies despite language barriers.

We learned that discipleship thrives beyond formal settings—in the kitchen, through crafts, and games. True fellowship also emerged in hardship. During a blackout, Jonathan chopped chicken in near darkness, guided by Yen Luan’s torchlight, amidst children’s joyful shouts. Navigating shared toilets during water shortages and enduring “cool” baths were humbling reminders to look heavenward in moments of discomfort.

Invitation: Your Step of Faith

If you feel God’s call but are unsure how to start, consider partnering with Tomorrow’s Hope in Nias. No prior mission experience is needed—just a willing heart to share your gifts, presence, and prayers. God will use you to cultivate genuine faith in Jesus through cooking, crafting, conversation, and even power cuts.

Come witness what the Lord has done and continues to do in Nias. You’ll likely leave changed, awed by the children’s voices and gifts. Their discipleship and fellowship will reveal something far greater: God growing His Church beyond Tomorrow’s Hope’s walls and into our hearts.

Jonathan Tan