Bordertown opens its doors for Indonesian pastors
For a week in October, Bordertown Lutheran Parish hosted two Indonesian pastors who were at the end of their three-month short-term study scholarship at Australian Lutheran College.
The pastors – Jon and Rinto – had spent most of their time in Adelaide during their stay and this was their first sojourn to the country.
The pastors stayed with a couple of parish families, as well as Pastor Murray Smith and Tracy. Both had had left families in Indonesia to come here on their scholarships, so they appreciated the friendly welcome.
On their adventures, Jon and Rinto witnessed a shearing shed in action, a rotary dairy, helped crutch sheep, looked at crops and took part in the parish’s picnic on the Sunday they were in town. They also marvelled at the flat countryside and how big the farm houses and machinery were.
While both pastors learnt a lot at ALC, conversational English was something they hoped to improve during their stay. In talking with people from the parish, they managed to have some good conversation, jokes and learnt about each other’s cultures.
Quite often, there are students from other countries who are studying at ALC and they would appreciate getting to know parish life in Australia. Why not open your churches and homes to them? Through the experience, you are not only helping them, but being blessed yourself in so many ways.
Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honouring each other. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:10,13.
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