Everyone has a story to tell, this month, we feature one of our missionary families, The Tedjaindras. Raymond from Indonesia and Joy from the Philippines. Married in December 2004, they and their 18-month old twin daughters live in the community together with other married couples and single brothers and sisters in Christ. Here's their story.
JOY- “COMING HOME”
I was raised by devout Catholic parents who trained us to attend Sunday masses and do other Catholic practices. Until I went college where I have met new friends and have more freedom to choose belief that has sense and personal touch to me. It was then that I committed myself to a group of “Born Again” brethren who introduced me to a personal relationship with Jesus. I thought that this is my destiny, to leave the Catholic Faith for another faith. But God in His wisdom brought me back to my Home- the Catholic Church of whom I now love dearly. Being in ICPE Mission helped me a lot to understand and realize that indeed the fullness of Truth is in the Catholic Church.
RAY - FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
I’m Raymond from Indonesia. I was a drug addict for five years and at that time, I experienced how to be in the state of “dead life”. Life for me before was meaningless and had no direction. My emotions were numb, I could not feel sadness nor happiness. Everything is flat. I even did not know how to receive love from my family. All I wanted is drugs….drugs…it was the only thing that was important to me. My relationships were in a mess, my life was in a mess…I attempted suicide a few times. I thought I can never escape from this state until I came to experience the loving touch of the Lord in year 2001. Since then I decided to seek more of Him even though at first it was with a lot of hesitation and struggle. I went for the School of Evangelization in India (note: the School is one of the many programs organized by the ICPE mission) and there I received a lot of God’s healing in my life. I managed to stop taking drugs (with a lot of struggle) and continued to be in ICPE Mission till now. I’m still in the process of healing and growing in my relationship with the Lord and I would like to share to others this healing and love that I have experienced and most of all the meaningful life that I’ve found in Jesus.
GOD’S PROVISION ON OUR LITTLE FAMILY
Having no salary as a missionary is very challenging. It was easier to trust God when we were still singles but the moment we came to know that we will be having twins, our faith was shaken. We felt fear and anxiety not knowing how we can provide for the needs of these babies. This can be financially, physically and emotionally demanding. Deep in us we had this question; “Will God really provide for these needs?”
But God has been very kind and faithful to His promise. Despite our doubts, He has been faithfully providing for us by touching generous sponsors who willingly supported our missionary call. From the very first day, all the necessary things that we need had been provided. We can say that we have not lacked any single necessity in our daily life. All Glory to God!!
Although our family is young, we continue to trust in God, do keep us in your prayers.
