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This is a Christian ministry. Our mission: TO REACH OUT TO THE PEOPLE OF THE RIAU BY
PLACING COMMITTED CHRISTIAN TEACHERS IN THE REGION.
The children of the sea tribes go to schools on
their islands. If the island were a very small one, they would go to a
school on another island or not at all. Often the school is simply a one
or two room school and Indonesian (government) teachers are used.
Education on the islands is given in Bahasa Indonesia (local language).
The children are taught language, reading, writing and arithmetic from
class 1 (grade 1) to class 6. After class six, many students stop school
to help their parents with fishing. To pursue further education (middle
school), they would have to leave home and attend school on the big
islands of Batam or Bintan and then only if their parents can afford to
send them there. While English, as a second language is not offered on
the small islands, children on the big islands do study it. This means that children of the islands
will not be able to catch up or compete with their big island
counterparts for job opportunities as the area’s economy develops.
Our teachers are graduates of Bethany School of
Missions, Batam. They are Indonesians, young and committed Christians.
Most are from Medan, Sumatra but some come from as far away as Flores.
They are young men with dreams and visions. Above all, they are committed
to serve God in a way that brings Him honour and glory. We are confident
that in the years to come, the children of the islands where they teach
will become stronger adults who will know not only English but also their
Creator.
Our vision is to
provide the sea tribe children with an opportunity (with English) to be
better equipped as they mature. This work with the children opens the
door for us to build relationships with their parents and in general the
island population. It is not uncommon for the islanders to come to us for
prayers when a family member is ill or invite us for a game of volleyball
or football (soccer). Other programs such as agriculture, medicine and
distribution of food have been implemented as part of the
ministry’s community involvement. Open evangelism is against the
law in Indonesia and we do not practice it.
  
Above are the
curious and bright children of the Riau. They live in fishing
villages like the photo above right. Their parents are fishermen (above
centre) whose average daily earning is about S$5. When the fish do
not come, they fill their time with other activities and odd jobs.
Funding for the
outreach comes from friends and partners in the USA and
Singapore. We seek the participation of anyone who is moved by the Spirit
to contribute. To find out more about how you can be involved, click on
the "Partner" link.
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