When does a boy become a man?

He becomes a man when he needs to.

When Ann introduced you to Jonathan on Saturday she called him a child. I call him a man.

Even though Jonathan is just 15 years old, he is a man. He has to be.

Jonathan’s mother abandoned the family when he was 4. And his father walked out of Jonathan’s daily life not long after.

Jonathan lived in the jungle with his grandparents when his father moved to the city to find work. But last year when death took his grandparents, Jonathan’s father didn’t return. He stayed in the city – with his favorite son – and left Jonathan alone to care for himself.

Living in the jungle is isolating, which is why most people in Jonathan’s community are quiet and reserved. However, Jonathan is quiet for another reason as well; he’s hurting deeply.

And this is why I say he is a man. Jonathan refuses to succumb to the temptation of silence and isolation.

When we visited him on Friday, he allowed us into his home and shared his story with us. He embraced vulnerability, trusted us, and rose above the lies poverty is trying to convince him are real.

In the midst of poverty, from a life of loneliness, Jonathan demonstrates a rare nobility. He stands tall.

Although his life is incredibly difficult, Jonathan is maturing personally, spiritually and morally in the Body of Christ.

When a boy needs comfort he turns to his mother, or he turns to things in this world. When a man needs comfort, he turns to the Lord.

Jonathan told us that sometimes when he’s lonely he rests in his hammock and sings to God.

Jonathan isn’t a man because of his wisdom and behavior in desperate circumstances, although those are characteristics of manhood. He’s a man because he knows that God’s grace is sufficient for him, that God’s power is made perfect in human weakness.

When does a boy become a man?

He becomes a man when he needs to, regardless of age. For some, manhood comes at 15. For others, it may come at 50. And for a few, it may never come at all.

Being an adult male and being a man are not the same thing. A boy becomes a man when he understands and consistently demonstrates through humble surrender to God that the Lord’s strength abounds in human frailty.

From what I saw in Jonathan, I think I can learn a thing or two about being a man.

Sponsor a child in Ecuador.

Sponsor a child in Jonathan’s child development center (EC-273) or a center near him.

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I sit back in my chair at the dining table and rub my belly.

I tell my wife,”That was delicious, honey.” And it was. She’s become quite the cook!

My 2-year-old, always the copycat, stands up in his chair and lifts his shirt. He rubs his hands across his little, round belly.

“Delishus momma!”

Then he turns to me, giggling.

“Wook daddy … my tummy is big!”

I reach over and rub his warm tummy as he cracks up.

He wouldn’t know how to express it just yet, but that warm, full-belly feeling is satisfaction.

A full tummy is a satisfied tummy. And I’m satisfied too. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with knowing that I can provide for my family.

Both of my boys are healthy. They have healthy appetites. We are blessed.

But I’m also reminded of the fathers around the world who work much harder than I do and still can’t put enough food on the table.

I’m reminded of little bellies that groan and growl. I think of the 2-year-olds who aren’t giggling today but crying, hoping for anything to fill their empty stomachs.

I think of the single mothers who struggle with the cost of daycare so they can go to work just to buy a meager amount of groceries.

There are more than 1 billion people on this planet who don’t have enough to eat.

That sentence alone should enrage you. It should move you. It should give us all motivation to do something about it.

Today is World Food Day.

A day to realize how blessed we are just for having a chance to eat a meal and get a full tummy.

Maybe this year you can join the thousands of caring people who will decide to skip one meal and give that cost to feed hungry children.

Maybe you’re called to pray for the hungry or clean out the pantry, make a trip to the grocery store, and help stock the food pantry at your church.

Maybe you’ll write a blog post about World Food Day and link it up below so we can all benefit from your perspective.

However you honor World Food Day, do something. Everyone should get that satisfaction of a full tummy.

Heck, everyone should get a tummy rub!

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Andis’ father walked out on his wife and son when Andis was in second grade. Andis prayed daily for his dad to return. When his father didn’t come home, Andis became angry and tried to forget him.

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We began our ministry in East Indonesia in 2005 with the Child Sponsorship Program, and in 2006 we started the Child Survival Program.

Country Director

Georry Nefiantuty Suardi (Tuty) joined the ministry in East Indonesia as country director in 2005. Before this, Tuty served as program manager in the Bandung office.

Prior to joining Compassion, Tuty served as a program manager and trainer for the Indonesian Christian Church Training Center, and as a consultant in human resource development for the Fidicia Consulting Group.

Tuty is the founder of the Youth Empowerment Station in Jakarta and the Youth Leadership Movement in Manado.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in theology from the Christian University of Duta Wacana, a master’s in development management from the Asian Institute of Management in the Philippines, and a master’s in holistic child development from the Malaysian Baptist Theological Seminary in Penang, Malaysia.

Implementing Church Partners

Implementing Church Partners are local churches in East Indonesia with whom we work to deliver child development programs and ministry in the field.

• Spiritual Climate
  The majority of the population in East Indonesia is Christian; the evangelical movement is strong, and spiritual revival activities are held often.
• Unique Challenges
  One challenge unique to Implementing Church Partners in East Indonesia is that there are five major islands, all with different cultures and tribes. This makes it difficult to contextualize the program.

  The “field-based partnership facilitator” approach has been helpful in minimizing cultural barriers, because the partnership facilitator is able to focus on the cultural issues and deal with each partner strategically.

  Another challenge we face is that denominations are fairly divided. When we open a new child development center in a new area, neighboring churches belonging to different denominations are often suspicious of our program and partnership. But in time, denominations are usually able to build solid relationships with each other.



• Typical Contributions
  Implementing Church Partners provide buildings and training for local staff and volunteers.
• Partner Development Activities
  We develop partners by providing tutor and administrative training and training on child protection, as well as offering conferences for pastors.

Child Survival Program

• Caregiver Literacy
  Our Child Survival Program staff members evaluate the literacy level of the mothers and teach each one accordingly. We hold group classes once a week and also have follow-up lessons during home visits.
• Income-Generating Skills
  We offer various income-generating skills according to the different locations of the Child Survival Programs. For instance, the Child Survival Program in Papua offers “noken” making. A noken is a traditional bag from Papau, so it is only appropriate to offer that particular skill in that area of the country.

  Another region of the country teaches a certain type of flower making while another offers cake, bread and pastry making. Generally these skills are taught once or twice a month. If Complimentary Intervention funds are used for income-generating activities, then these classes are usually taught once a week.



• Health Care
  Indonesia has community health centers which are provided by the government and offer most services free of charge. Mothers in the Child Survival Program take their children to these centers for monthly check-ups.

  Pregnant mothers also receive prenatal care, and children and mothers receive immunizations. If medication is needed, there is often a charge, but it is nominal.

  In remote villages, the nearby community health center sends staff members to perform checkups, and they pay specific attention to mothers and children. Every six months we typically pay for routine medical checkups done at the development center by either a general practitioner or a pediatrician. We also pay for ultrasounds for pregnant women.

  If a program participant is ill and has unusually high medical expenses, we will pay the majority of those expenses. Hygiene items such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and shampoo are also provided.



• Nutritional Support
  Once a week, beneficiaries are given nutritious food at the development center, receiving a balance of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also take milk home with them to have during the week.

  Some development centers also provide food to the mothers during home visits. We teach mothers how to cook nutritious food for their families using simple, inexpensive ingredients.

  During home visits, we sometimes cook together with the moms, ensuring they fully understand how to prepare the food correctly and cleanly.



• Involvement of Fathers
  Generally, fathers participate in a family fellowship event once a month. We also invite fathers to help with building projects and cleaning days, and they are usually glad to help with these needs.
• Transition Out of the Child Survival Program
  In order to begin transitioning children out of the Child Survival Program and into the Child Sponsorship Program, we introduce children to activities such as art, singing, and performing songs or memorized Bible verses in front of their classes.

  Children are also encouraged to learn to play appropriately in groups. The purpose of all these activities is to develop their social skills and their self-esteem, so they will not be overwhelmed when they enter the Child Sponsorship Program.

  Mothers in the Child Survival Program need to master at least one income-generating skill, and have the necessary skills to parent their children properly and manage their families well. Also, we hope that the mothers have developed a faith in Christ.



• Areas of Expansion for the Child Survival Program
  We would like to expand further in Papua. Our first Child Survival Program center is located there, but the mothers in this area still struggle a great deal, and many cultural barriers exist. There is a great need for further care and education.

  We would also like to expand into Kalimantan (the Indonesian portion of the island of Borneo), because there are many pregnant mothers and children under five. In this region, mothers adhere to the traditional way of delivering babies which is extremely high-risk.

Child Development Through Sponsorship

Your sponsorship of a child in East Indonesia provides a variety of benefits.

Children are very busy with school during the weekdays, so we conduct our activities in the afternoons after school.

• Meeting Times
  • 3 to 5 year olds: 2 hours a day, 4 days a week
  • 6 to 8 year olds: 2 hours a day, 3 days a week
  • 9 to 11 year olds: 2 hours a day, 3 days a week
  • 12 to 14 year olds: 2 hours a day, 3 days a week

  

• Nutritional Support
  Each child receives a nutritious meal every time he or she goes to the child development center. A typical meal consists of rice, meat, milk, fruit and vegetables. We also give additional vitamins to the children. This food is provided because the lack of nutritious food is still a major challenge in East Indonesia.
• Vaccinations
  Vaccinations are typically given before a child is registered at the development center. Crucial vaccinations, such as polio and hepatitis, are usually given free of charge at the local health clinics, but there is sometimes a charge.

  If a child has not been given a vaccination prior to registration, the child will go to the local health clinic or to the hospital for the needed vaccination, and the Implementing Church Partner will cover the cost if needed.

• Extracurricular Activities or Community Service
  There are sports activities for children of all ages and camps for the adolescents. In suburban centers, they also have lessons in traditional art, music and dance.

  These activities are offered according to the teachers’ availability and the interest level of the children.



• Vocational Activities
  Most of East Indonesia is made up of forest land, and many people work as farmers or on plantations as substitute farmers. So it is important to offer vocational training related to farming and agriculture.

  Because of this, we offer income-generating skills such as farming and English.

• Areas of Expansion for the Child Sponsorship Program
  As with the Child Survival Program, we hope to expand in Papua and into Kalimantan (the island of Borneo) because of the vast needs in these areas.

Complementary Interventions

Our core Child Sponsorship Program, while comprehensive, does not address all obstacles to a child’s healthy development. The Complementary Interventions program was created to work with our holistic child development model to provide additional services, such as our AIDS Initiative, funds for Bibles, disaster relief and water projects.

Typical Complementary Interventions
Complimentary Interventions funds are used for curriculum, prevention and treatment of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, water projects, and non-formal education.

Highly Vulnerable Children

In East Indonesia, most of our highly vulnerable children suffer from severe child abuse or parental neglect. In order to address these needs, we work closely with the Implementing Church Partners to reinforce the importance of child protection.

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An old Indonesian proverb says,

“As the tree, so the fruit.”

This means that what parents do and say will affect what their children do and say. Whether direct or indirect, intentional or unintentional, what parents live out every day will influence their children. This is seen in the life of Nado.

Born into a modest family on Sangir Island as the youngest of three children, Nado asks to help his father, Sapta, fix small boat engines almost every day before going to study with friends at the Sesawi Student Center, the child development center where he is registered.

Sapta, is a mechanic who earns his living by repairing boat engines. He is gifted at what he does and his services are highly sought after. Many people travel more than 20 kilometers (12 miles) just to have Sapta fix their boats.

“I love working on machines and I have loved that kind of work since I was in junior high school.

“Not many people know how to fix machines, and I am thankful that I am blessed by this talent to help others who need their boat repaired, although it does not make a lot of money.”

Sapta’s life-long love of mechanics has not just blessed others; it has also affected his youngest son, Nado.

“Nado started by just accompanying me and now he helps me fix the machine.

“Nado loves to find out what makes a clock tick and he is curious about what made a little car run.

“He started to take apart every supporting tool that made something move and then gathered it again as one complete piece. He loves to try to find out how it works after he assembles it again.

“We were angry at Nado the first time because we thought he would break all things, but after we saw him assemble it again, we knew that he is only curious with it and wants to see what he could do if he separates the parts inside it.”

Nado’s curiosity to learn more about mechanical things is getting stronger day by day. Nado not only learns from his father, he also learns from the activities at the child development center.

Julian, Sesawi Student Center coordinator, explains further:

“We let children do everything that they love. If they love to play soccer, we let them develop it. By letting them do what they love, we actually help them to find their talent. We have seen it in Nado’s life. He loves mechanical things.

“We haven’t any program to let children learn about such things [now], but we plan to let children learn about computers in the future.”

Nado’s curiosity has resulted in a significant accomplishment for someone his age.

After watching something on television about a flood detector, Nado imagined how he could make a similar detector to track tidal waves.

“I dreamed about making something that was shown on television. I imagined how I could change a flood detector into a tidal wave detector. I started making it by using simple tools that could be easily found around my house.”

Nado felt that if he could make some modifications to the flood detector, it would be useful for people in the area where he lives, especially fishermen.

“This area rarely has floods. We are afraid of high waves from the sea that sometimes we can’t predict.

“I thought that if I can do some modification in the flood detector, then I can help others by telling them if the sea level has risen.”

Nado found a small jar, Styrofoam, cable, wood, rubber, small balls, batteries and other tools to help him make the tidal wave detector.

Julian shares further,

“We are all amazed with the creativity that he has. We never thought that his routine with his father and the simple activity in the development center will bear something that will bring benefit for people in this area.”

Julian and other child development center staff have supported Nado in developing his talent by teaching mathematics more specifically.

Julian knows the little boy who loves math has a big opportunity to make other tools, which could become an inspiration for other children.

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But when I look back on those moments now, I am proud of him. He was a strong man who could fix or build almost anything – a man who changed the world. But more importantly, he had a tender heart.

As I am getting to know many of our top leaders, I am finding that they are a lot like my dad: strong yet tender. Time after time I have seen them get tears in their eyes as they commit their hearts to our mission.

Recently one leader shared stories about the children whom he and his family have sponsored. He paused several times, his voice cracked, and tears welled in his eyes. It reminded me of my dad in church.

I am proud of this leader.

Jesus is like this: wonderfully strong yet tender. We are told time and again that Jesus had compassion on the people — like the time His heart went out to the grieving widow who had lost her son.

Jesus loved little children and held them in His arms. He wept at the death of His friend Lazarus. He was the very picture of a person who is strong yet tender.

I want to become strong yet tender like my dad, like our ministry leaders, and like King Jesus. I have felt the strengthening and the softening of my heart. I’m glad for it.

“Jesus wept.” John 11:35 (NIV)

Prayer: Father God, I pray that You would send Your Spirit on us to make us more gracious and tender-hearted. Thank You for the way You moved in my dad’s heart. Thank You for the way You are moving in our hearts and in the hearts of our leaders. In Jesus’ name I pray.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Greg Boyer is Compassion’s Organization Design and Development Director. Greg works ministry-wide to improve cross-group alignment and productivity, and organizational culture. When he is not keeping the rest of us on track, Greg likes to ski-bike and climbs 14ers with his wife, Anne.

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I stepped into my favorite coffee shop for my morning cup of java. Behind me a man carried a toddler on his shoulders, bundled to brave the chilly Colorado morning.

“There’s chocolate, powdered sugar, and even sprinkled! You can chose whichever you’d like, buddy.”

The father gave his young son a donut education as they waited in line. He spoke to his son with such adoration!

With so many absent fathers in the world, it’s encouraging to see dads invest in their children. As I watched this dad and his son enjoying their morning outing, I couldn’t help but say,

“You’ve got yourself a real cute son there!”

With a huge smile and welling pride, he responded,

“Thanks! He’s also my best friend.”

What a pleasure for the young boy! What love he will have! Imagine the difference this dad will make, even going as far as to say his little toddler was his best friend. This child will grow up cherished.

On the other side of the world, in many East African cultures, men are responsible for providing for the family and women are responsible for domestic work within the home and, in particular, looking after children. But our staff knows the role of the father in a child’s life is indispensable.

As a result, Child Survival Program (CSP) fathers in Ethiopia are more involved in caregiving and emotional support. Fathers are beginning to help wash their babies, take them to activities at the church, and participate in program activities.

They contribute to their children’s well-being through their own loving presence. They maintain a healthy relationship with the child, providing emotional and financial support.

Whether walking into a coffee shop or walking down a dirt road to a child development center, fathers can use their powerful influence to change the life of a child. These men and babies will change the face of their country.

I left the shop that morning with more than a great cup of coffee. I left with a reminder to pray for fathers and their crucial role in the lives of their children. The next time you grab a powdered-sugar donut, say a prayer for fathers and their continued presence in our African CSP programs.

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When we arrived at the batey, we assembled all of the parents for a meeting. The assembly was mostly mothers and the lack of fathers present at the meeting was very noticeable.

At the meeting, we explained the importance of the baseball league and how critical it is that the parents and children take care of the equipment and uniforms about to be handed out. We told them that this league isn’t about finding the next Major League Baseball player, although in this area, that is not necessarily a long shot; this is more than a chance at the big leagues, it’s a chance to have their boys know what it means to be real men – to understand and develop responsibility, leadership and character.

Those things are not only what we will teach them, but what they learn to emulate in the home. If the home is not in order, what we teach them may not do any good. They represent – God first, their families, Pujols, Compassion and their own good name.

Once we concluded, the parents turned in signed sheets of paper promising their support, which means, among other things, that they will not sell the uniforms and equipment. Otherwise, the boys won’t play.

The line of boys ready to receive uniforms in front of the batey was incredible! These kids have never had anything new and really never had anything that fit. These uniforms were complete with Nike undershirts, sliding shorts, batting gloves, belts, socks, pants, jersey, hats, cups – every piece of equipment they could possibly want. For boys who play with sticks and use milk cartons for gloves, this was quite a shock.

One young man, about 15, leaped in the middle of the field once he received his shoes. He was overjoyed! And that’s the other thing – the field.

When I was here a few months ago, this field was disheveled. Animals roamed it, grass and weeds grew throughout and it was difficult to think that it could be cleaned up enough to play on it.

When we arrived, the field was fenced in with foot length to the home run fence – almost professionally! But then we noticed the grass was still long – too long to field an infield hit. We remarked on how badly they needed a riding lawnmower for the area and were told they only had a push mower and it was broken.

As we handed out the uniforms and photographed the children walking through the village with their new uniforms, we were told that the field had just been mowed and chalked! This community pulled together to make this field the best they possibly could.

We knew they had it in them. They just needed the motivation and opportunity. It was amazing to see them rise to the occasion and let the kids know how valued they are, especially on Father’s Day.

When the kids assembled on the field and began playing, the greatest thing to watch was not just the purity of the ballgame at hand and the incredible talent of these young boys, but the fact that many men lined the field to watch – most of them, fathers. These men would normally be in the bar in the center of the batey.

Today, they were supporting the boys. They were proud. It makes the verse, “and a little child will lead them” even more powerful than it has ever been to me personally. I felt it there.

In fact, I thought, “If you build it, He will come” and the “he” was not Pujols or any mortal being. The “He” was God. There was no mistaking it. Yes, indeed, if you build it He will come.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Sean Dana

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates