Raising Funds for my dear Indonesia Friends

My dear friends of 25 years are in need. Agung, Dewi, and their 3 children Vino (16), Ello (9) & Fella (7) live in Indonesia. They have lost their business and livelihood due to investor withdrawal connected to worsening economic conditions in Indonesia largely exacerbated by the pandemic. They no longer have food for their children and both Agung and Dewi are at immediate risk of incarceration if they cannot start paying on their debt.

My name is Katie. Let me tell you a little more about this family and how they came into my life.

Twenty-five years ago, I had the opportunity to spend 8 months in a small Indonesian town called Salatiga through Mennonite Central Committee where I met my forever friend Dewi Purwanti.

I was immediately out of my depth. 18 years old in a small foreign town over 10,000 miles from home with limited language training. For the first time in my life I was exposed to bucket baths, outdoor squat toilets and bucket laundry. I walked the streets to get to my various jobs. I felt lost, intimidated and alone with 8 months stretching out ahead of me.

The best day followed my worst day, after getting on my knees and telling God “I need a friend now; I cannot do this on my own.” The very next day, God brought into my life Dewi. Dewi was studying English at Satya Wacana Christian University. She became my constant support, a prayer partner and with such love, grace & patience. She helped me adapt to the Indonesian culture and taught me new ways of doing things. She gave me the support I needed to experience the country and fall in love with its food, people and customs. Dewi and I were inseparable.

Six months into my trip, the country went into chaos with the 1998 overthrow of the Suharto dictatorship. Riots, violence & loitering ensued. Plans were quickly made to evacuate all Americans. Three days later, I was saying good-bye to Dewi knowing the chances of seeing her again in person would be low. It was one of the most emotional days of my life.

Twenty-five years have passed and by God’s grace and so much new technology we have remained in close contact. Over the years, we have both lost our fathers to cancer, and Dewi lost her mother to a car accident. She has ridden various economic waves as the diverse country has worked and fought to gain ground economically. I’ve often asked how she remains strong. Her answer coupled with an infectious smile was always, “Because God is good and we trust Him”.

Dewi and Agung have also started a beautiful family and are parents to Vino (16), Ello (9) & Fella (7). Since 2010, they have run a small business together with the help of partnering investors. This business covers their family’s needs and supports their ministry, housing 17 women coming out of drug addition, prostitution, or abuse, and transitioning them to work and life on their own.

I received an emotional call from Dewi earlier this week asking for prayer. Investors have pulled out and are demanding payment. The family is responsible for paying back the worth of the company by February 15th. They owe $50,000 USD.

$50K in Indonesia Rupiah is an unimaginable amount of money. Agung & Dewi have sold everything of value they own. They now have no transportation and are fasting so they can ration remaining rice for their children. They have until February 15th to come up with enough money to demonstrate a good faith effort in paying back the sum, otherwise they will be incarcerated.

Dewi has never asked for anything from me. Even today, she still is looking to me simply as a supportive friend and prayer partner.

I have never created a Go Fund Me account. This is completely outside my comfort zone. But I’m so thankful for a mechanism in which to share this need with my friends and family, and anyone else who may be positioned to help this wonderful family.

Large or small, any donation will help. If you are unable to give financially, would you please consider dedicated prayer for their situation?