When the COVID-19 lockdown ended his work, Zeth Louis Lekatompessy in Indonesia chose a surprising path—he became a volunteer Bible worker with no guaranteed income. Together with his wife, he began praying daily for people on a growing list and visiting families across Ambon Island to offer Bible studies. Though many wondered how the family survived without a salary, Zeth says God has faithfully provided for their needs while they focus on bringing others to Christ.
People ask Zeth Louis Lekatompessy how he supports his wife and three children without a salaried job in Indonesia. He says it is God’s providence.
Zeth decided to volunteer as a Bible worker after feeling convicted that he needed to trust more in God and less on himself during the Covid lockdown. He had a heart for souls, and he put into motion a plan that he had used to lead many of his siblings to Christ.
He and his wife put together a list of every person whom they knew on Ambon Island, where they lived. Then they prayed for the names daily. They also got on their motorcycle every morning and visited the people on the list. The visits prompted Bible studies, and the Bible studies led to baptisms.
Zeth and his wife visited about three families a day, and the discussions sometimes lasted until late at night.
Many people couldn’t understand how the family was making ends meet.
“How do you survive with no job or savings or property that you can sell to help with your financial needs?” one asked.
“It’s impossible to live without a paying job,” said another. “I can’t believe it. Please prove it.”
Zeth acknowledges that his family has faced challenges. One Friday, the money ran out, and he and his wife prayed for God to intervene. Their prayers stretched into Sabbath. “We don’t have anything but You,” they prayed. “We can only trust in You.” That Sabbath, a stranger approached Zeth in the church parking lot and handed him an envelope. “This is for you so you can cheerfully continue your ministry,” he said.
At home, Zeth and his wife thanked God and opened the envelope. Inside they found enough money to cover their needs for several months.
To those who seek evidence, Zeth recounts the experience, saying, “Out of hundreds of experiences of God’s providence, this is just one of them.”
Today, Zeth is studying theology at Klabat University in hope of learning how to give better Bible studies. He said God is still covering the family’s expenses. When he graduates, he is ready to serve as a pastor, a Bible worker, or another other position from God.
“Pray for me and my family,” he said. “Pray that when I finish my studies I can bring more souls to God’s kingdom.”
Thank you for your Thirteenth Sabbath Offering, also known as the Quarterly Mission Project Offering, that is helping people like Zeth prepare for gospel ministry. Klabat University, located near Manado, Indonesia, is a previous offering recipient. This quarter’s offering will help similar schools in the East-Central Africa Division. Watch a YouTube video of Zeth at: bit.ly/Zeth-IS.
Gina Wahlen
is the editor of Adventist Mission’s Sabbath School mission quarterlies and Inside Stories
