Ferdinand, a Global Mission pioneer serving in Indonesia, had no idea that stopping for a simple meal would lead to a life-changing encounter. 

As he ate, he noticed an elderly woman singing for spare change. Her voice, though weathered by time, carried a gentle, melodic warmth. Ferdinand had passed by many street performers before, but something about this moment felt different. He sensed a quiet prompting in his heart—an unmistakable urge to stop and speak with her.

“I started the conversation by asking, ‘Can you sing a church song?’” Ferdinand says. “It was a spontaneous question. I hadn’t even considered whether she might not be a Christian. But she replied, ‘Oh yes, sir, I can.’”

As the woman sang softly in her local dialect, Ferdinand felt deeply moved. Afterward, he introduced himself and learned that her name was Astinah. Sensing the Holy Spirit’s guidance, he asked whether he could visit her at home the next day. To his delight, she agreed.

In the weeks that followed, Ferdinand visited regularly. Through shared prayers, Bible study, and conversation, he and Astinah formed a friendship. Over time, members of the local church became involved, welcoming Astinah and her husband, Pujiarto, with open arms.

Astinah and Pujiarto make a living by going from house to house, singing songs for a small amount of money. Many people reject them, making it difficult for the couple to believe that anyone can truly care. 

“I often get visited by people from church,” Astinah says. “Honestly, I’m amazed. I don’t understand how people can be so kind to someone like me. Even though my house is small and dirty, they still come. On Saturdays, they pick me up to go to church. I’m grateful; I feel touched by how caring they are. Even my own relatives never visit me.”

Initially, Pujiarto showed no interest. But through the simple, consistent kindness of Ferdinand and the church members he began to open his heart. 

“When I joined the church, I felt peace in my heart,” Pujiarto says.

From singing popular songs on the street to lifting their voices in worship, the couple now uses their talents to praise God. Their journey is a testimony to the power of compassion and presence.

Christ’s methods still prevail. When we put aside our differences and meet people where they are—forming real connections and responding to their needs—doors once closed begin to open.

“We make friends with everyone, regardless of their profession,” Ferdinand explains. “Because of this, some of the people we’ve met continue to have meaningful relationships with us.”

Just like Ferdinand, we never know how God will use us when we wake up each morning. Please pray for our Global Mission pioneers in Indonesia and around the world, and for the people they serve, so that even more hearts will be drawn closer to God.