Thanks for patiently waiting on this update. I love seeing how God orchestrates circumstances to bring about His good purposes. This trip has been filled with these situations as expected. God intervening with the boat on the way out was one big stand out. So thankful how God directed each step to preserve Jenn’s life.
I personally have been excited for some time to step back into life and ministry in an Asian indigenous context. It’s where we lived. It’s where we were taught by the Lord, matured and bore fruit in ministry.
Below is update from Jenn in relation to her time in Borneo. My update will follow. I tend to be a little long winded so need to split it up
JENN……
It has been 4 years since I have been in Borneo, Malaysia. Derek and I made this trip with our kids and some of their friends. I went in to serve with hands and heart open to what the Lord has for us.
The local church pastor, headman of the village, and various leaders have been inviting us back to Borneo relentlessly for the past 3 years. As many of you know my first 2 times in Borneo in 2017-2018 were marked with much difficulty. Loneliness and hunger was a daily battle for me. God gave Derek a deep love for the people and a burden to minister. He was sure God had something great in store for us as we set out on the journey into the rain forest. With a peace from the Lord to go we set out.
The new headman of the village (Douglas) and his wife were so hospitable to our family. Over a year and a half ago Douglas reached out to Derek. They kept in touch encouraging and praying for each other. As soon as restrictions lifted Douglas sent message that the time to return had come. Derek had no idea through that period of time that Douglas was set to take lead as Headman. The developing relationship and trust between these two men set the ground work for what took place during our time in long kerong village. When Derek traveled out from the village I stayed at the long house where Douglas and family live. During my time with the family I came to understand Penan local laws and the beautiful aspects of their culture. These have been documented in a policy book that Douglas was able to show me and explain in English. I got to spend time and pray with them. I heard his testimony and his heart for His people. These events gave me insights into the needs of the community with a clear invitation from him to help.
I was able to spend time with others in the community and build more relationships because the long house is for everyone in the community to come fellowship.
We intentionally brought games and a guitar as a way to move beyond language barriers and build relationship. I practiced the guitar everyday and got to know more residents in the village because of my eagerness to learn. We practiced worship songs with easy chords and the language barriers were once again broken.
As I was praying and considering what God may have for us in long kerong beyond this trip, I was invited by the pastor to visit his farm. It was there that God made things more clear for me. The pastor explained many needs they have as a church and community, with an invitation for us as missionaries to be part of the solution.
At Pastors farm I also saw their need to learn basic natural farming techniques like IMO, composting, etc. Most of the farms I previously visited didn’t have materials I was looking for. At Pastors I saw a lot of new area and materials I needed. If became clear how God can use me even in this remote village in Borneo.
We are now in transition in Thailand. Derek has been working with our immigration attorney friend in Philippines. He is helping secure our quota visas that happened to expire while we were away. Many covid restrictions are still in place in Philippines. As a result we will be allowed max one month entry. We have a tentative plan to travel there Dec 6 to avoid outlandish prices departing over Christmas / New Years. We are praying for God to use our time at Hope for the Island. It will be great to serve and minister in a place we lived and served for many years. We ask that you continue to diligently pray for us. We are trusting God to make His way clear for our family.
Jenn Van Ryckeghem
