Appointment Ceremony for our New Directors in Pictures

On September 28th we held an appointment ceremony for our new board members and also for several new unit directors. We like to do ceremonies up big here in Indonesia, so it was quite formal but it was also very special. Just to clarify a bit we have a board (called a yayasan here) that is primarily Indonesian run. Wendell and Paul Geary also hold positions. Under this board, we have four different units -- the hospital, the nursing school, the village health program, and MedGo (an Indonesian missionary sending agency). Also under the board's oversight is a preschool and a ministry that provides care to families with special needs.

So on the 28th we welcomed new directors at the hospital, nursing school, and village health program. The director of MedGo was reappointed for another term and we also appointed an assistant director at the village health department. So here is how the morning unfolded in pictures...

We started our morning with a chapel service. Pdt (Pastor) William Herjinto shared an encouraging message from Isaiah 40:28-31.

Then a special choir sang Menjadi Terang Hu (Be My Light). This was the first time I had heard this song and it was really good. I will put the translated lyrics at the bottom of this blog post or they are also available as part of the description on the YouTube page. 

Next we began the official ceremony with the reading of the letters officially stating who are our new foundation board members and directors.

Our new directors and assistant director pledge their commitment to the ministry here at Bethesda

And of course the paperwork has to be signed. This is typically part of ceremonies here including weddings and such. 

Then we heard a special video message from founders Wendell and Marge Geary in Minnesota

And the chairman of our Board gave some special encouragement

And then our ministers and chaplains prayed a special blessing over them

And last but not least it was time for pictures

So meet our new (and one renewed) directors...

Director of the hospital - Dr. Kristiyan and his wife Dr. Karina. They have two young children. He is also currently our only ob/gyn, so is on call 24/7. 

Director of the Nursing School - Ibu (Mrs.) Rossiani and her husband. 

 Director of MedGo (serving another term) - Donda

Director of the Village Health Program - Dentist Muktar and his wife Dr. Esther

Assistant Director of the Village Health Program - Pak (Mr.) Niko and his family 

And one bonus shot, in case you couldn't tell Dentist Muktar and Dr. Esther are expecting baby #1 shortly. They were married early this year, after meeting here at Bethesda.  

Please be praying for these new directors. Pray for wisdom as they balance many challenges and needs. Pray for strength for each long day. Pray also for their families, as you can see many of them are young and/or have young children that also need their time and attention.

Lyrics to the song "Be My Light"

Your call is higher and honorable

because Jesus' resurrection is the assurance

His power is given to us to be the witness of His resurrection

Let's prioritize God's work

fulfilling His perfect plan

Our family and work are used as a light to glorify Him

Oh happy are those who are loyal

share the gospel of salvation in the world that rejects God

Let's be His light, testify for Him

and bear the cross willingly to follow my Lord