CSS Updates and Reports
Sunny Tanuwidjaja - CSS Director

Reflection is a good thing, especially in October when many of our yearly agenda have passed. Thanks to the Lord’s blessing and guidance, two major CSS programs have been successful. He graciously provides us with strength, courage, creativity, friends, leaderships, access, and opportunities to face a very challenging time in Indonesia and to respond to those challenges.

Last summer, three of CSS staffers went to Makassar for a discovery trip (DT). The goal was to observe and to understand the pluralistic nature of the city. There are good news and bad news. We found that Makassar has a long history of appreciation for diversity. In the past years, there were those who try to promote religious homogeneity by sacrificing diversity. There are various responses. For some in the education and business community, this attempt has gone unnoticed or been ignored. Political elites tend to manipulate religious symbols to gain support. The future is not clear, but if diversity is to be maintained in Makassar, the churches along with other elements in the civil society have to be proactive in resisting the homogenizing attempt. Fortunately, there are some who have done so strategically and faithfully.

This year Overseas Ministry Conference (OMC) XIV was a great success thanks to the leadership of our two members, Haryadi and Adison. There was a high level of involvement and excitement among the participants, and it is our hope that as we prepare for the next OMC, all who participate in OMC XIV continue to struggle with the callings and the issue of social capital in Indonesia. On the one hand, the gaps between the rich and the poor, and between different ethnics are troubling. The present peaceful coexistence does not necessarily indicate genuine harmony as our speakers warned. On the other hand, we are reminded by Reverend Patty that Christians are called to appreciate and promote the freedom of all individuals. One way to do this is by developing strong social capital, so individuals may understand that they need to work together to achieve a better life.

At present, CSS is assessing these two programs, and starting the preparation for next year’s OMC and DT. We are in the process of re-establishing internal focus groups, the place where faith and knowledge are integrated, real issues are discussed, and alternative ideas are developed. Through this update, I ask for prayers from our partners and friends in Christ so that we, CSS, can maintain the courage to proclaim biblical truth through our actions.