A women’s ministry at Ada (Mich.) Christian Reformed Church helped support training for 140 small group leaders in Indonesia.
Coffee break group in Indonesia
“It was just wonderful to hear what the Lord was doing, and we thought it would be wonderful to partner with them,” said Marcia Nobel, director of Coffee Break at Ada.
The ministry is a small group Bible study for women that focuses on outreach and spiritual growth. It started in North America, but has recently branched out around the world.
“Coffee Break is such a wonderful program, and we wanted to be a part of that as it goes throughout the world,” explained Nobel.
The church first heard about this opportunity last year, when a church member explained that Back to God Ministries International was partnering with groups in Indonesia to train Coffee Break leaders.
The Coffee Break group at Ada—about 75 women and children—raised funds through its annual soup supper in March.
“[We] usually raise around $1,000 . . . we thought it would be more useful to use the money that way than just to keep it in the bank,” said Ilene VanderTuin, who has been a part of Ada’s Coffee Break ministry for 30 years.
The Ada group has also formed a prayer partner relationship with the Indonesian groups. “We really feel the prayer connection is an important part of any Coffee Break program,” said Nobel.
Each woman received a photo of a Coffee Break leader’s family in Indonesia as a reminder to pray for the ministries.
“To hear how the Lord is working in other parts of the world is really exciting and builds up our ministry at home,” said Nobel. “It’s exciting for us to be a part of . . . getting something going in another country.”
About the Author
Ryan Struyk was a former Banner news correspondent for classes Grand Rapids South and Thornapple Valley.
