 We who live in Ambon have been awaiting the opening of the bridge across the Bay for many months as construction delays have pushed the opening back more and more. The President is here to officially open the Red-White Bridge (or Jembatan Merah-Putih). We are still uncertain whether the ribbon-cutting will take place Monday evening or Tuesday morning. This will cut travel time to the Pattimura University and to the airport significantly. It should encourage development to spread beyond the crowded city center to less densely populated areas across the bay.
On a spiritual level, it reminds us that bridges can be built in Ambon. The bay has been bridged! We are praying for a bridging of the gap between religious communities here. We pray the name of the bridge will be prophetic. The name “Merah-Putih” (Red-White) refers to the Indonesian flag. It would be much like saying the “Stars and Stripes Bridge”. During the time of conflict, the Muslim forces wore white bandannas and were referred to as the white fighters. Their Christian counterparts wore red bandannas and were called the Red force.e Our greatest longing for Ambon is to see the walls of suspicion fall between these groups and for there to be a bridge of lasting peace and brotherhood between the Reds and the Whites.
Let me tell you of progress! Narto and Reni have occupied their rental home in a community where virtually no followers of Jesus have lived since the conflict.They have been welcomed warmly by their neighbors. Not far away Welly is making good progress in her efforts to befriend her non-Christian neighbors by tutoring children in their school work.
I must also tell you of walls that still need to tumble. A few weeks ago Mike who does tutorials in a Muslim community across the bay was asked to come and teach in a nearby community. The parents and students were grateful and enthusiastic. A group of radicals we often describe as bearded ones (because of their straggly attempt grow beards ala the prophet from Arabia) were not pleased. These “enforcers of the faith” basically threatened the parents, forcing them to discontinue the classes they had requested. Their gratitude to and friendship with Mike has only been enhanced, even if they are not bold enough to invite him to continue. They know these enforcers would take drastic action if rebuffed.
Please pray for Mike and his friends.
 
Until all Clearly Hear,
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