Blog
Hard To Leave
I have been to the Hohidiai base on the island of Halmahera many times. The base has changed from 75 acres of jungle to the life changing station with three children’s homes, a clinic, hospital, leper rehabilitation, HIV/AIDS residential treatment, T.B. patient housing, food services and children everywhere. It is a place that brings hope for those who come asking for help. The message of hope is clear–no one is turned away. The poorest come asking for help and receive free compassionate care. The staff treat everyone regardless...
read moreOver Mountains
Standing in the frigid wind on Thompson Pass at sunset was a spectacular site. Hendra Pontomudis, principal of Hohidiai School and Danny Galbraith, a volunteer teacher at the school, could only marvel at the breathtaking beauty before them. They had just left an amazing group of people in the coastal Alaskan hamlet of Valdez. Valdez is known for the rich history of being a staging area for the early gold prospectors and today it is the terminus of another kind of gold—black gold. The jaw dropping beauty was not missed by Hendra and Danny. On...
read moreA New Hand
You would never know the pain he has experienced if you saw his big broad smile. Tison was only 8 when he was showered with kerosene in an accident in his home on a remote island in Indonesia. His burns were extensive and covered both legs, both feet, torso, arms, neck, chin, ears and the right hand. He had limited undamaged skin to use for grafts. When he was 11 years old he came to Fairbanks, Alaska. An amazing group of medical professionals and the local hospital came together to provide the care and expertise for 19 surgeries. Tison...
read moreSalt of the Earth
I normally would not highlight one particular donor. IFC has the best partners, and we appreciate all of them. We have some who have lovingly given to our work since our origins. That is over 13 years of regular support. Just when we need the support, it seems like someone remembers us with a perfectly timed gift. IFC needs the support to continue the worthwhile programs we are committed to provide. We really feel blessed to have these amazing people standing with us. That is why I just wanted to focus on a recent donor. She is...
read moreTraveling
Rain–tornadoes–scorching heat–B-2 bombers–amazing people were all a part of the recent trip I took to Illinois, Missouri, Arizona and Idaho. The best part of the month long trip was meeting some amazing people. The meeting in the living room of my friends, David and Valarie, was how it all began. Followed by the best time with Stan, Rosann, P.J. and the friends at Koke Mill. We had lots of laughs and the interest was strong for our new school. There was a very special time at the Gate with Steve and the families...
read moreRemembered
In 2008, our team met a wonderful example of what a grace filled mother looks like. Her name was Hawila, and she was the mother of Gloria, a little girl born with severe birth defects. It was close to a miracle for our team to meet Hawila and Gloria. Our team was going to volunteer at the medical base on the island of Halmahera, but our flights from Manado to Halmahera were delayed for three days. It actually became a bit funny because we could have been upset or we could look for a divine appointment in the three days we waited for our...
read moreRoad
A road is a pathway to a destination. Some roads are better than others. Roads can begin as a simple walking path. Roads definitely make progress much easier. Well, a new road has been built to access the new school property. The road replaces the old path that was just a meandering and rutted trail around coconut trees. There is now a good access to the school property. It does remind me of the pathway to a good education. We are determined and willing to make a way for the children in our care to have an excellent education. It means we...
read moreGreat People
Over the last month, IFC has had two dinners with our partners. We met with a group in the beautiful city of Valdez. This was a special time with friends and the drive to Valdez was full of animal sitings and stunning scenery. There were many animals close to the road–we saw five moose, eleven caribou, a bear and a wolf. It was an extra blessing we saw the wildlife and enjoyed the drive to Valdez. The interest and kindness of our friends in Valdez was such a blessing. More recently, we had a dinner here in Fairbanks with 60 of our...
read moreAt Long Last
It has been at least seven years in process. It has been delayed, important documents lost or misplaced, prayed over and finally awarded. At long last the sun has risen and the KITAS visa has been approved. The directors of the Indonesia base have been given the best visa they could have. It allows then to remain in the country for a total of three years. It offers the right to own a business and purchase land. The social and medical work require special visa status. It has been a costly and sometimes an overwhelming process. We are so...
read moreAstronaut
She is eight years old but knows what she wants to be. Lilly (not her real name) has a dream to become the first Indonesian astronaut. Lilly is an exceptionally bright girl. She would be close to genius and is an academic wiz. She continues to amaze people by her aptitude and awareness of the world around her. Lilly was abandoned by her mother and father and left at the Hohidiiai base. She has a very warm personality and does stand out in the crowd. Poverty and abandonment is not fertile ground for dreams. Lilly is an example of the hope...
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