Shad and Sarah Deal Making Him known in Indonesia 
For those of you who have been paying attention, we are quickly approaching the big “18 month” mark of being here in Indonesia. Some of you may remember that this is the magical number we often spoke of when estimating the time we would begin our “full time ministry” and move into our region of service.
Well, 18 months have come and gone…what a blur!! We have been amazed at how many things we have learned about this country, its people, and its language. Though we are realizing we will never “arrive” and feel like we understand the language and culture as deep as we would like, we are encouraged by our progress toward that end. As we have mentioned before, I (Sarah) finished up my formal language study in December and had my final language evaluation shortly thereafter. I have reached a capable level of proficiency, actually higher than the minimum for mothers on the field!! Praise the Lord for His enablement!! In January, I began working more with our language consultants here in order to gain practical experience in helping other missionaries learn language. This training has included sitting in on tutor sessions with new missionaries, helping with language evaluations for the ladies, and writing up formal evaluation reports. I have thoroughly enjoyed this time to use the gifts God has given me to be a help and encouragement to other missionaries here.
Shad is still at a progressing level in Indonesian, and is continuing to understand more each day. Though language is more of a struggle for him than it has been for me, his dedication and perseverance over this last year and a half has been an inspiration and encouragement to many, including his wife!! Although we are not able to move into our region of service until Shad reaches a higher level of language, we are encouraged by the peace that God is in control and always works in perfect timing.
Just a few weeks ago, we were officially invited to join the NTM orientation team here. We have agreed to commit to living here for another year, working to fill in the gaps and assisting new missionaries as they adjust to life in Indonesia. Because over half of the orientation team members will be moving either on furlough or to other regions during the next few months, there are many gaps that need to be filled; gaps that our family can help to fill. During this next year, I will continue training to be a field language consultant, gradually taking on more responsibility and gaining experience that will prepare me for future ministry. During our time here in Indonesia, Shad has shown a true gift for relating to and connecting with Indonesians. The NTM Indonesia leadership team is excited about seeing him use this gifts here over the next year, specifically as he works to organize and head up our national workers (gardeners, maintenance men, etc.). Shad has already built a good repore with all of these workers, and has a close relationship with several of them. As he begins to work more with them on a daily basis, his language will continue to improve through these relationships. We praise the Lord for this unique opportunity for Shad to use his gifts in ministry and improve his language, all while doing the things he enjoys!!
As we look ahead to the birth of our baby in October (it’s a boy by the way!!) and think of all the things God has in store for our family over the next year, we are amazed at the way God has lead us to this specific place in ministry. Eighteen months ago, our heads were filled with dreams of what God’s best would look like down the road. But along the way, He has challenged our hearts and given us new perspectives on the future. We are excited to be following His leading day by day. After this next year of serving here comes to an end, we plan to return to the states for an 8 month furlough to visit family and supporters. After that, we plan on returning to Indonesia and moving to Central Sulawesi to serve with the town team there, but only God knows!! We are thankful that although our plans can change (and almost always do), we know the One who knows the future, and He has plans for us that will be revealed in His perfect timing as we walk with Him!! Thank you so much for your prayers, love, encouragement, and support!!
