Hidden away in the lush tropical jungle of Borneo, Indonesia, Slippery Rock is a place where hope blooms. Pioneered by MSI’s founder, Lillian Dickson, back in the 60s, Slippery Rock now thrives under the sacrificial and heart-felt leadership of Pastor Sani and his wife, Elka. They currently run a children’s home, multiple kindergartens, and churches, acting as a beacon of light to their community and the surrounding areas, where many people still practice animistic beliefs.

(Above) The first believers in Borneo who are now in their 20s, with Liz and Greg on the right.

MSI Ambassadors, Greg and Liz Geisen, visited Slippery Rock last spring and shared that they witnessed the vibrant life at Slippery Rock firsthand. The church has expanded its sanctuary to welcome a growing number of people. “There is increasing consistency and continuity with prayer every morning and night, even when the site leaders are away,” Greg said. The children’s home is full of life, with children and young adults being discipled. Six teenagers have been sent to the TransformNation (TfN) Teacher-Training Program from Slippery Rock Children’s Home. Three of them have finished while three are currently engaged in the program. These promising young people will become beacons of hope for children and communities across Indonesia.

(Above) New church building in Borneo.

Four hours away from Slippery Rock, a satelite site is shining bright and the darkness has not overcome it. In this village, the community depends on the local palm oil factory to provide them with clean water. With no indoor plumbing, the forest is the only choice for washrooms. Electricity runs at night for several hours and food is produced by cooking with charcoal.

“The spiritual transformation in this village has been amazing!” said Liz. Christian education is a big part of their lives. When MSI sent a teacher to start a school there in 2011, there were no believers. Now 13 years later, the village has a growing community of believers.

Some of the first children to believe in Jesus are now young adults, stepping up as leaders in the church. There are now 50 adults and 25 children who are actively involved, and they are expanding the church building to accommodate the growing number of attendees.

Since February, Pastor Sani has also been pioneering education in another isolated village. Many of the villagers, including the chief, have criminal records. Plenty of groups tried to reach out to these people but failed. After months of prayer and relationship building, they allowed Pastor Sani to start a kindergarten. Using two motorcycles, the teachers from Slippery Rock travel hours every day to teach the children.

Slippery Rock is a shining example of how faith and compassion can transform lives. Pastor Sani, Elka, and their team are truly lights shining in the darkness, making a difference in places where it’s needed most. Their testimony is a powerful reminder that, even in the most remote corners of the world, love and hope shine.

If you’d like to support this wonderful ministry, there are many ways to get involved—through prayer, giving, or becoming an MSI Ambassador, just like Greg and Liz. Together, we can help this light shine even brighter in the heart of Borneo and beyond!

Main photo: Greg and Liz (middle) with the Slippery Rock Children’s Home family.