Commissioner opens Self Denial-funded ICU ward in Indonesia
BY SIMONE WORTHING
“What a wonderful expression of The Salvation Army in Indonesia,” said Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Commander, after visiting the South East Asian nation this week.
“The people have so little, and yet they have so much. Officers live on less than $50 a week but know the incredible joy of loving and serving Jesus. They realise how much they need him. They rely on him so beautifully and are so generous.
“I have only been here for a few days, but now wish that I was 30 years younger and would make the choice to serve in many nations.”
Miriam was in Indonesia to open an ICU /NICU (intensive care and neonatal intensive care) at the Bungsu Hospital in the city of Bandung, funded through Australia’s Self-Denial Appeal.
“There has been some internal restructuring and renovation work, as well as the purchase and installation of both medical and non-medical equipment,” Miriam explained. “This will make an incredible difference. It is brilliant! A place of hope and healing. The ministry of Jesus. Our ministry. And, how proud the people are.
“I love that we have the incredible opportunity to support these projects. Let’s give as much as we can. It matters! As we see the results of such projects, may God both challenge and inspire us.”
The visit also enabled Miriam and Bruce Edwards, projects coordinator in Australia for Salvation Army International Development (SAID), who was also in Indonesia, to speak with their Indonesian counterparts about a range of projects the Australia Territory is involved with.
“It’s been a privilege to coordinate this project from the Australian end, in partnership with Major Ni Komang A. Wibowo, Territorial Director, Development Project Office, and Dr Albertus Dumas, Bungsu Hospital Director, ” said Bruce. “The opportunity to participate in the opening and see the fruit of our partnership firsthand was a great blessing. The gratitude expressed for what our support has made possible is humbling.”
Community impact
Komang thanked God for the “great work” he has done through the Bungsu Hospital, and thanked the Australia Territory for the funding provided “so that the dream of having a new ICU/NICU at the hospital, came true”.
Komang also outlined the impact these units would have on the local community. This includes:
Improving the quality of the hospital through the provision of comprehensive and holistic services.
Fulfilling regulations so the hospital can continue to work with the government healthcare insurance system.
Enabling ICU needs for local residents to be more affordable.
Increasing the availability of ICU beds in the city of Bandung, which also caters to surrounding towns.
Serving and supporting, not just the local communities, but referred patients from around the West Java (Bandung) province where there are limited ICU beds.
Out and about
Miriam also visited The Salvation Army Senjarawi Eventime Home and Girls Home in Bandung with Indonesia Territorial Leaders Commissioners Widiawati and Yusak Tampai and other senior leaders. “It was very moving to hear some retired officers singing of God’s grace to them at the Eventime Home, and seeing the Girls Home was just beautiful,” she said.
Another “moving and beautiful day” was the spiritual day in Jakarta with 92 cadets.
“Stunning. So many beautiful young people, obedient to the call of Jesus.Hope givers. Hope bringers. Blessed beyond measure! Thank you, Indonesia Territory,” Miriam said.
