Dmitriy Leo and a businessman from Surabaya
We are currently in Surabaya (the island of Java, Indonesia). We have been very busy, and only now have I found time to write about what has been happening here. And what has been happening here… oh, oh, oh!
In this article, I want to tell you about another side of missionary work, one that is invisible to many. I don’t want you to think that we are only relaxing in Indonesia, using the jacuzzi, and constantly drinking kopi luwak. We work, work, work…
Our schedule was so packed that sometimes we had to sleep only three hours a night. Travel, hotels, meetings, services, lack of sleep… plus adventures.
Passions in Surabaya
Darrel Stott in a restaurant
In short, Darrel was severely overtired (he is 66, after all). So, after another service (at 10 p.m.), we were taken to have dinner at some restaurant. After eating, Darrel felt that his blood pressure had risen. He took two blood-pressure-lowering pills. We continued talking, while Darrel dozed at the table (or so we thought at first). Then Darrel’s friend, seeing that something was wrong with him, gave him another pill. But when we were ready to leave and began trying to wake Darrel, we couldn’t. It wasn’t sleep but anaphylactic shock.
In short, by the time the ambulance arrived, he was cold (his skin was white and his lips were blue) and was barely breathing. We went to the hospital with Darrel and stayed with him in intensive care until the doctors assured us that he was out of critical condition and his pulse had returned to normal. Darrel spent two days in intensive care, after which he was released to the hotel.
The doctor said this happened because Darrel was severely overtired, then had dinner after 10 p.m., and took three blood-pressure-lowering pills. The combination of these factors almost killed our brother. He was on the verge of death.
Hotel in Surabaya
Now I have a little understanding of what it means to serve on a mission. It is hard work. Now I understand why missionaries ask people to support them financially. Because in most cases, they pay for the most expensive things themselves (airfare and hotels). This is not because the inviting churches are inhospitable, but because of differences in exchange rates and living standards. For example, we buy plane tickets for US$2,000. Hotel accommodation costs approximately US$100 per day. In some Asian countries, where a salary may be only US$100 per month, this is a very large sum. Even if people give to you and offer donations from the heart, it is not enough to cover the expenses, let alone anything more.
For this reason, missionaries in Asia, India, Africa… are forced to work hard and also secure external financial support from partners. If you support a missionary or donate toward missionary trips, it is very important. Missionaries do hard work, sometimes even risking their lives.
Now, about healing services
Worship in a House Church
Early in the morning, we had a service in a small house church where everyone sat on the floor. At first, I felt a little uncomfortable: Where is the pulpit? How will I preach? Where will I have the prayer line? Then I relaxed and realized that I needed to minister in a home-like setting and forget about a “healing crusade.” Despite the simple surroundings, many remarkable healings and miracles took place during the service. The people were very inspired.
The churches in Surabaya are very passionate and hungry for God. I love it! Worship leaders often sing while kneeling. You can feel their passion and hunger for God. The atmosphere at all the services was wonderful. Indonesians can touch God’s heart, and His power can be felt at every service.
Healing Service in Surabaya 
Prayer Line in Surabaya 
Worship at a Church in Surabaya
Dmitriy Leo and the Interpreter
I preached a little about faith and prayed for the sick, and the Holy Spirit healed them. Thank God for the interpreter; she helped me a lot during the healing crusade. When I didn’t know how to say something in English, I simply showed her with gestures, and she explained to the others what I wanted. When you conduct several services with the same interpreter, they begin to understand you not only after half a word, but after half a gesture. There were many healings, but, as I mentioned earlier, I couldn’t understand everything. The people I interviewed spoke Indonesian, and the interpreter didn’t have time to translate everything. Oh no! I just smiled, nodded, and pretended that I understood everything.
Here are the testimonies I was able to understand:
- A lame woman with a walking aid and a back brace was healed. After prayer, the pain disappeared, and she began walking without the aid.
- A woman was in an accident and subsequently underwent two surgeries on her leg. After prayer, the pain disappeared, and she was able to put weight on her leg normally.
- After knee surgery, a woman had been in severe pain for two years. After prayer, her kneecaps were healed, and she began rejoicing and jumping.
- A woman came with a walking frame for support. During prayer, she began walking without the frame and lifting her knees high. She was very happy.
- After the service, a man with diabetes checked his blood sugar level: it was lower than usual. The healed man believes that his blood sugar level will no longer rise.
- The woman had problems with her hip joints and was experiencing pain. After prayer, she was healed and began squatting without pain.
- Due to an illness, the woman had pain in the area of her reproductive organs. After prayer, she was healed. She felt her abdomen and showed that the pain was completely gone.
- Many people had their hearing and eyesight restored.
There were other interesting healings as well, but I no longer remember them (everything needs to be written down immediately).
Today we have a MIRACLE (finally): HALF a day off, and then two more services. After that, we fly to the “wild” island of Kalimantan. Many services are planned in different churches there. There will even be a service in the jungle… Ooooo! Since Darrel is still recovering and needs rest, I will have to minister alone. What a surprise! May the Lord help me!
After Kalimantan, I will have to fly to the island of Java, to Jakarta, and then to the city of Semarang. There I will need to teach four classes at IMPACT School on how to heal the sick and cast out demons. This school is held annually at the largest church in Semarang, pastored by Petrus Agung. Interestingly, the classes last six months, and the cost is only US$300 (everything included). Usually, 300–500 pastors and leaders from all over Indonesia and even other countries attend this school.
Sometimes I think that I made a mistake by agreeing to this trip with such a weak command of English. I feel very uncomfortable. But on the other hand, I understand that in such extreme conditions I will be able to learn many things faster.
That is all for now. Pray for me. Thank you.
With love, Dmitriy Leo.
