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Blessed by Our Tribe: Finding Strength in Community

Writer's picture: Ani PAni P

Updated: May 10, 2024

In the midst of unexpected trials, the true strength of community is often revealed. This was profoundly true when in April 2021 Dave’s sudden loss of the mobility of his good leg baffled us until we got our diagnosis of his condition, Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS), a grueling one and a half years later. During this bewildering and difficult time, the blessings of a supportive community—our tribe—were a beacon of hope and comfort.



Telling Our Tribe

Telling our tribe didn’t come in a big announcement, but in several steps. At first, of course we told our children, Josh and Mei, who took the news soberly. We were so blessed by their maturity- they didn’t fall apart but turned to the Lord and were steadfast in their faith. Then we told a few of our pastors, Pastor Jeff and Liz Hartensveld in the US and Pastor John and Korie Taylor in Surabaya, and our closest friends and leaders in our go groups (cell groups): Ci Yohana our mentor, Jayasheel and Sophia Jently, and Keith Tang, as well as some of our prayer warriors: Pastor Afong and Lucy, Tsue and Dickson Mukucha, Silas and Nege, our sons from Nigeria, Pastor Sunjaya and pastor Erni from Sungai Kehidupan Church, Ko Anton and Ci Ivone, and Dave Thomas from EfeX (our work).






I told my younger brother too, but told him not to worry my mom. They became the first intercessors for us. A Lot of Calls to Heaven Since the Indonesian doctors didn’t know what to do, they ordered so many scary tests, and each time Dave was taking the test, these prayer warriors would come boldly to the throne of God to plead with me for Dave to receive grace and mercy in time of need.

Dave had other struggles as well besides walking- prolonged hiccups, fainting episodes, and other things which I won’t mention here. It might be too much to take all in right now. And that’s not the point anyway. The point is, we definitely made a lot of “calls” to His throne. And our intercessors were faithful to be on call each time. And each time God’s comfort and peace would fill us. We’d feel His presence and assurance that Dave would be okay. Telling the Whole Tribe This was going on for 1.5 years until we finally received the correct diagnosis from the doctors in Singapore. Then we told the rest of our WBS (women’s bible study) members: Rosalia, Coro, Fianny, Freya, Tere, Ci Lina, Ci Susan, and Lillian), the rest of our GG members (Iwan, Michella, Domar and Stevie, Cynthia, and some of our active ones). We told more and more of ICA pastors, since they heard from someone and decided to ask us out of their love and concern.




We also told my mom and my whole family and Dave told his family. Praise the Lord that my mom was able to brace the news bravely. (Of course our kitty Snuggly knew, and was always a great support from the very beginning). We also shared with the whole EfeX.

We were so blessed by everyone in our tribe, for their outpouring love and support. My children too, have their tribes who support them: their friends (and some of these friends also asked their parents to help pray as well), their pastors, and support group. Many calls were made on Dave’s behalf as I always texted our kids: “Dad is having this. Please pray. Dad is taking a test tomorrow for … Please pray.” And our children would call on their tribes too to pray for Dave. We were so deeply touched.



Carry Each Other’s Burden

Our tribe stood by us, not only in prayer and encouragement but also through acts of love and presence that sustained us through the darkest hours. This experience reminded us of the powerful scriptural truths about community. Verses like Galatians 6:2, "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ," and Hebrews 10:24-25, which urges us to consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together but encouraging one another—all these were lived out in our lives.


I wrote this in past tense, but the actuality is, it’s still going on. Our tribe still stands by us.

Do You Have a Tribe?

I hope this blog post helps you to reflect on the importance of having a godly community. Such a tribe not only supports you in times of need but also stands with you in celebrating victories. We all need to belong to a community that embodies Christ’s love through acts of kindness, encouraging words, steadfast prayer, and unwavering support. If you don’t have one, please join our GG (for men and women of any age), or my WBS (women only). Or join one in your church community. Even if you’re not a believer, you can seek a Christian community and see what they are about. Love in Christ, Ani PS: Since then, our tribe has expanded greatly. I apologize if I can't include everyone in this blog! Thank you for all your love and support in many different ways. We pray the Lord will bless you in multiple folds. It's humbling to be the receivers of support, but we are indeed a family together. We give and receive support. That's why we are called a family, a tribe, a community. People will know that we are Jesus' disciples by our love for one another. John 13:35. Your tribe is calling you!

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