Tollway Ministry

Imagine living under a freeway bridge. Shortly before Christmas we had the opportunity to join with members from one of our local Christian congregations in spending time with a group of very poor Christians who live and worship under a series of bridges that comprise the tollway to the local airport. It was an amazing day in sharing the Christmas story, joining in singing, distributing gifts to the children, food to the families, and taking a walk through their "village". Most of these families do have "homes" built of wood nestled under the bridges. Some simply spread their blankets, etc. on the dirt and curl up to sleep. The village has its own chief. An area is set aside for the Christian community to worship as well. They have electricity thanks to tapping into the street lights from the tollway. They also have a regular community toilet area, a well for fresh water, and a place for bathing. It was quite interesting as well as eye-opening to see this side of life in Jakarta!