Healthy Bodies, Joyful Hearts in Lombok, Indonesia


We are grateful to God for the opportunity to hold this month’s Allies Mentoring Program (AMP) in two places: Sunday school and in the village. The theme was “healthy food,” and it quickly became clear that many of the children did not like vegetables at all. But after listening to the volunteers’ teaching and practicing how to prepare their own meals, everything began to change.

With ingredients provided, the children made simple sandwiches, enjoyed milk and snacks, and learned through hands-on experience. Each gathering began and ended with prayer, reminding them that God cares for their bodies as well as their hearts.

Sunday school volunteers Yeni and Rona led the first session. Yeni invited the children to read from 3 John 1:2 and guided a lively Q&A about how poor eating habits affect their daily lives. The children quickly connected the dots between unhealthy choices and feeling sleepy in class, struggling to concentrate, or getting sick easily. Rona, stepping into the role of “biology teacher,” explained the vitamins and nutrients found in vegetables, fruits, rice, milk, and more. In another group, the children were guided to prepare their own sandwiches, showing them that nutritious food can also be delicious.

In the village session, Dian and Nadira taught about the benefits of vegetables, meat, and rice, while Tiar helped the children practice making sandwiches of their own. The response was incredible. The children proudly named the vitamins in different foods and discovered that healthy meals do not have to be expensive. Everyday items like leafy greens, carrots, tofu, eggs, fish, sweet potatoes, and corn are packed with nutrients and available in their own community.

The most joyful moment came when the children prepared food with their own hands. Those who once said they did not like vegetables ended up enjoying every bite. Many even asked if they could make sandwiches again.

Thanks to your support through Allies, these children not only gained valuable knowledge but also the chance to share in the joy of preparing and eating healthy meals together. It was a beautiful reminder that small lessons can make a big difference in their lives.