Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Cindy Angela

A Mother’s Capstone Project

by

by Cindy Angela

The first weekend of May I traveled to Harrisonburg, VA for the first time, to celebrate my graduation at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU). I finally completed my Master’s degree in Transformational Leadership from EMU’s Center of Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP). As my family and I made the five-hour drive from Philadelphia, it felt surreal that I was finally at the finish line. 

It has taken me three years to finish this program since I only enrolled part-time while also working for the Conference. I also became pregnant with our son during my last year and took a semester off. While it has not been easy, I was determined to finish well.  

Cindy Angela, with Dave Mansfield (Vincent [Spring City, PA]), Chidi Ihezuoh (LA Faith Chapel) who completed Master’s degrees in Christian Leadership, and Dr. Lindy Backues (Philadelphia Praise Center) who is on the EMU faculty. Photo by Emily Ralph Servant.
Cindy Angela at EMU commencement day with her family. Photo provided by Cindy Angela.

To complete the degree, we were required to make a capstone presentation, which is supposed to sum up our experience of the program. It was hard to decide how to condense years of learning into a one-hour presentation. 

After deliberation and prayer, I realized that my capstone project needed to be three things: connected to my work, embracing my new identity as a mom, and a creative outlet.  

It finally occurred to me: I wanted to write a children’s book for my son, Noah. 

Deciding to Write a Children’s Book 

Reading to Noah is one of our favorite activities to do together. Granted, my nine-month-old can’t read yet, but I wanted this book to go beyond introducing shapes, colors, or numbers. I thought about what kind of concepts I want my son to learn. I thought about what kind of mother I want to be. 

I kept coming back to the idea of the fruits of the Spirit as mentioned in the Epistle to the Galatians. 

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23, NIV 
 

Choosing a Topic 

I wanted my children’s book to be more specific than talking about the fruits of the Spirit in broad terms. I started thinking about what it means for me to bring these fruits into our shared work in bringing transformation and reconciliation to this world. 

I reflected on conflict and disagreement, something that seems to be omnipresent, even within our Conference. After many sleepless nights and writing during middle-of-the-night feedings, my children’s book was born: When Everybody Just Disagrees: A Tale for Little Peacebuilders. 

The book talks about how conflicts are unavoidable, and how we can control how we act and react. I presented my book and the creation process as my capstone presentation (full video here). 

Cindy’s children’s book, with her son Noah in the background. Photo by Cindy Angela.

I am happy that I now have this book I can read with my son and share with him as he grows older. I hope that these simple words can inspire him in how transformation can happen through disagreements.  

I will carry this with me as I depart from the program and continue finding my place in our shared work as God’s instruments for peace and reconciliation. 

You can read the book here. 

Cindy Angela

Cindy Angela is the Director of Communication for Mosaic Conference. She attends Philadelphia (PA) Praise Center, and she lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Andy and son, Noah.

God’s Perfect Timing

by

By Cindy Angela

We sing a song regularly at Philadelphia Praise Center called, “Waktu Tuhan” or “God’s timing.” The song’s lyrics explain how we should trust in God’s timing and how God’s time is always best for us even though it’s hard to understand. The song is so easy to sing, but, living out the words is much harder. It’s not always easy to trust in God’s timing.  

I especially feel the pressure of trusting God’s timing when the world seems to demand quick decisions, and I don’t feel like I have time to wait for God to respond. Even if I pray, I still ask myself, “How do I know if my plans are in accordance to God’s plans for my life?” 

Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (NLT). I don’t always know for sure if I’m following God’s timeline for my life. But I know that my plans can’t supersede God’s answers. God’s answer can vary between “yes”, “no,” or “wait”, but I think they all work together to reveal His perfect timing for my life. 

The Green Light (Yes, Go, Now!) 

When God says, “Now is the time,” I sometimes find that it is not the answer I expected. It might feel fast… even too fast. Often, God’s guidance is in response to things I didn’t even pray or think about. These green lights from God have come in many forms to me: a job offer, a graduate program, or even marriage. But in the end, I found myself looking back at these green lights and being incredibly humbled and amazed by God’s faithfulness in my life, even if it didn’t feel like it at the time. 

The Yellow Light (Wait) 

I’m currently in my 2nd trimester of pregnancy and being pregnant has made me reflect on God’s process of timing. A typical pregnancy is 40 weeks, and those 40 weeks can feel very long and full of anticipation, especially for a first-time mother like me. In these weeks, the baby is being shaped in the womb and growing daily. There is some pain, discomfort, and anxiety, but I wouldn’t trade these months of waiting and growing for anything. How wonderful is God’s design! 

 “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake.” 

2 Peter 3:9, NLT

The Red Light (No) 

Lastly, when God gives His red light (which God often does), I always believe that there are better things in store for me. I remember this verse often because I see it happen throughout my life: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT). 

When I look back at my life, I can see the bigger picture form. I see the wonder in God’s “yes”, “no,” or “wait”. I hope to be a better listener to God’s answers. I want to trust and anticipate God’s perfect timing, and maybe I will actually live out what I sing on Sundays at church. 

“Waktu Tuhan pasti yang terbaik 
Walau kadang tak mudah dimengerti 
Lewati cobaan, ku tetap percaya 
Waktu Tuhan pasti yang terbaik” 

“God’s timing is the best 
Even though it’s hard to understand
Though I go through trials, I still believe 
God’s timing is the best.” 

NDC WORSHIP – WAKTU TUHAN

The opinions expressed in this content are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference.

Cindy Angela

Cindy currently works as a Digital Communications Associate for the conference. Cindy was born and raised in Surabaya, Indonesia before moving to Philadelphia, PA where she graduated with a degree in Communications and Digital Media Technology from Temple University. She attends Philadelphia Praise Center with her husband, Andy.

As We Wait

by

By Cindy Angela

In life, we are often asked to wait. We wait through long, year-long processes as well as doctor’s appointments; we wait for small things like food take-out and large milestones, like buying our first house. There are times when we need to wait, and waiting is not easy.

At least it’s never easy for me.

We’re so used to having everything in an instant, especially in this day and age of technological advancements. Photos that used to take weeks to develop, now appear on our phone instantly and can be shared with hundreds of others with a touch of a button. In the age of social media, we’re constantly overstimulated with ideas, information, pictures, and it all screams “NOW! NOW! NOW!” and it makes waiting even more difficult.

Time keeps passing as I keep waiting. Maybe you’re in the same position as me, waiting for an answer, decision, resolution, or closure.

As part of my new year’s resolution, I took a break from social media. During this time, I was able to reflect upon a waiting period that God has put upon my life. I realized some of the benefits of waiting, and it made my relationship with God even stronger.

1. Waiting forces us to slow down

I am a fast-paced person by nature. So when God told me to “wait,” in a way, God is telling me to slow down. When I was a kid, my mom would tell me all the time, “Eat slowly so you don’t choke.” By slowing down, I can be gentler on my physical, emotional, and spiritual self.

2. Waiting makes us pay attention to (and even appreciate) the little details

Last year, my husband and I took a 9-hour road trip to Charlotte, NC. While I could have taken a plane, saving me hours of travel time, I didn’t mind the extra hours spent on the road. I got to enjoy the scenery, visit new places, and had many great conversations. The extra added time can make us pay attention to and appreciate the little details.

3. Waiting helps us get a better understanding of God’s eventual answer

While I believe that God will always provide an answer for us, I learned that God’s answer can range from “yes” to “no” to “wait” (or “wait some more”). The waiting period has helped shape my understanding of God’s eventual answer. I look back at those waiting periods and understand why God told me to wait and to trust in His timing. Waiting helped me to trust God more and to develop a stronger relationship with Him.

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31, NLT

As I wait, I’m praying and trusting God, that He will be with me in every step of the way. And as we wait, we might as well enjoy the ride.

Cindy Angela

Cindy Angela is the Digital Communication Associate for Mosaic Conference. She attends Philadelphia (PA) Praise Center, and she lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Andy.

Coming to the World’s Table

by

In less than two weeks, I will be flying home to Indonesia. Although I have been living in the US for ten years, I have not been back to Indonesia in over four years. This trip home will be an extra special one, since I will be attending the Mennonite World Conference (MWC) Assembly in Salatiga, Indonesia from July 5 to 10. 

Last month, I attended a luncheon, hosted by Mosaic Conference, in South Philadelphia where César García, MWC General Secretary, shared about the history and diversity of World Conference. At the end of the event, García gifted the Conference a mosaic artwork of the Last Supper, signifying the diversity at Jesus’ table. 

Gift by Cesar Garcia of a Mosaic of the Last Supper. Photo by Cindy Angela.

As I prepare for my sojourn home, I found myself reflecting on this beautiful artwork, what it means for me to attend the MWC Assembly, and what it means for me to be a part of the global Anabaptist family. Here are some of my reflections: 

Coming as I am 

In the artwork, people are pictured wearing robes in different colors and forms. Jesus doesn’t ask us to change our clothes or to shed our robes to look alike. From our background, history, and cultures, we all have something to bring to the table. I have something to bring to the table when I come as I am.  

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

Revelation 22:17, ESV

Coming with an Open Mind 

A mosaic is made by broken pieces of material that were put together to form a beautiful new picture. When I see myself as just one broken piece of material, it’s hard to see God’s big picture for my life and for this world. The only way for me to see God’s plan is by opening my mind and letting the mosaic take shape as God wills. 

But now, O Lord, you are our Father; 
    we are the clay, and you are our potter; 
    we are all the work of your hand

Isaiah 64:8, ESV

Jesus at the Center 

Lastly, the artwork reminds me to put Jesus at the center of the conversation. May Jesus be in the center of the worship, workshops, and conversations that I participate in while in Indonesia. May Jesus be in the center of new relationships that will be formed.  

I pray that the Spirit of reconciliation, peace, and unity will be present and continue to grow among us as more opportunities arise and come together at the world’s table. May Jesus continue to be in the center of it all.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

John 15:4, ESV

I am excited with this opportunity to hear, learn, and connect with the global Anabaptist community. I will be documenting my experience for Mosaic Conference, and I can’t wait to share it with you all. 

Pieces From Back Home

by

When I moved from Surabaya, Indonesia, to Philadelphia, PA, I was worried that I would become out of touch with my Indonesian culture. However, I was delighted by the richness of the Indonesian community in Philadelphia. I had no issues finding Indonesian pantry ingredients, Indonesian restaurants, and even an Indonesian congregation. 

I always knew that I wanted to be a part of a community, and I was looking for a church that I could grow and thrive in. Philadelphia Praise Center (PPC) was the first congregation that I attended after arriving in Philadelphia, and I have been there for almost a decade. Through this church, I was introduced to the idea of being a Mennonite and to Anabaptist values. I was baptized in the church’s basement in 2016. 

Photo provided by Cindy Angela

PPC is one of the many Indonesian congregations in Mosaic Conference. Outside of PPC, there are two other Indonesian congregations in South Philadelphia, as well as others in New York and California. It was only after I started working for Mosaic Conference that I realized that there are Mennonites in Indonesia, and I’m elated that the Mennonite World Conference Assembly in 2022 will be in Semarang, Indonesia. 

Although I was transformed and changed after my decision of following Christ, I never felt like I needed to shed my Indonesian culture or completely reinvent my identity. I feel welcome to carry my history, background, and culture along with me on my journey with Christ. And now, I would like to share some things that I treasure from the Indonesian culture that I still carry with me every day. 

“Bhinekka Tunggal Ika” 

“Bhinekka Tunggal Ika” is Indonesia’s motto. It meant “unity in diversity” in the Kawi language. 

My husband and I are both from Indonesia, but I can speak a totally different language that he wouldn’t understand. While Bahasa Indonesia is the national language of Indonesia, there are over 300 native languages in Indonesia. There are many people in the country that can speak a second, or even third, language. I learned Bahasa Jawa (Javanese), when I was growing up. 

More than language, we can see the multifaceted parts of Indonesia reflected through cuisines, customs, traditions, or even “batik” from different regions and ethnic groups. And these differences are seen as beautiful and are what unites us. I was reminded of the passage from Romans that spoke similarly about this:

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Rom. 12:4-5, ESV)  

“Gotong Royong” 

Indonesia has a very communal culture, from the way we make decisions to the way we do things. In Bahasa Indonesia, “gotong royong,” is frequently used. The word “gotong” means “to carry” and “royong” means “together/with many people.” 

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, ESV) 

“Gotong royong” teaches me that we need to help each other to survive and is a great way to show Christ’s love to others. 

“Buah Tangan” 

As a little girl, my mom taught me to never arrive empty handed. In Indonesia culture, whenever we visit someone, we always bring something, “oleh-oleh,” (small gifts) or “buah tangan,” (the fruit of the hand). 

It can be a kitchen magnet or a food item. “Oleh-oleh/buah tangan” shows that you remembered someone and wanted to share a bit of your experience with them. 

Just like the fruit of the Spirit, we can instill love, joy, peace, and kindness in others through the “fruit” of our hands. 

Photo by Cindy Angela

These practices have been a part of the Indonesian culture for a long time, and I am grateful for this opportunity to share some pieces from back home. It was no coincidence that this world is woven together by so many different cultures and languages, and I am looking forward to how God will continue to transform and unite us through our differences. 

The full version of this article appeared in MC USA’s blog and is used here by permission.

Stretched Out

by

Every other month I join the Mosaic Women’s Gathering to talk about our annual gathering, share stories, and empower each other. At our last meeting, as we were brainstorming ideas for this year’s gathering, Marta Castillo shared from Isaiah 54, about enlarging our tent, or dreaming big.

2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, 
    and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; 
do not hold back; lengthen your cords 
    and strengthen your stakes. 
3 For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left, 
    and your offspring will possess the nations 
    and will people the desolate cities. 

Isaiah 54:2-3, ESV

After the meeting, I found myself reflecting upon this passage for the rest of the week. As little children, we were often told to dream big. Every Sunday at Philadelphia (PA) Praise Center, the benediction includes, “May God enlarge your territory to the left and to the right…” in Indonesian.

However, Isaiah 54 reminded me that before we can enlarge our tent, we first must let ourselves be stretched out. And as we all know, being stretched out is uncomfortable.

We’re still in the middle of a global pandemic. Throughout this time, I’m sure that all of us had to pivot and adapt to the current situation. Personally speaking, I have felt stretched thin because I feel trapped in a season of waiting yet having too little time to do everything. I can feel overwhelmed, like God is stretching me too hard.

Close-Up Shot of a Person Holding a Pink Slime

However, God has always found a way to gently remind me whenever I feel like I’m at the lowest point in my life. I find strength by being reminded of this passage, that was addressed to the desolate as an eternal covenant of peace.

I am taking away three things from the Isaiah passage: 

1. Do not hold back 

When God is stretching me, I must constantly tell myself to not speed up or put a speed bump on God’s process. I should try to enjoy the uncomfortable. I need to enjoy the stretch!

2. Lengthen your cords 

Sometimes when I feel I don’t have enough to give, I keep telling myself that it’s okay to say no. It’s also okay to ask for help. A tent cord is used to secure a tent to the ground. Our limitations are what ground us and keep us human. In the areas where I feel like I lack, I find peace in knowing that God will be able to fill the empty spaces.

Photo Of People Reaching Each Other's Hands

3. Strengthen your stakes 

A house without a strong foundation won’t last long in the middle of a storm. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in doing things that I forget to recenter myself in God. I can find myself lost. I need to humbly be reminded of how little control I have, and how much I need God to help me through.

Black Ceiling Wall

As I reflected on times when I felt stretched to my limit, I found comfort when I felt God’s helping hands during those times. In my little, God is big. In my weak, God is strong.  

May you find strength and peace in this closing verse, as it did to me: 

“For the mountains may depart 
and the hills be removed, 
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, 
    and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” 
    says the Lord, who has compassion on you. 

Isaiah 54:10, ESV

Need Something? Start Something!

by

I love a good DIY project every once in a while. I find joy in making the things I need instead of buying them from the store or paying someone else to do it. I’m not alone. Many people share the same sentiment as I do – just look at how many people turn to Pinterest to fuel their next home improvement idea! 

However, when it comes to a community need, people are more hesitant to start something. It’s so much easier to just participate in something that’s already been prepared by someone else. 

I totally understand why some are so hesitant. Sometimes I am too. Being the one who starts something can be overwhelming. You have to assume responsibility, and you make yourself vulnerable to other people’s judgement. But without anyone sowing the first seed, we’ll miss an opportunity of something great growing among us. If you see a need in your community, maybe it’s God’s calling for you to start something.  

Keep in mind these three simple points, to help you get started: 

1. Start Small 

When you have a grand idea, sometimes it’s hard to even begin! Not all efforts have to start big or are perfect and polished. Most people know this verse by memory: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 (ESV). Maybe your idea begins with one or two people, and it’s not perfect from the get-go, but that’s okay. Start small, bigger things will follow. 

2. Start Close 

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, bring in people who are close to you. Share your thoughts, concerns, and goals. Maybe you’ll gain a supporter or even a partner. No one can survive alone, and we need to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). 

3. Start Sincerely 

Before starting your great idea, make sure your heart and head are in the right space. Find the purpose of your idea and keep that in mind as you’re starting your journey. God’s provisions and guidance will surely follow. Let this verse from 1 Peter 3:8 (NRSV) give you hope and strength: “Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 

I hope this inspires you to kickstart that project or idea you’ve been putting off, no matter how small. 

The Laughter and the Dance

by

Spring might be the season that I look forward to the most. I grew up in Indonesia where there are only two seasons: wet or dry. When I moved to Philadelphia, I learned to not take for granted the changes in the four seasons.

Spring, summer, fall and winter. As the seasons cycle through, I appreciate the significance that the earth is still rotating and time is moving forward. After the bitter cold of winter, spring comes to bring new warmth and light into our lives. After the sweltering heat of summer, fall comes to give a gentle breeze and falling leaves.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8 (ESV)

This particular season for me has been a time to be sad, break down, and mourn. We are still in the middle of a pandemic, and I am constantly hearing news and stories of people who died too soon.

Last month, I heard the news of the heinous shooting in Atlanta, along with the increasing amount of anti-Asian rhetoric and hate crimes toward Asian Americans in the US. I began to question my own identity and safety as an Asian woman living in the United States.

Last week, I heard news of a police shooting that took the life of a young Black man, a death that could have been (and should have been) prevented, but happened anyway. I am learning and lamenting that we have a broken system that is endangering people of color.

But just as there’s a time for me to be sad, break down, and to mourn, God reminded me that there’s also time for me to heal, to build up, and to find peace.

I choose to focus on things that I have control over. 

I choose to find hope in overlooked places. I saw many communities organizing COVID-19 vaccination sites as an effort to keep communities protected. As I received my second dose of the vaccination, I was hopeful; I was healing.

As I unlearn harmful ideologies and educate myself further to become a better member of the community, I am hopeful that I am playing a role, no matter how small, to change things for the better.There’s so much work to be done! While it’s perfectly fine to be angry, sad, and disappointed at the situation at times, we need to focus on working toward healing, making small but tangible changes. As the cycle of weeping and mourning continues, I am hopeful that we as a community can come together and be the laughter and the dance.