Why Rote?
Rote is a Christian island in a country that is 87.2% Muslim, which clearly shapes how the country is governed. The island has around 130,000 inhabitants, roughly half Protestant and half Catholic.
You may wonder, “what is the point of working there?”. We thought so too at first. When we travelled there, led by God, we found a great lack of discipleship and understanding of what people actually believe: like a flock of sheep without clear shepherds, with very little for children and young people.
The island is shaped by old traditions. Most people probably call themselves Christians because in Indonesia you must have a religion listed on your ID card, and you naturally choose your family's.
What we are building
We believe God wants to do great things here and have already experienced his clear guidance several times. We have built a solid network and a good relationship with the island's leaders and a good church we work with. News of the youth centre and of safe places for young people has spread.
Locals have confirmed the need. We are now working on a multi-purpose building with a sports hall, two classrooms for English and maths, a café where young people get job training and the profit funds the running costs, and apartments for mission teams.
We also dream of starting a Bible school, and already work with several local organisations to build centres elsewhere on the island.
Our deepest longing is to awaken a new fire and zeal for Jesus among the locals.
That they would have a personal relationship with him, be discipled and be equipped to go out and be disciples of Jesus themselves.
The plan ahead
Funding and partnership
Establish strategic supporters and build Rejoice Youth Center: buildings, classrooms, sports hall, café and team apartments.
Start-up, operation and local leadership
Complete construction. Teaching, youth work, job training and discipleship in full operation.
Mission trips and local Bible school
Receive Bible schools and mission teams and host trips ourselves. Start a discipleship school and equip local missionaries.
What it will look like
Illustrations of the planned youth centre.
Long-term and sustainable
- Local leadership
- Our local organisation owns the building
- Income from the café and rentals
- Not dependent on endless support
Budget
A 2,000 m² plot with 642 m² of building area
| Construction (main building, sports hall and outdoor areas) | 2,400,000 |
| Furniture and equipment | 960,000 |
| Outdoor areas and landscaping | 180,000 |
| Soft costs and start-up (permits, power, water) | 300,000 |
| Reserve (10%) | 380,000 |
| Total project budget | approx. 4,220,000 |
Amounts in Norwegian kroner, approximate.