When Mission Transforms Missionaries

“And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” (Rom. 10:15).

This biblical text has been an old companion in my missionary endeavors. My wife and I have read it, shared it, and taught it. A recent mission trip to Indonesia, however, transformed that verse into a deeply real experience, lived through exhausted feet, busy hands, and a full heart.

Serving in Indonesia

Sometimes as missionaries we go around wishing to share about the second coming of Jesus, while forgetting that about two thirds of the world’s population does not even know about His first coming or His ministry. The country of Indonesia is part of what is known as the 10/40 window, a region of the world where Christians are a minority.

For my wife and me, this trip was our sixth mission trip with the Ruaj Ministry, but we knew from the beginning that it would be different. Each missionary project has its own purpose and way of leaving a mark on you. This time we felt that God was sending us not only to serve but also to be transformed as a married couple.

A Warm Welcome

On November 18, 2025, we left Costa Rica for Indonesia. It took us almost 90 hours to get there. Arriving in Manado, North Sulawesi, we were exhausted, but the warm welcome we received soon put our exhaustion in the background. Cultural representatives, education and tourism officers, and local leaders welcomed us on behalf of the governor. It was a clear sign that when mission is done with respect, excellence, and genuine love, bridges are built even beyond the church.

When I arrived at the Tondano Adventist School, the impact was even greater. Children formed a human fence as members of the local Pathfinder Club marched, smiling and singing. My wife, Dayana, remembers that moment. “My eyes filled with tears as I witnessed their pure, selfless love that embraced us.”

As part of the welcome ceremony, students showcased traditional dances, including the Maengket dance, typical of the Minahasa people. It was more of a living teaching of unity, gratitude, and community. As we were watching, we were reminded that life and mission are best lived when we walk together, in a similar fashion to their smooth, synchronized movements.

As cross-cultural missionaries, we enjoy being on what is known as the “front line,” that is, the first line of contact with the people we wish to reach. The mission is not only about arriving but also about living together, listening, learning, making mistakes when pronouncing new words, and laughing together. Many times we do not speak the same language, but the language of love always manages to cross any barrier.

A Comprehensive Service

The work was comprehensive, providing medical, dental, pediatric, ophthalmological, and lifestyle care in collaboration with Manado Adventist Hospital. The Ruaj Ministry mission group also supported construction, electrical work, cooking, art programs, and evangelism.

My experience in the missionary medical field allowed me to adapt to restricted conditions and difficult environments, always trying to offer the best humane treatment possible. Dayana not only provided her support in the artistic field but also had an active role in the dental team as an assistant. She participated closely in each procedure, organizing the medical supplies and calming patients down, especially the younger ones.

Dignity Regained

One of the cases that touched us was a 24-year-old who smiled shyly. He had both of his front teeth joined by a previous treatment, and hidden cavities. With great care and with the resources available, we reversed his previous treatment to then accomplish a full teeth restoration.

When the young person saw himself in the mirror, his expression changed completely. He regained not only his smile but his confidence. From that day on, he did not stop smiling, and we understood once again that mission also restores dignity and hope.

Ready to Adapt

There were days of total improvisation. On one occasion the dental equipment stopped working. Even though we lacked full technical knowledge, we took the equipment apart and managed to temporarily repair it with what we had at hand. Mission teaches us to solve problems, trust, and not give up.

Dayana was also in charge of making four murals with biblical verses in the local language. “I always try to write Bible verses in the language of people’s hearts,” she said. “While I was painting the letters, children approached, read, asked questions, and celebrated being able to understand what was on the wall.” Each mural became a space of connection, joy, and silent gospel sharing. Dayana said that many children hugged her, gave her small letters, chocolates, or toys to express their gratitude.

The humanity of the local Indonesian people touched us deeply. In Asian culture adults are worthy of the deepest respect and typically enjoy priority treatment. One of the local teachers in dire need of dental treatment, however, gave up his space so that a child from the school could be treated. I felt his selfless decision to be a practical sermon about true love.

A Transforming Enterprise

The Indonesia mission trip was a unique blessing. It strengthened our marriage, as it provided us with the opportunity to serve together once again, which reminded us why we chose to be a team in mission instead of acting independently. Between the unforeseen events, fatigue, and long work hours, we learned to support each other with a look, a word, or a silent gesture. Watching my wife serve with such commitment, both in the dental field and in art and interaction with children, renewed the admiration and gratitude I felt for her.

Indonesia gave us the opportunity to pray together, laugh at our weaknesses, and trust each other. Through our serving, God healed parts of our own hearts. We found out once more that mission not only binds us to the people we serve but reinforces the covenant we once made before God.

As a couple, we had already been part of mission initiatives in Albania, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Costa Rica, and India. In 2026 we are planning to serve in Thailand. Indonesia, however, will be forever engraved as a place where we remembered that mission not only transforms communities; it also transforms those who say yes to the call.

Frank Artavia is a dentist who, together with his wife, Dayana, has extensive experience in cross-cultural mission service. The couple served for nearly six years at the Adventist clinic in Bangladesh. Now living in their home country of Costa Rica, they travel throughout the Inter-American Division territory, providing training in cross-cultural mission.

The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-American Division news site.