An Offering of Prayer

Photo by Nylah D. Oliver

"An Offering of Prayer" The smell of incense fills the streets and marketplace on every corner. At each storefront and home, you witness a spiritual offering of bamboo, soft pink and light blue flowers, and a small treat-- a doughnut or saltine cracker-- at the center of this gift to their gods. Balinese practice a strict religious culture that has been a part of their history for years. While studying abroad with a student group there, we were asked by our professor to leave an offering-- of any kind-- at our final homestay in Uluwatu. I understood the differences between Balinese Hinduism and my beliefs as a Seventh-day Adventist Christian... and I wondered what kind of offering I would leave.

As students, we had to immerse ourselves in Balinese Hinduism culture and we dressed daily in sarongs, kebayas, and selendangs whenever entering sacred temples. I watched closely as Balinese children took part in religious rituals of the island and I found joy in their dedication and willingness to uphold such practices. I stood in awe as Balinese youth would present huge baskets of fruit, flower petals, incense, and bamboo inside the temple gates. I felt blessed to be in the presence of individuals who took pride in their beliefs and who gave generously to their gods.

I pondered for a few days on the offering I would leave behind for my God... Jesus Christ. I knew that I wanted to be sincere and give all that I had at the time-- something pure and heart-felt. We traveled one weekend up the volcano to visit Ibu Claire, and as I sat in the lush forests of Puakan on that sacred Friday evening, I begin to write: 5/27, 6:28 PM Bali, Indonesia "Hi Jesus. How are you? It's Your Holy Sabbath day now. I'm enjoying Bali. Thank you so much for the opportunity to experience a whole new culture and different part of the world. Studying abroad is something I've always wanted to do and Lord, Your mercy and grace has allowed me to be here. Please help me to continue to bless and praise Your name and to share about Your goodness to every one I know. ...Even those I don't know Father. Please continue to guide and protect me, especially as I stay here in Puakan tonight. Thank You for perfecting our schedule, and for allowing today and tonight to be the time we spend most in the woods and dwelling in Your beautiful, natural creation. You're amazing Lord. I hear the sound of the locust. It kind of sounds like a non-stop fire alarm. I hear the gecko and its mating call. Wow, Jesus. There are so many intricate details. You made all things and it's mind-boggling how well it all meshes together. I appreciate You Father. Thank You for looking out for me. Bless me please Heavenly Father and enlarge my territory. Protect my family God and please continue to bless them greatly. Watch over my brother Lord. Watch over my mother. Watch over my sisters, grandparents, my father, step-parents, cousins, uncles, aunts, nephew... Provide us all with longevity. Watch over me God. In Your precious and Holy name I do pray. I love You with all of me. In Your name, Amen."

I kept my offering safe and secure until my final day in Bali. Leaving this letter, this offering of prayer on the nightstand in Uluwatu was the greatest feeling of joy and hope I had ever experienced in my life. I was the first to leave and head to the airport that evening... and as I rode to my destination I sat in awe of my decision and the offering I chose to give to God.

Studying abroad in Bali, Indonesia was more than an experience of a culture. Learning about Balinese Hinduism and the sacredness and holiness that their religion embodies allowed me to experience a personal growth and a stronger connection with my Lord and Savior.