We could tell that something had to be changed in OMC XI. The audience of OMC X had been convicted on Indonesia and was anxious to start working on real project. The key phrase in OMC X survey was walk and talk. The audience felt that we had enough knowledge about Indonesia and wanted to apply their knowledge and skills in practical and tangible ways. Starting from OMC XI in 2004, FICA formatted the OMC so that we could learn both the principles and the application of the Gospel in various issues in Indonesia.
OMC XI was held during the election years in the US and Indonesia in 2004. There was a sense of confidence in Indonesia. The economy was humming and the political climate was stable. Indonesia was on the path of double digit growth. Unfortunately, the unthinkable events occurred in the form of one of the largest natural disaster ever recorded. After the OMC, right after Christmas in 2004, Indonesia and other Southern Asian countries were hit with earthquakes and tsunamis. The aftermath was extremely devastating; thousands of lives were lost and millions were displaced. What seemed to be a good year ended in sour notes.
The OMC XI was focusing on building bridges for Indonesian Christians in US to make impact in Indonesia in the field of science and technologies (sci-tech). These were motivated by the fact that majority of OMC attendees had expertise in sci-tech and that national development depends on technology development. More than 60% of the attendees had science and technology background. This figure has been rising steadily to about 75% in the past 10 years.
Although technology development does not guarantee national development, technology enables nations to develop their natural resources including their human capital faster. Many nations could serve as anecdotal examples on how technology accelerates national development, starting from India mastering the IT technology to China perfecting the manufacturing technologies. Indonesia could be a developed nation within 20 years if we could master agriculture and mining technologies.
Majority of OMC attendees along with FICA’s staff had science and technology background. We felt strongly that it was God intention for us to had competencies in science and technology. Because of this, we were convicted that the time had come for us to participate in nation building. OMC XI in 2004 was a watershed moment when a lot of FICA staffs left their comfortable lives here in the US and started a new life in Indonesia. Just like our forefather in faith Abraham, FICA started the journey to mount Moriah in 2004. By faith, we sent some of our brothers and sisters home to be God’s nation builder in Indonesia.