Simon and Widya

Simon and Widya were born and raised on different islands in South East Asia. They both grew up in Christian families as part of minority communities among the Muslim majority population. Simon and Widya met in a church in Adelaide when they were both studying for their postgraduate degrees in Australia. 

In 2018 they returned home to South East Asia where they reconnected with the Baptist Mission Australia team serving in the region. Widya was again employed to work at the Education Foundation and Simon began to occasionally support development projects at the foundation. While working with the team, they observed how local people from different religious backgrounds came to faith and followed Jesus in their own distinctive and culturally authentic ways. They were amazed and drawn to this approach. 

Simon has experience in business development and management and is passionate about community development. Widya has a nursing background and will focus on leading the Education Foundation and program development, including within aged care programs.

Donations to these cross-cultural workers are TAX DEDUCTIBLE