From 30 September to 7 October 2024, the Nazarene Missions International of the Java-Bali District, coordinated by district NMI President Darmanto*, carried out an act of love by collecting new toothbrushes that would be donated to the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in Papua New Guinea. With the help of local churches, they collected 2,183 toothbrushes.

Many people were surprised at how this initiative turned out. Some might think of donations as oversized or luxurious items, but NMI realized that even with a toothbrush, they can create an extraordinary impact on others. With a toothbrush, someone can maintain good dental hygiene and even avoid other serious diseases.

In addition to donations from Church of the Nazarene members, the Happy Women's Prayer Fellowship, a non-Nazarene women's fellowship, donated the most toothbrushes alongside other donors.

Darmanto says he learned about the hospital’s needs while working with NMI and Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.

“Starting from my involvement in the NMI and NCM ministries, I often saw the need in various places for clean water, sanitation, environmental health, and nutrition for children,” Darmanto said. “I got a lot of information about Nazarene ministries in various places through NCM Magazine and Holiness Today, including Nazarene ministry in PNG with the Nursing School and Hospital in Kudjip, which serve the community there.” 

He jumped at the chance when he heard about the toothbrush donation project. Darmanto was delighted with the turnout and generosity of those in the district.

“I thanked God for being allowed to participate in this project; in approximately two weeks, we collected 2,183 toothbrushes,” Darmanto said. “May our small steps from this local church bless the Church of the Nazarene globally.“

*Full name omitted for privacy

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region