Little did I know that soon I would be blessed with the opportunity of gaining two new friends and taking these same two fascinating visitors with me to see that partner church in Denpasar several nights before transferring my residence to Medewi out in Western Bali.

MY CHANCE MEETING AT THE CONRAD HOTEL?

It all began as I strolled down the coast on Wednesday evening just to get some exercise and to stop occasionally to read a Christian book in preparation for my talk at church the subsequent evening. 

After a bit I passed by the Conrad Hotel.  By that time I had walked to the edge of neighboring Nusa Dua and was just about ready to turn back up the coast towards the Peninsula Hotel when I was greeted by a security man at the Conrad Hotel dressed in very traditional Balinese clothing—including headscarf and sarong.

The man was extremely friendly and forthcoming.  He had seen me reading a book and had asked me about it.  In this context, I mentioned the need to go to church the following night. 

The young Balinese looked surprised and asked me, “Are you Christian?”

I indicated that I was.

Next, the man explained that his family was also Christian--although his family name, Agung, is associated with one of the palaces near Denpasar.  

That is, Mr. Agung was both from a royal Balinese family line and his ancestors were among those who had converted to Christianity decades ago.  They were those Balinese who had built Blimbingsari nearly 70 years ago.

In fact, this security official, named Agung,  was born and raised with his siblings in Blimbingsari—my dream destination for this journey to Bali!

Talk about serendipitous!

I learned also that Agung had just gotten married through a series of three ceremonies in December 2007—two in Blimbingsari and one at the Agung family’s traditional palace near Denpasar.

Agung often attended a Christian fellowship in Nusa Dua, but he stated he would be happy to attend with me to my church the following night in Denpasar. 

And what’s more!

Agung and his young bride both had two days off to visit Blimbingsari with me on the coming Saturday and Sunday--as this particular weekend was the weekend of the Hindu holiday which concludes the Balinese New Years’ celebration:  The weekend is called Kunningan and Manis Kunningan.

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