RONNY and Kay Heyboer have literally changed hundreds of lives since leaving Wangaratta in 1995 to answer God's calling and moving to the equator to build a town in the middle of the jungles of Borneo.
The couple had just graduated at Rhema Bible College in Townsville when they began their Rivers of life Ministries in the city of Kuching, East Malaysia on the island of Borneo, where Ronny was assisting with the church planting program in a local ministry.
The couple – who four children and five grandchildren all currently living in Australia – were committed to their mission was to rescue a multitude of children and youth in crisis.
A close friend of the Heyboers, Jill Knights, said that with no money, few belongings, and many people against the idea of their move, the Heyboers were completely trusting in God and His plan.
"In 2002 they moved to the city of Sintang, where they bought a large plot of land further into the jungle where they saw God's vision taking place for these neglected children to have a home," Jill said.
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"Now set in the heart of the West Kalimantan Jungle, Living Waters Village has grown to be a family home for more than 700 Dayak (Indigenous) children.
"With a vision to provide accommodation for 1000 neglected children and school for 2000, Living Waters Village is truly a Miracle Zone.
"They now have more than 700 acres of land which is set amid the dense jungle."
The village provides individual homes for girls and boys accommodating 10 – 35 children of all ages together with house parents in each home.
Jill said the couple also accommodate local workers and teachers together with a training centre, worship centre, medical clinic, bakery, administration building, a nursery for the babies, visitor's quarters, radio station, sewing rooms, primary school, and a senior high school.
Apart from several young local leaders who have grown up with them, who have completed their Bible College and/or university levels, they also have a number of people from around the world volunteering and 40 full time laborers whom they employ from the local community in order to provide an income for them so that they too can look after their families.
"They don't just have children here in Living Waters Village, they truly believe that here they have children who are growing to be future teachers, future pastors, future politicians, even future presidents," Jill said.
Ronny will be in Wangaratta on Saturday, July 2 and friends of Ronny and Kay have arranged a gathering at 2pm at Victory Church in Ryan Avenue, Wangaratta.
All are welcome to come and listen to Ronny share his experiences.
Afternoon tea will be provided and an offering for Ronny and Kay will be taken up to go towards the great work that's happening at Living Waters Village.
If you cannot make it on the day, you can always visit their website at https://www.livingwatersvillage.com.
Friends of Ronny and Kay would like to thank Victory Church for allowing them to use their premises for their gathering.
