Markus' Travelogue

Southeast Asia 2025 - 2026

Update

Jul 28, 2026

Transparency

Precious

Update

  • July 2026: updated

  • June 2026: revision

Rosenthal-Bielathal, Schwarzbach, Frankfurt

Villages in the Saxony and City in Hesse, Germany

My name is Markus Petzold and with the following writing, I would like to share about my journey in South-Asia. I used DeepL to translate the text from German to English.

At the beginning of May, after a prayer time, Eva told me that many Christians make the mistake of waiting for God to give them instructions instead of taking the first step themselves. I then decided to travel to Indonesia. At that point, I didn't have enough money to book the flight, but my Father in heaven gave me peace about this matter.

Three days later, I received a donation of 500 euros without having asked for it. That allowed me to book my flight and pay for a few things for the trip. My bank balance quickly dwindled again, and I began to have doubts about how I would cover the rest of my travel expenses. But I wanted to believe, so I said something like this: “God, if you want me in Indonesia, then you will cover all my expenses.” Three days later, I received another donation of 500 euros. This covered all the costs for the planned one-month stay. My God had provided for everything.

Bernhard wanted to come with me, too; I had asked him earlier if he’d like to join me. It would have been reassuring for me to have someone else along. But when we arrived at the airport in Frankfurt later on, Bernhard couldn’t check in because his passport wasn’t valid for at least six months. Bernhard had already applied for a new passport, but it hadn’t arrived yet. For that reason, I ended up flying to Indonesia without Bernhard.

Tangerang

City in West Java, Indonesia

On May 16, I arrived at the airport in Tangerang, Indonesia. During my stay there, I spent time with Bayu and David from Ets Coffee Roaster, as well as their wives, Amelia and Anna. I was also invited to the Coffee Festival in Jakarta. There, among other things, we watched the auction of Benediktus Rudin’s green coffee. He won second place in a competition with his Robusta Pulped Natural, even though it still had 17% moisture content (normally 11–12%).

Together with Joesi Sihombing, I visited the Jakarta Praise Community Church (JPCC). In a small group, I shared my story of deliverance through my Lord Jesus Christ. One thing I noticed during my stay was that there was a great deal of structure. The following thought then came to me: “The more structure and control there is, the less the Holy Spirit can work.” That is also one of my areas for growth: trusting more in God instead of in apparent certainties and my own understanding.

Labuan Bajo

Port city on the island Flores, Indonesia

From there, I continued on to Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores. I visited Christa at the KAFFEEkostBAR and observed the initial preparations for the planned move to the new location. Following the collaboration with the Bamboo Cafe, the business was set to relocate in August to a vacant storefront diagonally across the street.

I also got to know Christa’s friends. I stayed with David and his wife Viecy. David helps Christa with roasting, tasting, and maintaining the roasting machine at the KAFFEEkostBAR.

After that, I headed to Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores. I visited Christa at the KAFFEEkostBAR and followed the initial preparations for the planned move to the new location. After working with the Bamboo Cafe, the plan was to continue in August in a vacant store diagonally across the street.

Region Colol

Region in East Manggarai, Island Flores, Indonesia

Together with Viecy and Hanna, I drove to the Colol region to visit the coffee farmers with whom we’ve been doing direct trade since 2023. Earlier, I’d noticed that Hanna wasn’t supposed to come along. I hadn’t paid it much mind. When we went to pick up the motorcycle, Hanna thought it was too big and too heavy. Later during the ride, I had a vision that I would have an accident with Hanna. I saw this as Satan trying to scare me and ignored it as well. Shortly afterward, I veered off the road after a sharp curve and fell. My first instinct was to go to the motorcycle instead of checking on Hanna. It was a frustrating moment of failure for me. Shortly after, we were treated at a nearby house, and we finally arrived in the village of Tangkul. A few days later, Christa, David, and Brian joined us.

Earlier, Nicolas had told me over the phone that he believed God would provide the necessary funds to purchase the green coffee from the 2024 harvest. I felt at peace with that and was able to agree.

In consultation with Nicolas, I told the farmers that we would be purchasing their green coffee from the 2024 harvest and that they should make the necessary preparations. However, I didn’t tell the farmers that we didn’t have the necessary funds at that point. Nevertheless, we held fast to the belief that God would provide the financial means. We then determined the weight of the green coffee and created a distribution plan for the locations in Germany (Döbeln) and Indonesia (Labuan Bajo). It’s important to note that the majority of the farmers had set aside their entire green coffee crop for us—in the belief that we would purchase it.

Together with the farmers, we visited the coffee plantations and learned about the cultivation and processing of their coffee, during which some misconceptions were also debunked. For example, unlike Kahawa (Typica), the Juria (Typica) variety can be harvested not only every three to five years, but even every one to two years with proper care and sufficient nutrients. In some coffee gardens, the Kartika variety is grown alongside the Arabica SL-795 variety. Until now, these two varieties have been mixed together, but this is set to change starting with the 2026 harvest.

Benediktus showed us the grafted coffee plants once again. One older plant with a Robusta rootstock had Arabica SL-795, Yellow Caturra, and Robusta. However, Arabica plants are often grafted onto Robusta rootstocks. This makes the plants more robust and also results in higher yields.

While I was still there, the Holy Spirit inspired me to ask Lazarus Tundu about baptism and to explain it to him, with the help of Christa and Brian. Shortly before my departure, Lazarus decided to be baptized—by full immersion in water—and thus to publicly confess Jesus. This also represents a turning away from Catholicism—a man-made religion—and a step toward fellowship with the one living God.

Kebonsadeng

Village in the near of Jember, East Java, Indonesia

After that, I traveled with Christa to Kebonsadeng, Jember, in East Java Province, to visit NOR Coffee Roaster, owned by Mr. Kusnandar. The company manufactures coffee roasting machines and equipment for processing green coffee. It also produces its own green and roasted coffee.

Mr. Kusnandar worked for ten years at the Indonesian Research Institute for Coffee and Cocoa before deciding to start his own company with a colleague. We visited the institute with him and gained insight into the current research. Among other things, ongoing research is being conducted there on intercropping, for example with coffee and papaya. One day, we also visited coffee farmers in the Argopuro region.

The staff at the NOR Coffee Roaster facility explained the operation and maintenance of the equipment to Christa in detail. They also took the time to roast several batches with us. In addition, we were able to observe the manufacturing of the machines.

Yogyakarta

City of the Special Region Yogyakarta, Indonesia

After that, I traveled on to the university town of Yogyakarta to visit Hendro and his family. Hendro is a unpaid pastor at GBI Generasi Baru Yogyakarta (GENB), serving the younger generation, and runs a dojo for Japanese karate—the Shinsedaikan Dojo—out of his home. Hendro had just returned from a trip to Japan. Since his return was delayed, I was only able to spend about half a day with him. The days before that, I stayed with Nicolas’s relatives. One evening, I was able to attend a gathering of a small group from the congregation, where Hendro translated for me.

Tangerang

City in West Java, Indonesia

After returning to Tangerang, I felt a deep desire to spend a little more time in Yogyakarta with Hendro and his congregation, as well as in the village of Tangkul with the coffee farmers. I shared this with my brothers and sisters in Germany. Nicolas encouraged me to take advantage of the opportunity to stay longer. So I decided to extend my visa and add another month to my trip. It was also a decision that went against my financial interests, since I could neither get a refund for nor change my return ticket to Germany.

Yogyakarta

City of the special region Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Ich besuchte erneut Hendros Familie. Ich wurde eingeladen, Zeit mit einzelnen kleinen Gruppen zu verbringen und ihnen meine Befreiungsgeschichte mit Jesus zu erzählen. Ebenso bekam ich die Möglichkeit, in einem Sonntagsgottesdienst zu sprechen. An dem darauffolgenden Montag wurde ich dann von einem Mann namens Manuel eingeladen, in seiner Gruppe erneut meine Geschichte zu erzählen. Anders als zuvor ergab sich dieses Mal ein Gespräch statt eines Monologs.

Danach lud Manuel mich zum Essen ein und öffnete sich mir gegenüber. Er erzählte mir von seiner sexuellen Unreinheit, dass er eine Freundin hat und mit ihr in der Vergangenheit geschlafen hat. Ich ermutigte ihn, auch Hendro davon zu erzählen. Am nächsten Tag fuhren wir gemeinsam dorthin und Manuel bekannte auch dort seine Schuld.

Ich blieb danach mit Manuel im Kontakt und er erzählte später mir, dass er auch in seiner Gruppe seine Schuld bekannte.

Labuan Bajo

Port City on the island Fores, Indonesia

After a stopover in Jakarta, we headed back to Flores. There, I helped Brian and David with the renovation work for the new KAFFEEkostbar location. One day, Nicolas told me that a woman had given us a gift of 125 million Rp. (equivalent to about €6,000). Yes, our God provided the necessary funds for the purchase of the green coffee just in time—not by might nor by power, but by God’s Spirit.

Region Colol

Region in East Manggarai, Island Flores, Indonesia

This time, I didn’t have anyone with me who could help me with the translation. So I communicated with the coffee farmers over the phone.

I told the farmers about the wonderful work of Jesus, through whom the funds needed to purchase the green coffee had been made available.

After a few days with the farmers, it came to light that Nobertus had acted in a similar manner to Lodovikus Vadirman of the Asnikom cooperative, with whom we had been working until early 2023. Green coffee was purchased from other farmers and resold to us. Additionally, the processing was sometimes carried out in an unethical manner. Nobertus denied everything, but we received several corroborating statements regarding these facts. A farmer who had sold to Nobertus informed Benediktus of this.

Due to a lack of trust, Nicolas, Christa, and I decided not to purchase Nobertus’s green coffee from the 2024 and 2025 harvests. The door remains open for a partnership starting in 2026, provided that Nobertus commits to acting with honesty and righteousness.

Tangerang

City in West Java, Indonesia

With the plan to return to Germany, I headed back to Tangerang. Nicolas told me that the horse we had bought about a year ago was to be sold again, since most of our farmers weren’t using it and we wanted to use the money instead for other things that would benefit all the farmers.

A little later, Nicolas informed me that Nobertus had not been honest about the purchase of the horse either. According to him, the horse had cost 13 million Rp at the time, but we were told it was worth about 8 million Rp. Nobertus denied this as well. Furthermore, he refused to return the horse, which is the property of the KAFFEEkostbar family, and demanded compensation for its care in the amount of 50,000 Rp per day, which amounts to approximately 22.5 million Rp.

When I heard this, I told Nicolas that I actually needed to go back there. He gave me his approval, and I decided to change my travel plans again and extend my stay. However, since my visa was about to expire, I had to leave the country first.

Singapur

City-state located south of the border with Malaysia

Instead of flying on to Frankfurt, I stayed in Singapore for a while. I visited coffee roasteries and explained the Two Kings Principle, as well as the availability of green coffee from the Colol region on the island of Flores. My conversation with CY and his wife Pei Pin from ASK Coffee Roastery was particularly refreshing for me.

A few days later, I went to the mission organization Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and was given a place to stay there. I also shared with them about the principle of righteousness given by God and about my personal journey with Jesus.

I also met people from the “mega church” City Harvest Church and was invited to the “Saturday Service.” For me, it was just like my previous experience at the JPCC in Jakarta: a large-scale entertainment program featuring music, technology, lighting, and a sermon. Admittedly, I don't have much experience with churches, but I am grateful to Jesus for connecting me with my spiritual family in Germany.

Shortly before my departure, I was facing a financial crisis and asked my biological family for a loan. I had told Nicolas about it, and he encouraged me to ask my spiritual family for support instead of my biological family. So I returned the loan and asked my faith family for help. During my time in Indonesia, I repeatedly received support from my biological family. It got to the point where I was relying on them. Then the Holy Spirit spoke to me something like this: “Rely on me and not on your biological family.” I knew in that moment that the Holy Spirit was asking me to take this step out onto the water. I then decided to forgo the support and informed the person in question.

Bandung

City in West Java, Indonesia

After that, I entered Indonesia again at Tangerang and then took a bus to Bandung.

I originally went there to meet our exporter, Dave, and a coffee farmer. But then Andrew and Gabriella, a pastor couple serving youth and students at the Inspire Community Center (ICC), opened their home to me. I also told them how Jesus had rescued me from captivity. They then invited me to speak about it in two small groups and later with a few of their friends as well.

I was only able to have a limited exchange with Dave, and a visit to the coffee farmer Nono Suhana wasn’t possible.

At Nicolas’s request, I had the opportunity to spend two days roasting with the Suji x WE Sample Roaster at SUJI Experience Bar alongside staff member Naufal, and later to conduct a tasting of the roasts. They took a great deal of time to explain things and answer my questions.

In my free time, I visited other coffee roasteries to network. It remains to be seen who is willing to live by the Two Kings Principle together with the farmers.

Region Colol

Region in East Manggarai, Island Flores, Indonesia

With stops in Jakarta, Tangerang, and Labuan Bajo, I traveled to the Colol region for the third time.

Together with Hanna and the coffee farmers, we went to Nobertus to demand the horse back. But once again, Nobertus refused to hand over the horse. However, God guided the conversation and gave the ability to speak with authority. Finally, Nobertus agreed and returned the horse. The animal was then placed in Lazarus’s care.

This is not about portraying Nobertus as the guilty party, but I want to report openly on what happened. Both we at KAFFEEkostbar and the farmers hope that Nobertus will repent from the heart, rather than clinging to his pride and hardening his heart.

Hanna then traveled back, while I stayed there. Later, Christa and Christin Hanna, David’s sister from Labuan Bajo, came to the village of Tangkul. One day, the coffee farmer Hironimus from Wejangmalih came to Benediktus’s house to have his green coffee processed. He had originally intended to hire Lodovikus, but then changed his mind. After processing the coffee with the hulling machine, we struck up a conversation with him. He told us that people in the region are more afraid of tradition—and ultimately of other people—than they are of God. Theft and abuse are apparently tolerated, but people fear being rejected by family, friends, and acquaintances if, for example, they were to skip a traditional event.

He also told us about a strange situation in his renovated house: namely, that he and his wife have trouble communicating there, which often leads to misunderstandings and arguments—and the children pick up on it. They have to leave the house before they can talk to each other calmly. He asked us for help, wondering if we could pray about this, and invited us to his home the next day.

The next day, we went to the coffee plantations with the farmers. Later, when we were about to head back to the village, we saw that the horse had fallen and injured itself. It lay on the ground for quite a while and couldn’t get up for a long time. God gave me the inspiration to pray for life and healing, and He also gave me the wisdom and the ability to act effectively in that situation. After a while, the horse got back on its feet, allowing me to lead it to Benediktus’ garden shed. A short time later, Papa Keyla and Mama Tota arrived to tend to the horse. The horse lay down on the ground again there, and I entrusted it to God’s care.

Christa and Christin Hanna were already in Wejangmalih; Hironimus then came to pick me up. He told us that they had performed a traditional ritual for the protection and blessing of the house and didn’t understand why this communication problem had now arisen. To me, it was obvious that they had opened a door for unclean spirits as a result. The same applies to Catholic (occult) practices. Hironimus thanked us for the conversation but did not want to give up his tradition.

The next day, Christa and Christin Hanna drove back to Labuan Bajo. When I went out to the coffee garden that afternoon, I saw that the horse had recovered and was no longer lying on the ground. I would have thought that after an injury like that, it would at least be limping the next day, but the horse seemed to be walking as if nothing had happened. God the Healer had provided for its recovery.

Before I returned to Labuan Bajo, we bought 0.69 kg of vanilla from Lazarus Tundu and his wife Mama Dino for Rp 3.62 million per kg and 1.38 kg for Rp 200,000 per kg.

Labuan Bajo

Port city on the island Flores, Indonesia

Together with Christa, I put the knowledge we had gathered to use with SUJI’s “Sample Roaster.” The integration with the Artisan Scope software went smoothly, making it possible to generate documentation using this roaster.

Denpasar, Region Kintamani

City or respectively Region on the island Bali, Indonesia

During my stay in Denpasar, I visited the small Klar Coffee Roastery. Together with the owner, I had the opportunity to conduct two test roasts using her NOR Coffee Roaster machine.

The Curtina Coffee Farm is located in Kintamani, in northern Bali. I was able to visit the farm and received an insight into coffee cultivation and processing from Wana and Amellya. The Curtina Coffee Farm owns its own one-hectare plantation and purchases coffee cherries from surrounding coffee farmers to process them.

One thing I kept running into—and that made me feel guilty—was that I spent too much money on food and, very often, couldn’t control myself and ended up eating too much. That would come up again later.

Surabaya

City in East Java, Indonesia

In Indonesia’s second-largest city, I met with a team from PT Yama Ekspress. In previous years, Dave from Bandung had used this company for transportation. Due to new government regulations, the terms and conditions had changed, so we looked for an alternative solution and contacted PT Yama Ekspress directly. I discussed our plan to export green coffee to various countries.

Yogyakarta

City of the special region Yogyakarta, Indonesia

This time I stayed of Manuel's group house. Once again, I set out in search of coffee roasteries. I visited the coffee bar Wombats Coffee Wijilan. There, someone suggested I visit Mandala Roastery. Instead of speaking with an employee or the owner, I struck up a conversation with Tondi. He is a Muslim man from North Sumatra. He spoke about his faith, and I shared with him how Jesus has worked in my life and also talked about our ministry in the coffee trade. He was surprised by the things I said and my stance on sexuality. He invited me to meet his friends. We stayed in touch, and he later invited me to come to Medan. We stayed in touch, and he invited me to come to Medan.

I was also able to join Manuel’s group on a trip to the mountains in Tawangmangu, on the border with East Java. There was a man in the group who was Hindu, and a situation arose where he was encouraged to pray while we were eating together. The intention was to give him space and show him respect. For me, this is incompatible, because I cannot sit at a table with Jesus and then let someone pray who does not believe in Jesus Christ at all. To me, something like that is religious nonsense. I see a major problem in acting to please people instead of looking to see what pleases God. This made me wonder whether certain heresies, such as the worship of Mary or Hypergrace, arose in a similar way.

Later, I had some deep conversations with Charlie, Manuel’s brother. He told me about his dark past in Satanism and how he turned his life around. Looking back, I have to admit that his story really captivated me, and it left me with a strange aftertaste.

To wrap things up, I attended Jogja Coffee Week. I ran into some familiar faces from various roasteries and had some great conversations where I was able to talk about our unconventional approach to business. I also had the chance to share some of my experiences and talk about the history of KAFFEEkostbar.

Bandung

City in West Java, Indonesia

Andrew and Gabrielle gave me another chance to stay with them. I spent most of my time writing the report on my trip. I contacted two roasteries that I had visited during my first stay and had promised to bring them coffee samples. After I arrived, I didn’t hear back from them at first, but I clearly heard from the Holy Spirit that I shouldn’t contact them again. Shortly before my departure, they finally got in touch and either came by in person or sent an employee to pick up the samples. For me, it’s a special experience to hear God’s voice so clearly at times, even regarding simple matters. My challenge is sometimes to hold on to the things I’ve heard, to be obedient, and not to forget them again.

Jakarta, Tangerang

Cities in West Java, Indoesia

Instead of staying at Joesi Sihombing’s house again, Gerry Darmawan and his wife Windy welcomed me into their home. On the first evening, I was invited to share my testimony with their small group. The next day, I visited Ariadi, a baker and a Muslim, at his café. There, too, Jesus gave me the boldness to share my testimony and evangelize. So far, I haven’t encountered any rejection or contempt in these conversations. Afterward, God had another surprise in store for me. Gerry told me that he was flying to Germany in October and offered to take 10 kg of my luggage with him. So I no longer had to worry about what I could and couldn’t take with me. It was another gift from God for me.

Singapur

City-state located south of the border with Malaysia

During my last stay in Singapore, I had forgotten to pay for my overnight stay in an annex of YWAM. I had assumed it was free, but I should have asked again.

Before I arrived, I didn’t have enough money to pay off my debts. I had received financial support for my stays in Bali, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Bandung. As for the debts and my stay in Singapore, I realized I shouldn’t ask for help. I had exchanged the remaining IDR for S$, so I had S$ 57 in cash and € 14.90 in my bank account. Shortly before my arrival, I received € 50, which allowed me to withdraw enough cash again and later pay off my debts to YWAM.

On the first day, I spent the night at Changi Airport because I didn't have a place to stay and didn't know where else to go. For starters, I was happy and grateful that there was a place at the airport where I could get free drinking water and spend the night for free.

The next day, I heard from the Holy Spirit that I should leave the airport. I then let myself be guided to a bus stop where I decided on my own to get off. It was a real struggle for me to rely solely on the voice of God, but I could hear it clearly in my mind. At times, it was like a conversation between a father and his young child who was feeling uncertain. I didn’t know what to do next; I was desperate, so I turned to prayer. After quite a while, I crossed the street and approached a young man there. We struck up a conversation, and he invited me to take a walk with him in the park. He told me he was a Hindu, and I told him a little about my life story and my faith.

Later, I went to YWAM to pay off my debts. When I got there, they offered to let me stay for two nights. I gratefully accepted. Nicolas wrote to me later, saying that he, Eva, and Anna had perceived that it was a comfort zone for me. That really hit home, and I was very downcast.

I had told Julius from YWAM about this and then decided to leave the YWAM housing. This time, I couldn’t hear clearly and set out on my own. All sorts of negative thoughts crossed my mind during that time—from cutting my trip short to blocking Nicolas. Around 11:30 p.m., I finally ended up at a house that belongs to a Jesus Club. I rang the doorbell, and after a short while, two women looked out the door. But they didn’t let me in; instead, they closed the door right away. So I ended up spending the night outside without a place to stay. Another low point.

The next day, Eva sent me a message to encourage me. With Jesus’ help, I was able to overcome my despondency and find new courage. In the days that followed, I spent most of my nights staying in so-called “capsule hostels.”

After visiting a few coffee shops, I decided to look for stores that sold cocoa, chocolate, and vanilla. We had bought cocoa and vanilla from Lazarus, but I hadn’t tried them yet. I found a chocolate factory on Google Maps, but I’d also heard that I shouldn’t expect too much. Then I kept searching and found Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie. I had the sense that I should go there. When I arrived, though, I wasn’t really sure what to do, and I didn’t dare to talk to anyone. Later, I left again. The next day, I sensed again that I should go there, but God told me it would have been better if I’d done it the day before. I also heard from the Holy Spirit how I should introduce myself. This time, I followed through and was able to present the cocoa, vanilla, and coffee samples I’d brought with me and exchange them for some chocolate products.

An employee told me that the person in charge wasn't there. I asked if that person had been there the day before, and the employee said yes. That made it clear to me what God's words from earlier meant.

A few days earlier, Nicolas told me that I had the opportunity to learn about how the machines work and how to maintain them at the NOR company in Jember. God opened another door for me. After some time to think it over and a few doubts, I finally agreed and booked another ticket to Indonesia.

Tangerang

City in West Java, Indonesia

When I arrived at the airport in Tangerang, I didn’t have enough money left for the visa. I hadn’t thought about it beforehand, but I was also expecting a refund for the utility bill from my old apartment in Döbeln. But the money didn’t come. So I asked God what I should do next and praised Him for helping me. Then I called my fellow believers. On the third try, I reached one of my sisters in the faith and asked if she could lend me money for this. She told me that her husband had felt led the day before to support me, but hadn’t acted on it yet. We laughed and were both delighted at how God directs things. She knew then that it was from God and transferred €200 to me, which I used to pay my Visa bill.

Since some time had already passed, I had been worried about my suitcase. But when I finally got to the baggage claim area and saw that some passengers were still waiting for their luggage, my suitcase came toward me just as I was walking up to the conveyor belt.

My God is wonderful, indescribable, and everything is in His hands. Hallelujah!

Kebonsadeng

Village in the near of Jember, East Java, Indonesia

My God gave me the favor of being able to learn at NOR Coffee Roaster or Coffee Beans for two months free of charge. The main aim was for me to learn how to operate and maintain the machines so that I could present and explain the machines to international customers, especially in Europe, as a potential representative. At first, I honestly didn't know how this was supposed to work and it was often very frustrating for me due to the language barrier. Most of the time I just swallowed it instead of bringing it before God and that always gave the devil a target to pull me down. Likewise the myopia that still persisted at the time. Regardless of the adversity, I was able to learn and document a lot and God also gave me favor with individual coworkers who took the time to explain or write everything for me in an understandable way.

I had a few conversations in which Muslims asked me about my faith and I tried to explain that I have nothing to do with religiosity. However, it was often difficult to communicate clearly and understandably. But I think the biggest sticking point was that I didn't take enough time for prayer. I also didn't pursue the idea of fasting.

Johor Baru, Malacca

Cities in the south or respectively located on the southwestern coast of Peninsular, Malaysia

With a stopover in Jakarta and Singapore, I traveled on to Malaysia. I first spent a day in Johor Bahru. I met a man in a hostel who recommended accommodation in Malacca. I followed this recommendation and traveled on to Malacca by bus. I stayed in this hostel, Ringo's Foyer, for about three weeks.

During this time, I twice came across a Muslim man who offered himself to me sexually. This man was obviously possessed by demons. The first time I just refused and then moved on. The second time, I ordered the demons to come out of him. Before that, I had shaken his hand to say goodbye. The only reaction I noticed in this situation was his handshake, which became looser. After this encounter, I wondered if I would meet him again, but that wasn't the case. Another encounter was with the snack bar owner Ibrahim. I think I had been there four times in total. The conversations with him were always quickly about faith, but they ended just as quickly in what the Bible says and he didn't understand it. I had also shared my testimony with him, which was nothing out of the ordinary for him. Where he had listened more closely was when I read him the part when Jesus stood before the high council, as he did not know this event.

Once again, I reached a point where I didn’t know what to do in Malacca. Later, the Holy Spirit guided me and gave me the confirmation that I could work as a volunteer at the hostel. God had paved the way for this, and I was able to work there as a volunteer in exchange for free lodging, which gave me even more opportunities to strike up conversations with the other volunteers and guests. In those moments, my God repeatedly gave me the boldness to speak. I never encountered any rejection, but I did sometimes notice a kind of stunnedness.

Even though it may be tiring for some readers to read it over and over again, I want to testify over and over again to what Jesus has done for me and not get tired of it, no matter what others think about it.

Tangerang

City in West Java, Indonesia

When I arrived back in Arkhipus, I made the mistake of assuming that I belonged to the family or that I felt at home. As this was not the case, but I was only seen as a guest, my actions made me feel uncomfortable. Another mistake I made was that, due to fear of mankind, I didn't address some things in which I had a different view or a different testimony in my mind, but only communicated with Nicolas, which in turn led to resentment. I want to learn to speak with help and courage and not remain silent out of fear of man.

Apart from that, during this time I had heard God speak to me that I should manage the derelict commercial property and the first floor with the empty apartments in Joesi's house. It started with the idea of a shared flat in the apartments and possible coffee tastings. I then shared this with my spiritual family, whereupon Nicolas spoke to me on the phone and told me what he and Eva had long been aware of for me - to be called for the lost Indonesians and also to manage what was lying fallow and empty. I later asked God directly and clearly heard his yes. I also asked how long and got the answer, until I send you on. Even if some may now think that I was manipulated in this direction, I want to testify that I heard this from my God and that he also gave me the will to do so, which was absolutely not the case before, because I was always happy to be able to leave Arkhipus again. The reasons for this included the many mosquitoes that were constantly biting me, the calls to prayer over loudspeakers from the nearby mosque and also my image of God, which differs in some points.

One prayer request that was fulfilled through Jesus was the desire for a job, because I didn't really know what to do the whole time until my visa extension. I had prayed that God is also the Lord of work and asked him for work. A day later, Mr. Ahmadi from NOR wrote to me asking if I could help with communication with an international customer. Yes, we can bring all our concerns before God and he will do it if we believe and it is according to his will.

Kebonsadeng

Village near Jember, East Java, Indonesia

This was my third visit to NOR, and I stayed with Mr. Kusnandar’s relatives. Unlike before, I had more and better conversations, even though I still didn’t understand everything. I also spent some time with the local children. We played games together and went for walks. Sometimes other children joined us as well. At NOR, I produced several video documentaries on how to use the roasting machine. A large group from a Muslim school also came to visit for a tour of the company. During the tour, I was able to brew coffee for tasting and make ice cream as well.

Kuala Lumpur

Capital city on the west coast of Malaysia

After I left Indonesia again, I waited for a solution regarding a longer-term visa, but nothing came of it.

In Kuala Lumpur, I had some exciting encounters, often with Muslims. One evening, I was standing in line at an MRT station when a young man behind me struck up a conversation with me. God had once again given me the boldness to share my story. Another young man standing in the line next to us had been listening in. We stood there for quite some time, which gave me the opportunity to tell him in detail about myself and my missionary work.

Region Colol

Region in East Manggarai, Flores Island, Indonesia

After about two weeks, I took a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Labuan Bajo and then drove to Ruteng. There, I stayed with Denny and Yohana, who always welcome me with open arms. After that, I drove with Hanna to Tangkul to visit the farmers.

I also brought along the small roasting machine from WE x SUji on this visit so we could roast and taste the coffee together with the farmers.

Hanna had set aside plenty of time for the farmer Emilia Nanung. She is the woman whose husband passed away a few years ago. One of her two children, “Save,” has physical and mental disabilities, which is why managing the coffee harvest on her own was—and still is—very challenging for her. Save’s brother, Popin, helps Emilia care for his brother. Neither of them are Emilia’s biological children.

I was allowed to give a coffee presentation at the local elementary school one day. I brewed coffee and explained each step. I couldn’t use the roasting machine because there was no electricity.

Another major topic was occultism—or rather, the destructive traditions that open the doors to impure spirits and curses. Part of this is the Catholic tradition, which, unfortunately, our farmers continue to embrace—whether out of their own conviction or fear of others. One example of a curse was a virus that, according to the farmers, had infested all the banana trees throughout the region and rendered them inedible. There were also instances of illness or situations in which their own livestock—whether goats, chickens, or cats—were killed. At first glance, this might sound like normal occurrences that just happen naturally, but the frequency is so striking, and for the people in the village, curses that lead to illness or death are a reality. One day, Hanna and I witnessed a woman who was demonically possessed running through the village and screaming. She hears a voice telling her that her parents are dead, even though they are working in the garden. This has been going on with this woman for a long time.

Some time later, guests from France, the U.S., and Australia came to visit. Each of them had previously been to KAFFEEkostbar in Labuan Bajo, where Christa had given them the tip—and Christa was the one who then put me in touch with them. They were able to experience that we act and live according to different standards, ones that are becoming increasingly foreign to this broken world.

Toward the end of my stay, Nicolas and his daughter Lilli came to visit. It was a welcome surprise, especially for the coffee farmers. During a conversation, the topic of drying green coffee came up, since the rainy or cloudy weather made it virtually impossible to dry the coffee. The farmers explained how the Asnikom cooperative had dried the coffee in the coastal town of Borong, and so it was quickly decided to dry the coffee there as well.

Kuala Lumpur, Malacca

Cities on the West Coast of Malaysia

From Flores, Indonesia, I flew straight back to Kuala Lumpur. I stayed there for a short time at a hostel. After that, I returned to the hostel in Malacca, Ringo’s Foyer, to work there as a volunteer for about three weeks and talk with the guests.

God wants all people to be saved, but not everyone takes hold of His saving hand. I hope that my story with Jesus will reach the hardened consciences of many lost people and that they will be saved through Jesus and not be lost.

During my stay, I visited the coffee processor and roaster Coffeenism again to buy Liberica green coffee, since the coffee farmers had asked me to.

I’m not sure exactly when it was, but one day the Holy Spirit told me to attend Manuel’s wedding in Yogyakarta and see the fruits of my labor.

Labuan Bajo

Port city on the island of Flores, Indonesia

This was my sixth trip to Indonesia. Since there’s no “Auto Gate” for visas in Labuan Bajo, you have to go in person to an official and explain the reasons for your visit. Because I’d entered the country so frequently in such a short time, the woman at the counter seemed to doubt my motives. Maybe she thought I was conducting illegal business or coming to Indonesia for religious reasons. I told her that I wanted to visit coffee farmers and would also like to extend my visa later to attend a wedding. The woman flipped through my passport and then let me through, albeit seemingly reluctantly. However, I then had to go straight to customs for inspection. I had both green coffee and a few packages of cookies with me, so I had to open my backpack and take out the cookie packages. The officials looked at them and had no objections. I didn’t take out the green coffee, and the officials didn’t check it themselves either. I’m not sure, but that might have caused problems. So I was able to keep everything and move on. Once again, God had granted me entry into Indonesia and spared me from trouble.

Ruteng, Region Colol

City, region in East Manggarai, Indonesia

While staying with the coffee farmers, I took the time to help with the coffee harvest a few times and to document the process. One day, I drove with Hanna to the village of Biting to visit a school principal. My goal was to explore the possibility of teaching a coffee-related course at the school as a volunteer teacher, which would give me a chance to obtain a social visa in Indonesia. That, in turn, would allow for a longer stay in Indonesia. The principal was open to the idea and, in subsequent communications, welcomed the proposals I put forward.

Before returning to Labuan Bajo, we made a stop at the Italian restaurant La Cucina Ruteng. There, we met the owners, Luigi and Dana, struck up a conversation with them, and talked about coffee—including the possibility of them using our coffee.

Labuan Bajo

Port city on the island of Flores, Indonesia

Instead of staying with Brian and Angel or David and Viecy again, I decided to rent an apartment. Hanna put me in touch with the landlord, and I paid 1 million Rp for about 17 days, which was fine with me.

During the first few days, it occurred to me that we could hold a coffee event at one of the restaurants—La Cucina Komodo, Burger Time, or Alma Restaurant Komodo—where Luigi and Dana are owners or partners, but I didn’t consider organizing it together with Christa and David, since we didn’t have a good relationship. In a conversation with Christa where this came up, I apologized to her for not planning to include her. I later wrote to Dana to ask if we could host a coffee event at Alma Restaurant Komodo. Dana then acted as a go-between and put us in touch with Maria, the manager of Alma Restaurant Komodo. Maria was open to the idea, and later Christa and I visited Maria at the restaurant to introduce ourselves and explain the idea for the coffee event.

Then Christa, David, Hanna, and I got together to discuss the content and schedule of the coffee event. We worked through the preparations step by step, refining the details as we went. You can find more information and photos about the event here: Coffee Talk

Later, I went to restaurants and hostels to hand out the flyers. I also went out onto the street. However, it took a lot of effort for me to even approach people and hand out flyers, which is why I hardly handed any out directly. The result fell far short of expectations. Two sessions were planned for each of the four days, but there were only two participants on one day. Christa said it was because most tourists go out on a boat trip that weekend. Personally, I don’t think that was the reason, nor do I think it was because I didn’t hand out enough flyers. I personally sensed that it was a spiritual matter because Christa and I aren’t in unity in the Spirit.

Kebonsadeng

Village near Jember, East Java, Indonesia

While I was still in Flores, a boy named Azril from the Rosid family called me and asked when I would be coming back. Since I was planning to spend a few days in Bali and was also waiting for an opportunity to arise there, I hadn’t given any thought to traveling back there. However, no opportunity arose in Bali, so I had no reason to stay there. I therefore contacted the Rosid family to ask if I could visit them, and that’s exactly what I did. I spent some time with the children again. One day, Azril cut his finger with a pair of scissors. I was then able to treat him with my first-aid kit and pray in the name of Jesus for his healing. After I left, Azril told me that his finger no longer hurt, even though the wound was still visible.

Solo, Salatiga, Yogyakarta

Cities in Central Java, Indonesia

I visited the PESAT organization and spent about four days there. I had the opportunity to invite individual staff members for coffee and get to know them. I was also able to speak with the leaders of the institution. Some time earlier, I had asked if they could help me apply for a longer-term visa. I no longer needed that, however, since the door at the school in Biting had opened up beforehand. Later, I was asked if I could teach a course on “Business as Ministry” at the university. It occurred to me, however, that I am not called by Jesus to be a teacher, and I do not find this type of teaching to be effective or meaningful. Instead, I later suggested that a man from the organization accompany me on my next trip to Indonesia so he could experience the various challenges firsthand. One condition for this would be that no financial support be provided by the organization or by my parents; rather, travel expenses would be covered from my own available funds and whatever God provides through my faith.

In Yogyakarta, Hendro and Ena had once again opened their doors to me, so I was able to stay with them during the time leading up to and following Manuel and Ervim’s wedding. The wedding took place in Solo. It was a great joy for me to be there. Even though I hadn’t seen Manuel in a long time and we hadn’t written to each other in a long time, I still feel a strong bond with him.

Tangerang

City in West Java, Indonesia

Shortly before my trip to Indonesia, I did a few more roasts using the repaired WE x Suji coffee roaster to practice roasting with the machine once more and to bring some roasted coffee to Kenya.


Concluding Remarks

Before I set out on my journey, Nicolas told me that I would no longer be the same Markus afterward. Many spiritual strongholds have fallen, such as the fear—or rather, the lie—that I was traveling alone, even though Jesus is with me. Likewise, my trust in God regarding financial provision has grown. The Holy Spirit revealed my fallen nature to me. This was especially true in terms of stewardship and self-control when it comes to eating. It is so precious to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit, even when those words are words of admonition and instruction. Fellowship with my God is a new decision I make every day of my own free will.

My name is Markus Petzold. In early 2024, through Jesus, I experienced deliverance from pornography addiction, perversion, and transsexuality, and God began the process of sanctification within me. God has given me the grace to repent and has forgiven me.

Who is a God like you, who forgives sin and pardons wrongdoing? Who is a God like you, whose anger does not last forever, for you love to be gracious? Hallelujah! Praise be to my Lord and King Jesus!

I've been traveling for over a year. I don't know if I'll ever return to Germany.

If you have any questions about my journey or would like to learn more about my personal testimony, I invite you to get to know me in person. I’d be happy to visit you and share what Jesus has done in my life.

Made in Heaven

Upwards

© 2026

KAFFEEKostBAR

Made in Heaven

Upwards

© 2026

KAFFEEKostBAR

Made in Heaven

Upwards

© 2026

KAFFEEKostBAR