In 2025, when David Bussau returned to Blimbingsari, the birthplace of Opportunity International Australia, the church that he helped rebuild was one of the first places he visited.

In 1976, David led the project to rebuild the church after it was destroyed in an earthquake. The new church stands proudly in the centre of the village, and is the heart of the Christian community in Blimbingsari.

Three of the men that worked on the construction with David 50 years ago were there to greet him when he visited.

“I sifted sand and participated in communal work to carry stones,” said Nyoman, one of the builders. “We worked hard, but we worked together.”

The project relied on gotong royong — the Indonesian tradition of mutual cooperation, with families contributing labour, materials and food. That sense of unity is what local residents remember most.

“What stood out the most was the sense of togetherness and mutual cooperation during the work,” said Wayan, now 81 years old. “Whenever there was a need for materials like stones or sand, it would be announced at church, and members of the congregation would eagerly volunteer to contribute.”

The former village leader, who also helped build the church, remembers the entire community getting involved.

“Community participation was remarkable,” he said. “Both men and women took part in every communal work activity. The women brought snacks and coffee, which were shared with all the workers.”

The three builders say David’s contribution extended beyond construction expertise. At the time, Blimbingsari faced severe water shortages, with wells often needing to be dug 20 to 30 metres deep.

“We struggled to find water,” one villager recalled. “Eventually, we decided to build a dam to channel water to the village. That’s where Pak David played a key role helping us build the dam.”

His contribution helped improve daily life for local families and reinforced the strong bond between David and the community. 

"Pak David was truly kind and generous here in Blimbingsari," the villager said. "We all felt it. His dedication left a lasting impression on the community.

“Pak David worked with remarkable speed and tireless dedication,” said another builder.

The church also represents a deeper history. Many Christian families in Blimbingsari settled there after experiencing discrimination elsewhere in Bali. Nyoman shared that his grandparents were among those who found a new home in the village, helping establish a community built on faith and resilience.

Today, the distinctive Balinese-style church attracts visitors from across Indonesia and around the world. But for those who helped build it, its greatest significance lies in what it represents.

“I feel very happy and grateful to have been a part of the development of both the church and the village,” said one builder.

As David revisited Blimbingsari after many years, the gratitude of the community was clear.

For the elders who helped build the church, David's recent return to Blimbingsari was emotional.

"I'm very happy," said one builder. "It has been beneficial for the people of Blimbingsari to get to know him."

The former village leader expressed his gratitude for David's lifelong commitment to serving others.

"What I deeply appreciate about Pak David is that his life is truly devoted to serving the people and the church," he said. "May his dedication and ministry be blessed by God."