Good News from the Jayapura Congregation - Mando

Being Christ's Light from Remote Deiyai

Wherever we are, there is always an opportunity to be Christ's light. This is what Mando, a man born in Deiyai, Papua, holds firmly to. He was born into a simple family, to parents who worked as farmers like most people in the interior of Papua. Mando's grandfather was the first person to make contact with the missionaries who preached the gospel to the tribes in the interior of Papua. 

Seeing how important education was for their children's future, Mando's parents encouraged him and his four younger siblings to pursue a good education. Mando was fortunate to do so all the way through college, even studying outside Papua. After graduating from IPDN (Institute of Domestic Administration) in 2013, Mando served at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Jakarta for a year. However, because he felt called to build up his homeland, he returned to Deiyai and became a civil servant there. 

Raised in a simple family in a remote area, Mando did not have the chance to know many kinds of social circles. However, during college and while serving in Jakarta, friendships and a new environment introduced Mando to nightlife, along with the bad habits that came with it. When he returned to his hometown, all those habits still clung to him. 

It was at this point that Mando felt he needed help to leave a life that was not in line with God's will. Moreover, his Christian life up to that point had not helped him come to know God more deeply.

At the beginning of 2019, Mando became acquainted with a sister named Maria, who came from the same tribe and birthplace. At that time, Maria was serving at Polda Metro Jaya as a policewoman. Maria had become a disciple of Jesus and had previously been part of Singles & Professionals Ministry Central Jakarta. 

The two then planned to pursue a closer relationship and get to know each other's families. Through the community, Mando and Maria received a number of pieces of advice and perspectives. Mando was invited to study the Bible so that he could understand the importance of building a relationship with God and how to know God deeply. Because he already had that longing, Mando immediately took hold of the opportunity. 

For that reason, Mando asked his supervisor for permission so that he could study God's word in Jayapura.

Mando's greatest challenge during Bible Study was distance. From Jayapura, he had to fly back to Nabire, followed by a six-hour overland journey to Deiyai. Yet Mando was willing and committed to making time to gather with the disciples of Jesus. He realized that his learning process was not only meant to strengthen his relationship with Maria, but so that he might understand God's will for his life. After studying for two months, Mando made the decision to become a disciple of Jesus.

When he was baptized, Mando expressed his dream that one day the congregation would be able to reach Nabire as the parent regency of Deiyai, Dogiyai, and Paniai. Especially after the construction of the Trans Papua Road, which passes through those three areas, is completed. As a son of Papua, Mando wants to be Christ's light wherever he is, especially in the midst of his relatives. To God be the glory!

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Church GKDI is currently in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at Church GKDI Official:

WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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