Good News from the Malang Congregation - Eva

Simplicity That Saves

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3

Born into a family with parents who were busy working, Eva had already taken on the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings from an early age. Eva’s gentle heart, supported by the courage to make sure both of her younger siblings were safe and well-behaved, helped her grow into a child who was ready to serve.

On the other hand, relationships outside her family were never a priority for Eva, because she felt the world out there was very frightening. This outlook, together with a life that had not yet known God, made it hard for Eva to trust other people.

After graduating from high school, Eva continued her studies at one of the public universities in Malang. The experience of living away from home pushed Eva to decide that she had to change, to become more independent and open. She wanted to have many friends. However, Eva often ran into problems and felt tormented because she found it difficult to be herself in social circles.

One day, a sister invited Eva to come to an IMPACT ZEAL Malang event. There, even though she was actually interested in meeting its members personally, Eva’s closed-off attitude instead brought out resistance from within herself.

Over time, the care and friendship within IMPACT led Eva to a deeper knowledge of God. Her simplicity of heart made Eva someone who was easy to shape in Bible Study. She worked hard so that she could speak words that build others up (encouraging) because all this time she had been used to harsh or dirty words.

Although at first she found it difficult to understand the word, Eva was always open to receiving teaching and expectations. Eva was able to get through challenge after challenge because she saw God as the guide who led her into a righteous life. She is grateful for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, and realizes that in God she does not need to worry about everything.

Now Eva is cheerful, open, and brave in expressing her feelings, able to accept her circumstances, and always hungry for teaching about God. At last she has experienced the friendship she longed for. Eva realizes that every individual in the congregation will help her grow, so she always longs to join fellowship. Eva’s gratitude for the salvation she has received gives her the zeal to introduce God to a college friend with whom she once had problems and differences of opinion. She believes God can change everyone.

Her gratitude for coming to know God makes her eager to introduce Him to a college friend with whom she once had problems and differences of opinion. She believes that God can transform everyone.