Good News from the Malang Congregation - Suriate Cibro

At the close of 2018, on December 31 to be exact, Suriate Cibro made an important decision in her life: to become a disciple of Jesus.

In pursuit of her dreams, Suri studied at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Universitas Brawijaya, Malang. In that city far from home, Suri learned to live independently, without the parents who had always been by her side before. However, adapting to a new environment became a mental and physical challenge for Suri. Every day, she complained and cried, making college feel like a heavy burden to bear.

Not only that, Suri was also anxious about financial matters. Even though she had never lived in lack, she was always haunted by the fear of not being able to meet her wants and needs in the future.

That anxiety made Suri unhappy. She did everything she could to be the best. She sacrificed her health in order to earn high marks in coursework and practical labs. With outstanding academic achievements, she hoped that one day she would have good career opportunities and become rich.

Inevitably, that ambitious struggle made Suri's relationships with her fellow students unhealthy. She often argued with her friends on campus and in her dormitory.

However, in truth God had never left Suri. At the beginning of college, she met one of the sisters from her hometown. The love of Christ through the brothers and sisters slowly changed her view of the world.

Bible Study helped Suri change the mindset and principles that had been built since childhood in her family. She finally understood that life is not only about worldly wealth. When her life is difficult, God is the One who will sustain her. Wealth is no longer a barrier for her to do what is right. Suri believes God will not close His eyes to her life, both now and in the future.

Having a healthy relationship with God is the primary foundation of Suri's spiritual growth. The indifferent and selfish attitude that once left her lonely and alone has been changed by a love that brings joy. Suri can enjoy the process of college, friendships, and her relationship with her family more. Her tears and complaints have grown fewer, in fact very rare. And now, Suri has become one of those who brings laughter in Campus Ministry Malang.

Being a disciple is something precious to Suri, and God's plans are always the best, as long as she remains faithful in following Him, as it is written in Hebrews 12:2: “Let us do it with our eyes fixed on Jesus, who leads us in faith and brings our faith to perfection, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and now sits at the right hand of the throne of God.”