Good News from the Yogyakarta Congregation - Fernando

Studying the Bible Until Midnight

Fernando, affectionately called Nando, is the youngest of three siblings. This young man, born in 1991, was born and raised in a Christian family in the city of Bandung. Because of that, reading the Bible and praying were nothing new to him. Even so, Nando always felt that something was missing in his life. He had no clear purpose, and his life did not reflect that of a true Christian at all.

In 2015, Nando moved to Yogyakarta to work at a pharmaceutical company. His job required him to work until late at night and made his life revolve only around work. This emptiness prompted Nando to make a change. Even so, he did not know what he needed to do or where to begin. Nando then prayed earnestly that God would give him a way out.

A few days later, Nando met a brother named Rendy at a mall. It turned out that the two of them had met before, but at that time they did not know each other. On that occasion, Nando accepted Rendy's invitation to attend a YESS Community event held at the end of the month.

During the event, Nando felt the warmth of the brothers and sisters. He felt truly welcomed and loved. That atmosphere convinced Nando that this was what he had been looking for all along. This was God's answer to his prayer.

In March 2018, Nando began attending Bible Study with brother Kelvin. He faced many challenges during his study, especially because he could only do it after returning home from work at nine at night. As a result, Nando would only finish studying around midnight. Even so, he was willing and faithful to do it because he was hungry for the truth of God's word. Nando was also grateful and inspired to see Kelvin's willingness to guide him until late at night.

On October 14, 2018, Nando decided to be baptized. Learning the true purpose of life according to God's word made him understand the meaning of his life. Now his life has certainty in the Lord, no longer uncertain and without purpose. He also understands the importance of having fellowship. That Christians must love one another and cannot possibly grow without the help of others.

In his journey as a disciple, Nando was always eager to spend time with brothers and sisters, and to share his faith. He served as an usher in Sunday worship, helped the multimedia team, and did whatever he could for the congregation's ministry. Nando continues to strive to prioritize God in his life as an expression of gratitude for the opportunity God has given him to know His word and His truth.