The Graceful Journey

By: A Student of Canvasser        During the recent Eid holiday, I joined a canvassing program in Bandung with a passionate team of fellow missionaries. I was excited—but one day, I woke up feeling unwell. My head was heavy, my body weak, and my spirit low. I wanted to rest, but something in me whispered, "Go—not for yourself, but for the team, especially the first timers who need encouragement."           By midday, my body gave in, and I had to rest in the car. I closed my eyes and prayed quietly for strength. After a short rest and a light meal, I felt a little better. I hadn’t sold a single book yet—only handed out a few tracts—but my heart longed to make a true connection. So I prayed, “Lord, where is that soul? Please lead me to them.”           That prayer renewed me. Soon, I met a man sitting alone by the roadside. He was unemployed, recently injured by a car battery, homeless, and deeply burdened. I...

          One day, I was out walking, distributing the books we were selling. Along the way, I came across a woman who owned a small street-side shop. I approached her and offered the books I had. After I shared what they were about, she looked at me and said, “Actually, I’m really interested in one of these books. But I honestly don’t have any money right now. I just reopened my shop today after being closed for a long time, and it’s still early in the morning so haven’t made any sales yet.”           In that moment, I could tell she genuinely wanted the book. I sensed that she needed it. So, I made a decision: I would give it to her as a gift. To me, her hunger for the message was more important than the money. At first, she refused. She felt bad, knowing I was selling the books. But I gently reassured her, “It’s okay. I’m happy to give it to you.” I didn’t linger. I smiled and continued walking, praying quietly as I went, “L...

           Canvassing is a ministry that has shaped me deeply— building my character, strengthening me mentally and spiritually. I used to be just a participant, but this time, God called me to lead. I felt completely unworthy and doubted my ability to guide others. But through the encouragement of godly friends and the strength I found in His Word, I surrendered and allowed God to use me.           When I started searching for a location, I aimed for a strategic spot in the city center. I found one, confirmed everything, and informed the team that we would stay there.  But just two days before the program began, the owner suddenly canceled our reservation. I was shocked. Discouraged. I asked God, “Where will I bring them now? What should I do?”      That’s when my parents offered their home. It wasn’t ideal, it was far from the city, but I had no other option. I was grateful they were willing to help....

—  Jeremiah 30:17 (NIV) But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord."           In 2023, I had an experience I never expected: I fractured my right big toe. I’m truly thankful that it wasn’t too serious, but it was still enough to teach me some deep and meaningful lessons.           During the healing process, I still felt pain, swelling, and inflammation. In fact, there were times when the pain felt even worse than when the injury first happened. I started to worry, “Is it getting worse?” But after learning more, I found out that what I was feeling was actually normal. It’s part of the healing process when the bones are reconnecting and the body is doing its job. That gave me peace of mind.           And then it hit me: maybe this doesn’t just apply to physical injuries. Maybe it’s the same when we’re healing from something emotional, mental, or even spiritual. ...

       One day, I was walking from our house to the garden. I passed by some buckets like the ones in the picture. Nearby, there was a spring—a natural water source—that never stops flowing. The water keeps coming out of the pipe, whether it's the dry season or the rainy season.      The water is often used to water the plants, wash things outside, and for other simple needs.  In the picture, we can see buckets  of different sizes. If these buckets are placed under the spring, they will be filled according to their capacity. When a container is full, the water keeps flowing, but it will overflow.  I tried to take a lesson from this, and this verse came to my mind:  2 Korintus 9:8   (KJV) : "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."      Those buckets are like our hearts. What size of bucket are we willing to bring ...

           Another meaningful lesson I learned from my leader's absence is the art of waiting for his return. It has been almost three months since our leader left us. During this time, many things have made me feel that he should return soon. Every day, I long for his return, and sometimes I even dream that he has come back, which fills me with great joy.           Another reason why I eagerly await his return is because he has repeatedly said that he will definitely come back. Although the exact day is uncertain, but that day will come, and it will be soon. In waiting for his return, I don’t just sit idle all day hoping that the day will come, but I must continue to carry out the responsibilities assigned to me until he comes.           I then began to think about my attitude toward the return of Jesus which is his second coming. Do I long for His coming day by day? What is it that make...