Witness Didi Nugraha

For me, travelling to Tana Toraja was an amazing journey despite the tough terrain. Travelling to these hinterlands has been an invaluable faith experience for my life.

 

Our church, Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Pondok Indah Jakarta, supports the ministry of Lembaga Alkitab Indonesia (LAI) almost every year in spreading the Good News to various parts of the archipelago. I was interested in travelling to Toraja to share the Good News in Toraja because I wanted to see first-hand how the Good News is delivered to congregations living in remote locations. I wanted to witness how God's people in the hinterland live their lives and hang out with them, even if only for a short time.

Kabar Baik Bergambar (KBB) in Toraja is a collection of illustrated Bible stories for elementary school children, translated in Toraja so that Toraja children learn to recognise and love God's word in their mother tongue, which is close to their hearts. At the same time, they are encouraged to love their language and culture from an early age. The first launch was done late last year by LAI and the Toraja Church Synod. The distribution to congregations will only take place in mid-February 2024.

During the trip, I was often moved by the children's enthusiasm to receive the KBB. What's more, even though many of these children still adhere to tribal religions (Aluk Todolo), but they still want to read what is written in the KBB. It would certainly be a good step for the children to learn about Christ through the KBB.

I was amazed by the extraordinary life of the congregation in the interior. Despite living far away in the interior, they have a very close sense of brotherhood, regardless of skin colour, language and rank. Not just the children, but everyone came to welcome us with the good news.

From Jakarta I deliberately brought a Bible. Along the way I made video clips and photo documentation that captured our journey to bring KBB to Tana Toraja.

 

When we arrived at Mabusa Village, at a coffee and noodle shop, the lady who owned the shop asked me, "Do you have a Bible?", she said.

"I do, Mum. It's in the car," I replied.

 

Then I hurried to get the Bible that I had brought, and I handed it to the shopkeeper's mother. She said, "Thank you, sir. Can I buy this Bible? How much should I pay for the Bible? Because I don't have a Bible."

I was immediately moved to tears. In Mabusa, there was a mother who longed for the Word of God (the Bible) that she never had. Her remote home did not allow her to buy her own Bible. In contrast, in big cities, every family has more than one Bible.

Then I replied with a smile "No need to pay, Mum. This Bible is free for mum."

I replied with a smile "No need to pay, mum.

I had no idea that the Bible I brought would be a blessing to my fellow believers. God had me on this trip to the interior of Toraja. The Bible I brought, even though it was only one, could bring blessing and joy to others. It was a unique experience that strengthened my faith.

 

I am so grateful to be involved in ministry with friends from LAI, as well as meeting new friends from the Toraja church. It has been a memorable journey that is not easily expressed in words. It has been a very enjoyable and moving journey.

When I was asked to recount my trip to Toraja some time ago, I could only give thanks. Thank you Lord Jesus for the opportunity that God has given me, at my age which in October 2024 will be 62 years old, God still gives me health and the opportunity to share love and stories during the trip in the interior of Toraja.

 

Thank you also to LAI as the church's partner in spreading the illustrated Good News to Toraja children. Thank you to my wife and children, who allowed me to go to the interior of Toraja. Through mountainous terrain, broken and dangerous roads, right and left of yawning chasms. It turned out that God never left us on that journey and always looked after us all.

I hope that the Lord Jesus will give us another opportunity to share our love and story to our brothers and sisters in faith in the mission tripthe following.

God Jesus bless us all.