Evaluation Phase 2, New Readers of the Bible in South Nias
The New Readers of the Bible (PBA) programme in Batu Islands, South Nias, is nearing the end of its journey.
The Lembaga Alkitab Indonesia (LAI) New Readers of the Bible (PBA) programme in Batu Islands, South Nias, is nearing the end of its journey. It has been a long journey measured not only by the time spent, but also by each small step of change in the hearts and lives of the learners.
Because the locations of the learners were scattered on small islands, the team had to cross the sea every day using speedboats, cutting through the waves to the evaluation points. Travelling time averaged 1–2 hours for each location. Praise God, even though the rain and wind did hit, the weather in general was quite friendly, so every trip went well.
On Sigata Island, due to the large number of learners, the evaluation process took a long time. We were only able to leave the location at night. Despite the darkness of the sea, we had to continue travelling to catch the next location on the evaluation schedule.
There is one unforgettable story from Lumbui Village. A 19-year-old girl named Yustria Hondo had never been able to read before. According to her tutor, she was a very slow learner. But she never gave up. She came diligently, stayed seated, and kept trying. Until the last evaluation, he began to recognise letters. A small step that holds great hope. Our message to his tutor is simple: keep assisting him, because he is still very young, and his future is still wide open.
From Siramona Village, there is also the story of Martinus Lala. Despite being 20 years old, he still cannot read. He comes to class with the same enthusiasm. He was calm, unassuming, but diligent. By the time of the evaluation, Martinus had only mastered one syllable. For some people, that might seem trivial and meaningless. But for Martinus, it was a big step. He was walking through a process that was not easy, a long process that required patience, perseverance, and the courage to keep trying.
We encouraged Martinus not to give up, and advised his tutor to remain faithful to him. Because behind every letter he learns, there is a future that is being built slowly.
On the other hand, there are also many learning citizens who show extraordinary perseverance. Those who once did not recognise letters are now able to read fluently. For those who can already read, may this ability be a door to know God's word more deeply and live life with wisdom.
For those who are still limping and in the process, never give up! Because every letter learnt today is a step towards a brighter future.
After two weeks the entire evaluation series was completed. The team prepared to return home to Jakarta. The journey home started from Tello Island to Padang City using the same plane we arrived on. What should have been a one-hour flight turned into a very stressful experience. As we were about to land, the weather deteriorated drastically. Thick black clouds covered the sky, rain fell in torrents, strong winds shook, and lightning struck without stopping. The aircraft had to circle around for about 40 minutes in the sky, and finally ventured through the dark, lightning-filled clouds.
In the aircraft, we were completely overwhelmed with fear. The constant shaking made our legs feel weak. Throughout the flight we were silent, praying silently, hoping that we would land safely. When the plane finally landed, there was a mother with her baby who was unable to stand properly because her legs were so weak due to the tension she felt. The tense flight made us realise how fragile human beings are and how great God's provision was to keep us safe until we arrived safely in Padang City. We continued our journey back to Jakarta.
The experience in Batu Islands reminds us that limited access, remote geographical conditions, and lack of facilities are still a reality faced by many of our brothers and sisters in various parts of the archipelago. In some places there are schools, but the facilities are inadequate. Lack of teachers, limited textbooks, and long distances make the learning process difficult. Children have to walk long distances, face rough terrain, and learn with very limited facilities. All of this is the real reason why there are still many people there who cannot read.
But in the midst of all these limitations, hope is never extinguished. Every little effort, every perseverance, and every letter learnt is a sign that the future is being fought for.
And as long as there are still those who long to learn, as long as there are still those who care and walk together, then the light will continue to burn and reach those who have been living in limitations, and bring real change to future generations.(aped)
