That day, 15 September 2023, was the last day of Bible distribution through the One in Love Programme in North Central Timor District, East Nusa Tenggara. The atmosphere was full of emotion and joy at the Church of the Evangelical Church in Timor (GMIT) Jemaat Syalom Maumolo. Mama Yuliana Nino Elu still clearly sang the congregational hymn number 344 entitled "Remember the Name of Jesus" in Dawan (TTU's native language) translation. The praise sung by Mama Yuliana was not accompanied by any musical instrument, but was accompanied by sobs from her until the whole congregation was moved to sing it.

In Indonesian the lyrics of the song read thus: 

Remember the name of Jesus, you who are troubled and sad: 

That name comforts you wherever you go.

Independent is His name, the hope of the world!

His name, the hope of the world!

Honour His name, the joy of the underworld!

 

This praise represents the state of his life, which has been 20 years of illness. In her long illness she did not complain. Mama Yuliana still believes that the Lord Jesus will always be with her in any condition. In trouble and in joy. In sickness and in health. The song continues to strengthen her in enduring all the pain and suffering she is experiencing.

"I am touched, I have been sick for 20 years but God still loves me. I used to get a regular Bible from the Pastor and today I got a large font Bible from LAI. I don't read very well, but this Bible is a help to me because the Word of God in it will strengthen me. I believe that God is present through His Word in the Bible so that even though I have been sick for 20 years, I still believe that God stands beside me". Such was Mama Yuliana's conviction conveyed to the LAI Team in Dawan.

Such is the power of the Word for those who believe like Mama Yuliana. Even in a not-so-good condition, Mama Yuliana still surrendered to God fully and entrusted everything to God's will. God's Word gives her comfort and strength to live her life. His Word keeps Mama Yuliana strong and resilient to this day.

Remember the name of Jesus. A short and seemingly simple sentence. Not everyone is able to interpret it correctly. Mama Yuliana's experience makes us realise that the name of Jesus is very powerful, if we are able to interpret Jesus through His Word in the Bible.(ady)