Sorrow That Brings Eternal Joy

Sorrow That Brings Eternal Joy

On August 4, 2019, husband and wife Mian and Tiur decided to become disciples of Jesus. Perhaps not many people know that the joy they felt at that time actually began with the sorrow of losing a younger brother they dearly loved. 

The late Lambok was once a brother who was won over in Bali and became a disciple of Jesus on November 11, 2017. At that time, Lambok was studying while working in Bali because his family's finances could not support him. During a school break, Lambok took leave from work so he could return to Medan and visit his older sister, Tiur. 

While staying at Tiur and Mian's home during his vacation, Lambok shared Bible verses with them. The two of them saw how much Lambok had changed. From someone who used to be hot-tempered and slow to forgive, he became a person full of compassion and patience. Lambok told them about God's goodness and asked Tiur to worship every Sunday. Sadly, worship had not yet become a calling for Mian and Tiur at that time.

In March 2018, Lambok became seriously ill and had to be brought home to Medan and treated in the hospital. There, Mian and Tiur saw the love of fellowship in the congregation. The children of Campus Ministry and the members of the Medan Congregation took turns visiting, even staying with Lambok every day. 

However, God had a different will. Lambok passed away, and he had finished the race of faith well. Lambok's spiritual mentor faithfully accompanied him on his journey, from Bali until he was buried in his hometown.

Brothers and sisters in GKDI Medan also felt this sorrow, and some of them came to pay their respects in Lambok's hometown. There, they saw how Mian and Tiur had not yet been able to accept his passing. They asked: what did God mean by all this? Why did Lambok have to go when he was just about to graduate?

But as it is written: “What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and what has never arisen in the human heart: all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9 

God works beyond human thought. Not long after Lambok was buried, the Medan Congregation held a comfort gathering for his family. That was the moment that made Mian firmly decide to open his heart and join the GKDI community. Tiur was also surprised to hear the promise Mian made in front of the family and congregation, because before that he had been very hard to persuade to come to worship. Moreover, they had never discussed this beforehand.

In May 2018, Mian and Tiur began attending Bible Study. They came to worship and enjoyed the love and togetherness in the congregation. This couple went through many ups and downs in their learning process. The hardest thing for Mian to leave behind was “cigarettes,” and for Tiur, “her angry temper,” because changing bad habits is indeed not easy. However, Mian and Tiur kept opening themselves up and humbly allowed themselves to be guided by God's word. Inspiration from the other disciples of Jesus became the strength for both of them to leave their sins behind. 

It took one year and three months for Mian and Tiur to truly decide to become disciples of Jesus. And all the events that led them to baptism had a good impact on their family life. The two of them are now more harmonious, both in their marriage relationship and in parenting. Mian spends his free time playing with his children; Tiur has also grown into a gentler wife and mother. 

Mian and Tiur's dream is to continue being used in God's kingdom, to share love as Jesus did and as they continually experience from the congregation. Now they understand that Lambok's passing opened the way for them to have eternal joy in the Lord. Amen. - Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official:

WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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