Good News from the Surabaya Congregation - Rasna

Rasna is a sister from Married Ministry who got married in 2007 and followed her husband's Christian faith. At the beginning of their marriage, they lived happily. They always worshiped together, and they were blessed with two children. God also blessed the food business they started, until they were able to open nine branches.

Entering their second year of marriage, their life, which had once been just enough, became abundant. At the same time, problems in their household began to appear. One day, Rasna's husband said that he wanted to go out and have fun and get to know the nightlife. With a heavy heart Rasna allowed it, but reminded him to keep remembering the family.

From that time on, Rasna's husband changed. He often came home late at night, even in the early hours of the morning, drunk. He had no time for Rasna and their children, much less to worship together. Domestic violence also took place. Her husband began having affairs with many women, and even entered into an unregistered marriage. This left Rasna filled with bitterness, hatred, and resentment toward her husband.

Around September 2017, Rasna met Yuni, the fruit seller she regularly bought from at the market. Through Yuni, Rasna was invited to attend services and study the Word. She accepted the invitation gladly. It turned out that all this time Rasna had longed to know God's Word more deeply, but did not know how and had no one to guide her.

In February 2018, Rasna began attending Bible Study. Seeing the closeness within the congregation, and how its members cared for and encouraged one another, Rasna felt comfortable and helped.

Little by little, Rasna's hatred toward her husband lessened. She realized that she still had to love her husband and give her best as a wife according to God's will. Rasna, who used to be easily provoked and answer her husband's words with a loud and harsh tone, also learned to control herself.

Rasna's efforts bore sweet fruit. Her husband did return to worship with her for a time, though it did not last long. He admitted that he was not yet ready to change because he was unwilling to leave his old life and all its worldly pleasures. Even though she was sad, Rasna continued to deepen her knowledge of the Word and strengthen her faith.

On November 4, 2018, Rasna made the decision to be baptized. Her heart was touched by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for her. If Jesus was able to receive all that great suffering with patience and sincerity, Rasna believed that she would be able to do so as well.

Until now, the cross of Jesus continues to be Rasna's strength to face everything. She has a dream of becoming a perfect child of God, and also that one day her husband will change. It is even not impossible that the two of them could one day serve God together.