Good News from the Yogyakarta Congregation - Karolin

Finding the Meaning of Life with the Right Priorities

There are times when we feel like we have lost our direction in life. Yet with the right purpose, we can keep moving forward calmly and with full confidence. This is the lesson Olin, a young woman born in 1994, learned as she found the meaning of her life after a winding journey.

After losing her father when she was seven years old, Olin's mother and younger siblings moved to Purworejo. As the eldest child, Olin was required to live independently and move to Medan to stay with her aunt. Not only that, she had to sacrifice her playtime and lose her childhood in order to work and help her aunt. The absence of parental love caused Olin to grow into a harsh person, carrying much bitterness, and not caring about other people's feelings. Olin's days were filled with anger and quarrels, so she had no friends. 

In 2017, Olin decided to move to Purworejo to live with her mother and younger siblings. It was the happiest time in her life because she could be reunited with her family. Sadly, that togetherness did not last long. Once again, Olin had to leave home, this time for Jakarta, to help cover her younger siblings' living expenses. 

Some time later, the routine of work and missing her family encouraged Olin to move to Yogyakarta. The short distance between Yogyakarta and Purworejo made it possible for her to go home every week to see her family. Strangely, the closeness with family that she had long dreamed of did not give her peace. She felt an emptiness in her life, which seemed meaningless, and began to lose direction. 

Olin longed for a community that could help her know God. With that desire, she sent messages to various communities in Yogyakarta. At that time, the only one that responded was Digital Ministry GKDI. With the help of that ministry Olin was connected with several sisters at a dinner gathering. 

Touched by the warmth of the sisters, Olin decided to join Bible Study at the beginning of June 2018. Her study journey was not without challenges. Olin had to be able to divide her time between Bible study and her busy work schedule. She often came home late at night, so she did not have time to meet the sisters. Then, at the height of it all, Olin experienced a misfortune. She had to pay a very large amount of overdue loan installments under her name. 

Frustrated and bitter, Olin refused to continue Bible Study and said that she did not need God. In the midst of her lowest point, the sisters kept striving to help her. One of them was sister Rut, who invited Olin to spend time together. In their time together, Rut shared her life experience about forgiveness and God's love. Inspired by Rut's sharing Olin continued her Bible Studyagain.

Olin proved her determination to overcome obstacles through the courage to resign from the company where she worked so that she could know God properly. She also tried to give understanding to her mother and younger siblings, who held different beliefs from hers. The hardest thing she had to do was forgive her aunt and extended family who had hurt her. Yet she did it all willingly because she knew Jesus had first forgiven her.

Finally, on 4 November 2018, Olin gave herself to be baptized. She was truly overjoyed because Bible Study had helped her understand what her purpose in life was. Now she no longer lives for her ambitions, but lives to glorify God. From someone who once prioritized work above everything else, Olin became someone who puts God first. Her harsh character changed to become gentle. Her relationship with her extended family also improved. 

After becoming a disciple of Jesus, Olin became involved in a number of ministries. She is now active as a volunteer in Kerajaan Kanak-Kanak, serves as an usher in worship services, and is also involved in the activities of the Singles & Professional Ministry. May Olin continue to live out her commitment to serve for God's glory. Amen. - Church GKDI is currently present in 35 kota. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at the Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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