Good News from the Siantar Congregation - Marta

Marta, the eldest of seven siblings, is an independent person. Besides being used to doing everything on her own, she is also idealistic and perfectionistic, reluctant to ask others for help or advice.

In 2014, Marta moved to the city of Pematangsiantar for college. She was an accomplished student who was active in various organizations, both on and off campus. This young woman, who once served as the chair of the student executive board, was also involved in a Christian student fellowship.

At one point, Marta got to know a fellow student and they began dating. Their relationship was very close, as shown by the fact that they started a culinary business together. But over time, Marta began to feel uneasy about the impurity in the relationship. She often prayed that one day someone would help her get out of the zone she felt had begun to go too far.

Her prayer was answered when Marta met a friend in the student fellowship, namely Serli, who at that time was studying the Bible. After discussing and listening to sharing from Serli, Marta became curious, even enthusiastic when invited to attend a worship service. In July 2019, Marta joined Bible Study.

“At first I studied the Bible only to broaden my knowledge,” she said. “But the longer I studied, the more I realized that I must not treat God’s word lightly. Little by little, that word opened my heart to keep being guided in living rightly according to God’s commands. I feel this is the right community for me.”

One of the questions that troubled Marta during her study was the topic of baptism: Why do I need to be baptized again in order to become a Disciple of Jesus, when I was already baptized as a child? However, with the help of other disciples and her diligence in reading the Bible every day, Marta learned to submit to and obey God’s word.

Seeing how important the role of spiritual community is, Marta reflected on her past before studying the word. Living alone, with no one paying attention and being unwilling to involve others, caused her to fall into wrongdoing. Marta saw the importance of asking for advice and support from brothers and sisters in the Lord. In this, she also learned to be a good listener.

On November 10, 2018, Marta made the decision to become a Disciple of Jesus. She rejoiced because she had succeeded in breaking free from the things that had bound her for so long. In addition, Marta felt that she had a spiritual family who always cared for her and loved her sincerely, and above all, gave her right guidance.

Now Marta is eager to share her faith and help others through Bible study. May Marta continue to be zealous in living life as a disciple, and may she become an inspiration to many people. Glory be to God alone!