A Pray, From Bengkulu For Surabaya

Sunday, May 13, 2018, a quiet situation covered up each heart of believers. It was the day when we came together to the church to praise the Lord. It was not almost noon when we heard news from mass media that three churches in different place of Surabaya were attacked by terrorist bombardment. The tragedy was fervented by a friend from Surabaya. He is a theologian alumnus of Duta Wacana Christian University in Yogyakarta (UKDW). A quiet moment changed into a deep sorrow, moreover we heard that many victims were wounded and dead, covering children, teenagers, youth and adult.

There are many ways to express our solidarity. Spontaneously, we brought the sorrows of people in Surabaya in praying during the church service. Next, the youth of Marga Sakti also wanted to say their solidarity for all victims in Surabaya. Taken place at Mr. Miskan Budoyo’s house, on Monday, May 14, 2018, youth of Marga Sakti sent a silent pray for them in the dimly lit of candles at 06.30 P.M. By lightening the candle and listening to God’s will, guided by Multiplication Program of Stube–HEMAT Bengkulu, they tried to show their condolence and wished love and compassion for better Indonesia.

Multiplicator of Stube as a leader in this evening reflection said,”We know that in that tragedy there are three suffering church communities namely; Indonesian  Christian Church (GKI) Diponegoro, Pentecost Church of Arjuno Surabaya, and Catholic Church of Paroki Santa Maria Tak Bercela. What do we have to do in that sorrow?”

“....we feel deep condolence”, said a youth at that night. He was sad but he thanked God too for peace in Marga Sakti village where he lives in. “....grateful for the secure in this village”, he added.

“May God give a powerful strength for their family”, said other youth. He hoped that such tragedy will not happen again in the future.

Everybody has his/her own way to express their feelings. Those who are still do not mean ignorance. We can see our social media and find many kinds of solidarity expression. Next, we heard that more than thousand people from various organisations come to GKI Diponegoro. They are from inter-denomination and inter-faith activists.

Multiplicator of Stube is trying to train the youth to show their solidarity. A quiet pray become one way to make youth sensitive towards the surrounding social problems.

We thank God for peace and harmony in the land of Rafflesia with a hope that more and more people live in harmony and tolerant without discrimination experienced by the youth at work places and educational institutions. (YDA).