NIAS ISLAND, NORTH SUMATRA
Below are 2 stories from STT BNKP Sundermann which is translated as Sundermann Theological Seminary, Protestant Christian Church of Nias. STT BNKP is in Gungungstoli, the largest city on Nias which is an island lying off the west coast of Sumatra. The 2 girls who have written the stories are both students at STT and are supported in their studies by Asia Focus scholarships. This has obviously given them both a tremendous amount of help.

Story from Sandy Juliarni Zega

Hello, I am happy to be able to write this narrative to be submitted to Asia Focus. I am one of the scholarship recipients from Asia Focus. My name is Sandy Juliarni Zega, a Theology student at STT BNKP (Sundermann Theological Seminary, Protestant Christian Church of Nias), Sundermann, Gunungsitoli. It is an honor for me to be a part of STT BNKP Sundermann. At first it was not easy for me to adjust to a different learning and living environment and I struggled a little, especially in the dorm. Meeting new people with different natures, family backgrounds and habits is not easy for me. Perhaps the struggles of new students who live in dormitories initially lies in adjusting to a new and foreign environment.

Over time, I was able to adjust, both on campus and in the dormitory. Learning to accept and understand each other is very important in a community. Learning not to be too selfish and self-centered so that harmonious relationships can develop is really important. Naturally there is conflict at times but when we share, we have the opportunity to talk and pour out all the feelings so that there is no hurt and anger towards each other. The unique thing that I get in my dorm life is friends, not all but many - a friend who is also a sister or brother helps me grow and supports me. I often feel homesick but it doesn't last long because I have ‘family’ outside my home and I enjoy it.

Studying at STT has taught me many things, even beyond my expectations. I thought that at STT we would only learn about the Bible. However, many other subjects are included, such as philosophy, history, even Indonesian, Greek, Hebrew, and ethics. Many tasks make me stress out but with God’s help, it can all be tackled. Now, I am in my final year. As I look back, I really treasure my time in Sundermann Seminary. I have enjoyed studying at STT BNKP Sundermann. Students do not only learn about academic matters, but also spiritual life. The balance of academic and spiritual are greatly emphasized here.

I remember when I took the STT BNKP Sundermann entrance test. At that time, prospective new students took written tests and interviews. During the interview, there was one thing that thrilled me. The lecturer who interviewed me said, “The failure that you have experienced will be replaced by God with a success. You are not here by chance, but God allowed you to be here to prepare yourself to serve God’s congregation.” This convinced me that I was taking the right direction.

After studying for almost four years at STT, many things have changed for me. One of these is a way of thinking and assessing situations. Of course, there were also times when I wanted to quit due to lack of funds and when my father passed away. At that time, I really wanted to give up. However, STT supported me, seeking scholarships so that I could continue and complete my studies at STT.

I come from a poor family. My mother works as a farmer with a small income and the expenses are high. My younger siblings are still in school and of course it costs a lot of money. Therefore, I am very grateful for the opportunity to get a scholarship from the Asia Focus Foundation. This assistance has allowed me to continue my studies at STT BNKP Sundermann and is very meaningful. I hope that Asia Focus will continue to have a positive liaison with STT and continue to help students who lack the funds to go to college. It will be a blessing to many people.

God bless, Sandy.

Story from Sri Nurhayati Zega

My name is Sri Nurhayati Zega, and I am part of the Christian Religious Education program. I started studying at STT BNKP Sundermann in 2018. Now, I am in my final year. Studying at STT BNKP Sundermann, is my dream because this campus is considered as the best quality seminary in Nias. It has qualified lecturers and updated knowledge on theology. The school has interesting ways of learning. Learning is not only limited to the classroom setting but is also achieved through exposures and practicum in the schools and churches.

During my first year in the seminary, I had to study and to work at the same time to finance my study. My family is very poor. They cannot support me financially. Fortunately, I had a little talent in sewing and making bouquets. So, I offered to sew clothes for friends. I also offered to make bouquets for them for graduation and sometimes for wedding days. The income was not much but enough to pay for school expenses. However, I always felt tired and my papers were submitted late.

That is why I was very grateful when the school informed me that I was selected to receive a scholarship from Asia Focus. I received this scholarship from my second year onwards. The scholarship allows me to focus solely on my study.

My dream is to be a teacher of Christian Education. I want to take part in instilling and shaping Christian faith and Christian values in young people. These days, young people face many temptations through secularism and the digital life-style. I feel that it is very important that they have a good foundation in Christian faith. Please, support me in your prayer to achieve this dream.

Thank you, Sri

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