Arie’s Journey of Generous Service
Jesus preached radical messages when He was ministering on this earth. He talked about being selfless and putting others’ interest above our own. He talked about forgiving those who had harmed us and loving our enemies. He talked about being generous givers. All things, that (on the face of it), didn’t make sense!
This story is about one person who decided to believe and follow Jesus’ teaching.
In the remote village of Banea, nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of West Sulawesi, a quiet transformation led by a determined individual named Arie is underway. Arie’s passion for community empowerment has transcended geographical boundaries, inspiring him to travel three hours from his home to serve the people of Banea, despite the distance.
Arie’s journey is unique. Once characterized by suspicion and division among various groups, his collaboration with other ministry teams now reflects a spirit of openness, mutual respect, and support. Last year, when presented with an opportunity to attend a CHE training in Yogyakarta, Arie selflessly nominated Mombong, a village leader from Banea, and Timo, a dedicated member of a local service institution, to represent their community. This selfless gesture of Arie’s, of putting others before self, had a powerful impact on the community. Following the training, the trainees returned with new ideas and a new hope to share with the rest of the group. The group talked about the need for sustainability, self-reliance and exploring new options. Community members were soon fired up for action.
Recognizing the importance of agriculture in securing the community’s livelihood, Arie and his family have embarked on a journey to learn the art of oyster mushroom farming. With the support of the CHE team, Arie has collaborated with members of the mushroom farming community to develop this project, utilizing local resources and expertise. Through perseverance and determination, Arie is on the cusp of realizing his dream of a sustainable livelihood for his community, one mushroom harvest at a time.
As we witness Arie’s journey unfold, we are reminded of the transformative power of collaboration, innovation, faith and selfless generous giving. Jesus said, “…Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38 NIV)
Arie is now a hero in the community, highly respected, valued and considered authentic. A leader who leads by example!
