First campus visit of the year (2018) was kicked-off at Western Michigan University (WMU) in Kalamazoo, MI, a follow-up of a the previous visit on November last year. On March 3, we were able to meet six Papuan students leaders who are brilliant and motivated to grow in Christ. The FICA staff has been prayerfully considering this opportunity and eventually decided to take action in equipping Indonesian students because we realize that the current students are future Indonesian leaders.
Ruth Tokoro, Marlin Wakerkwa, Eliana Berta Holanue, Denise Yoteni, Nonce Wenda, Anis Labene were the student leaders that we were able to meet during this visit.
The main purpose of this first visit was to create a space for student leaders in identifying their personalities and career choices, as well as to give them a challenge to be proactive to serve the community in order to affirm their callings and gifts. The day started with all the student leaders introducing themselves and their career choices. Knowing their chosen major and why they chose it were crucial since it will determine whether the didactic skills they obtain through college will go hand in hand with their passions.
Then, Christian Darmahkasih, a FICA staff member, shared a passage from 1 Samuel 16-17. The story was about David, who got anointed as a king and was prepared by God to face Goliath. Christian mentioned three important points which were 1) accepting what people affirm in us, 2) rejecting the voice of insecurity, and 3) being faithful with whatever God has trusted us. The students were receptive with the teaching and a few were able to relate it to their lives.
We were also able to do a personality survey through our afternoon time there. It was really helpful for student leaders to know what type of personalities each of them have, so they might have insights about the strengths and weaknesses of different personalities. The discussion was closed by giving them a challenge to consider taking a chance to serve the local community together as a fellowship. Overall, the student leaders were proactive to learn about the Bible and would love to nurture the fellowship
In summary, the visit has been a blessing for both the FICA staff and the student leaders. It is our hope to continue serving those students in a monthly basis and to be able to assist in any capacity, especially in cultivating the desire to serve the Indonesian community for the glory of God.