Every school morning in Central Java, Indonesia, Teresia rides behind her mother on the back of the familyās motorcycle. If sheās lucky, sheāll be able to catch a similar ride from a classmateās parent on the way home, but she usually walks. Teresiaās parents donāt get home from work for several more hours, and like many teenagers, Teresia admits, sheās often used this time after school poorly.
āI was always very easy for my classmates to influence,ā Teresia said.
Early last year, Teresia found a new after-school activity. As COVID-19 restrictions in Indonesia began to lift, ReFrame Ministriesā partners there launched several new discipleship groups. While some of these groups existed before the pandemic, many had disbanded or needed to be re-established.
Most of these groups meet in homes, but a leader at Teresiaās school decided to start one for young people right at the school. About 25 students got together to watch YouTube videos produced by ReFrame.
āThe videos were really useful for my personal journey with Jesus,ā said Teresia.
With her small group, Teresia discusses the lessons with help from the groupās leader. They also discuss daily devotions for teenagers that are also produced by ReFrame.
āBefore I joined the group, I really just heard the gospel at church or during school lessons,ā Teresia said. āBut now I have learned how to do daily devotions, and Iāve learned how to live according to Godās will.ā
Now, instead of being negatively influenced by her peers, Teresia hopes that some of her friends will accept her invitation to attend the group with her.
āPlease pray for Teresia so that she continues to grow in God and can be an example in giving good influence to her peers,ā said Rev. Arliyanus Larosa, ReFrameās Indonesian ministry leader.
About the Author
Brian Clark, ReFrame Ministries