Graciella Odelia’s Call Story
I spent my childhood in Serpong and Tangerang in Indonesia. Church was always part of our routine, though as a kid I mostly went for the food and family time afterward. It was the one day each week when we were all together. Around age nine or ten, I had my first spiritual encounter at a youth retreat. During an altar call, I went forward simply because everyone else did, but I began crying without knowing why. I didn’t understand it then and soon forgot about it.
Soon after, at age 10, my family moved to the U.S. That transition changed my life and faith. We arrived with four suitcases and all our savings, renting a small apartment while my parents searched for work. My mom quickly found an Indonesian church near us in South Philadelphia. For my parents, the church was more than worship; it was where they learned how to navigate life in a new country. For me, it became home. Even though I struggled with English, I felt confident there. We shared the same language, food, and culture. It was a place where we felt seen and understood.
By age 11 or 12, I was deeply involved in church ministry. I joined the tambourine and banner dance teams, then the second keyboardist on the youth worship team. I grew passionate about my faith and chose to be baptized at 12. As an immigrant, church became the one place where I truly felt like myself.
In 2013, my mom was invited to Nations Worship Center (Philadelphia, PA) for their anniversary by Pastor Beny, whom she met at a health clinic. The church needed musicians, and she volunteered me to play keyboard. I was not very skilled at first, but I kept serving and growing.
When I reflect on my call as a youth pastor, I think about Jonah’s reluctance. Before graduating from Eastern Mennonite University, I wanted to take a gap year with Mennonite Voluntary Service and then pursue medical school. When the prospect of serving as a youth pastor with my home congregation emerged, I resisted.
But just as Jonah received a second chance from God, I too was blessed with an opportunity to align with God’s plan, letting God take full control over my life.
A missionary from Turkey visited my congregation once and shared his story about chasing the American dream and the pressure to succeed. His testimony resonated with my immigrant experience, making me reevaluate my priorities. I realized how much of my motivation was shaped by achievement and validation.
Not long after that, while volunteering as an interpreter at a health clinic in Chinatown, an elderly volunteer shared with me their perspectives about the dangers of the American dream. These encounters along with discussions with my advisor, prayer, and fasting, helped me to understand that true significance comes from following God’s vision for my life. God began to give me clarity about my calling.
During the pandemic, I realized I had known about God for most of my life but had not consistently created space to truly know Him. Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:30—“But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first”—challenged my understanding of success. My seminary experience has since taught me the importance of intentionally creating consistent time and space for God.
From 2018 to 2023, I served as co-director of Nations Worship Center’s Vacation Bible School. In 2023, I stepped into the role of youth pastor. Since then, I have led youth services every Friday and Sunday. Together with my youth team, we have organized summer retreats, holiday events, outings, and other activities.
And yet I have learned from my spiritual mentor that fun activities are not enough. Above all, we must pray for the next generation and align our vision with God’s. As the song says, “Break my heart for what breaks Yours.” We must carry God’s heart for the young generation.
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