Iglesia Menonita Shalom

by Brendan Sagastume

Ivonne Hartono, 20, is a member of Jemaat Kristen Indonesian Anugerah (Grace International Christian Fellowship) in Sierra Madre, California. This summer she has been reorganizing and filing a lot of the congregation’s music, leading and organizing youth events, and assisting in other areas needed.  

One takeaway from this summer is that organizing events with youth is both challenging and rewarding. She shared about the difficulties with various processes and decision-making which helped her to realize that there is often no perfect solution. Hartono says, “we have to be willing to take a risk in each decision made.”

Throughout her time in the Ambassador program, she has been happy to create a space for the youth at her church. She also appreciated time with other Ambassadors to learn and share thoughts and ideas. After the conclusion of the program, Hartono will continue to help at JKI Anugerah with the creation of a new website. 

Heydi Casas Perez, 17, is a member of Iglesia Menonita Shalom (Tampa, FL). Throughout the summer, she has prepared lessons to be presented in front of the congregation and assisted with organizing Sunday worship along with other teenagers in her church.  

One of her takeaways from this summer is that God doesn’t give obstacles that can’t be faced. She sometimes experienced challenges in her work but knew she could put everything in the Lord’s hands. Casas Perez says that it is always important to “have faith in what God has for you because he does everything with a purpose.” 

She has been grateful for the opportunity to learn more about being a leader. As she continues to get more young adults more involved in her congregation, she knows she can put everything that she has learned this summer into practice. 

Aaron Walojo, 21, is a member of International Worship Church (San Gabriel, CA) This summer he assisted with coordinating English services for teens in the community, as well as outings for the youth.  
 

One of his takeaways from this summer is that it is okay to make mistakes; they allow learning and growth. Another thing he learned is that communication is key to becoming a good leader. 

After Walojo felt a call to serve the church and help others grow in their faith, he was happy to join the Ambassadors program to work towards his goals. One goal was to “have better connections with the younger church members, provide guidance, and help create an environment where they can encounter God meaningfully.”  

He is grateful for the chance to achieve these goals and will continue to work with his congregation while returning to college.