Light from Gome Valley

Shrouded in a thick fog that blankets the high valleys of Gome District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, lies the village of Ingkal, home to a boy named Stevinus Jikwa. He was a Dani tribesman, who spent his days helping his parents tend to their sweet potato garden and care for pigs, an animal considered valuable in their customs. Stevinus’s life was simple, far from the glamour of the modern world. However, behind the serenity of that valley, a future light slowly began to illuminate his life’s path.

One day, four missionaries came to his village. They were volunteers from a newly arrived church denomination, working on community development.  Their presence was like a fresh wind bringing change. They not only brought a spiritual message but also new knowledge that was previously unimaginable for Stevinus and the villagers. The four missionaries—Yohanes, Maria, Andreas, and Debora—patiently learned the local language and customs. They often asked Stevinus, who enthusiastically explained the habits and traditions of the Dani tribe. In turn, Stevinus also began to absorb many new things from them.

At the small village school, Stevinus was taught by the four missionaries, who became not only his instructors but also his mentors. They patiently guided Stevinus and his classmates through the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic, laying the foundation for their education. What truly captivated Stevinus, however, were the fascinating stories the missionaries shared about distant places and cultures. Using photographs and illustrations from their books, they opened a window to a world beyond the valley—one that Stevinus had never imagined. In addition to academic lessons, the missionaries introduced him to songs in Indonesian and English, which Stevinus joyfully learned and often sang with his friends. They encouraged his creativity by teaching him how to draw, and Stevinus found great joy in sketching the breathtaking landscapes, soaring mountains, and unique wildlife that surrounded his home each day.

The missionaries in the village fulfilled more than just the role of teachers; they served as a true source of inspiration. They introduced methods for cultivating various vegetables and fruits suitable for the highland climate, showing the villagers how to diversify their crops and improve their nutrition.

In addition to agricultural education, the missionaries shared essential knowledge about managing clean water resources. This skill became invaluable for daily life, ensuring the health and sustainability of the community.

They also emphasized the importance of health and hygiene—concepts that were entirely new to most of the villagers. Through patient guidance and practical demonstrations, they helped the community adopt healthier habits and improve their overall well-being.

One day, Yohanes and Maria, the two missionaries who were closest to Stevinus, proposed something that changed his life. “Stevinus, we see great potential in you,” Yohanes said. “We want to take you to the city, so you can go to a better school and get a higher education.”

At first, Stevinus hesitated. He was afraid to leave his village and his family. But his parents, who saw the light in his eyes, gave their blessing. “Go, son,” his father said. “Learn, so you can come back and build our village to be even better.”

With hope in his heart and a touch of anxiety, Stevinus set out from Gome Valley. Upon arriving in the city, he was greeted by an entirely new environment. Towering buildings, the constant bustle of vehicles, and the dazzling city lights at night were all unfamiliar to him.

The tastes and aromas of urban cuisine also surprised him. Accustomed only to sweet potatoes and vegetables, Stevinus found the city offerings—fish, meat, and a myriad of spices—both strange and overwhelming.

Each new experience challenged him, but with every step, Stevinus learned and grew, gradually adapting to the world beyond his quiet valley.

He faced challenge after challenge with a high spirit of learning. Stevinus studied diligently, although at first, he felt left behind by his friends who were already used to city life. However, thanks to the support of Yohanes, Maria, and his new friends, he slowly caught up. He studied not only for himself but also to bring new light to his village.

After many years of studying, Stevinus finally graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree. He decided to return to Gome Valley, the place where he was born and raised. Now, he is a highly dedicated teacher in his village. He teaches children with great enthusiasm, sharing the knowledge he gained from the missionaries and his experiences in the city.

The missionaries had long left the village, but their legacy lived on in Stevinus. What they taught—about education, hope, and the importance of opening oneself to the world—had been deeply rooted in Stevinus’s soul. He became a new light for the next generation in Gome Valley, bringing hope that one day, the children in his village would be able to reach their best potential, just as he did. And behind the fog of Gome Valley, the light of the future continues to shine, illuminating the path for the next golden generation.

Kreator : Vidya D’CharV