When Ruth began her field placement at the Emmanuel Foundation in Indonesia, she arrived with a strong interest in children with special needs and inclusive education.
Over six months of serving, God reshaped her heart and reminded her that every person bears dignity and purpose.
“Ministry in the world of children with special needs is very close to my heart,” Ruth said. “I believe it is not a coincidence and not without reason that God placed it there.”
Ruth, a student at Christian Church Theological School of Indonesia (CCTSI), completed her Field Practice Study at the Emmanuel Foundation, which has served communities in Indonesia for 25 years.
Through the Emmanuel Foundation, Ruth served in education, food rescue, disaster recovery and disability support, gaining a firsthand understanding of both the challenges people face and the dignity they carry.
In one moment, she noticed a woman who kept away from the crowd. When Ruth approached her, she realised the woman was mute.
“Silence was peace for her because even when she spoke, no one could understand what she was saying,” Ruth said. “But I hoped that the woman would not be shunned by the surrounding community.”
That lesson became even more personal through the IDEA Programme for children and young people with disabilities.
“This program is the heartbeat of my service,” Ruth said. “Its goal is very noble, namely to ensure every child receives the right to education, sincere guidance, and space to grow independently.”
One memorable experience was accompanying young people with disabilities during a hospitality workshop preparing them for hotel work.
“There is a happiness that cannot be explained in words every time I am able to understand their world,” she said. “Just seeing their genuine smiles fills my heart with profound joy.”
As she spent more time with deaf children, Ruth began learning sign language, and they patiently helped her communicate.
One child especially stayed with her. He dreamed of studying overseas, spoke English well and loved Australia.
“Seeing his great ambition, I realized that physical limitations are just a condition, not a barrier for a soul that wants to soar high,” she said.
Ruth also celebrated Christmas with children from the IDEA Programme and local schools. As she led worship, she watched children participate with joy, including deaf children who could not hear the music.
“From them, I learned that beautiful praise is not only about a melodious voice but also praise sung with a heart that is truly sincere and pure,” she said.
The children’s joy changed the way Ruth saw herself. She said she had struggled with impatience, anger, pessimism and bitterness.
“When I entered their world, I was required to be more patient, calm and to interact with them with love,” she said. “They have contributed greatly to the changes in my life, and I am very grateful because God used them to shape my personality to be better.”
Ruth said the children taught her gratitude, the value of small acts of encouragement, and that God often uses those we serve to transform us.
“I, who initially didn’t care much about other people’s lives, have become very interested in the lives of others, especially the lives of those with special needs,” she said.
Ruth hopes to continue studying Special and Inclusive Education and serve in remote parts of Indonesia, helping parents better support children with special needs.
“No child is ever considered crazy or hidden,” she said, “because every child with special needs is an extraordinary gift from God that must be fully supported in their growth and development.”
For Ruth, the Emmanuel Foundation has become a place of formation, where faith is expressed through education, compassion and the love of Christ.
“During my service at CCTSI and in this Foundation, I realized that when serving, I also carry the name of Lord Jesus with me,” she said.
* Name changed for privacy