To embody Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana (UKSW)’s presence through its students in the church and wider society, and to make constructive use of the inter-semester break, the university’s Campus Ministry organized a Live-In in Malang, East Java, on August 6-9, 2026. Held under the theme “Rooted and Growing Together” (Colossians 2:7), the Live-In took place in Malang, East Java, particularly at Suwaru’s Gereja Kristen Jawi Wetan (GKJW – Eastern Java Christian Church).
The decision to hold the program at the GKJW Suwaru congregation was informed by the region’s historical legacy as one of East Java’s earliest centers of Christianity. In this setting, participants and congregation members had the opportunity to get to know one another and share experiences of life and faith as they encountered the realities, dynamics, and challenges of contemporary society.
The program drew 165 students and six accompanying faculty members. Upon arrival, UKSW Vice Rector for Finance and Infrastructure Priyo Adi, Ph.D., officially opened the program. The opening ceremony began with a brief worship service, followed by a report from Organizing Committee Chair Alvaro Gomies; remarks from Head of Campus Ministry Rev. Dr. Ferry Nahusona; and a welcome address from GKJW leadership.
Participants were subsequently distributed among host families from the congregation and accommodated across 11 KRW (Kelompok Rukun Warga, neighborhood community groups) within GKJW Suwaru.
On the second day, the Live-In participants joined church members and church leaders from across Malang in a series of activities held at HKBP Malang City Church. These activities included: (1) a National Seminar and Workshop on “Harmony in Life from the Perspective of Blood Genetics,” featuring Eva Dipanti Purba, Director of the Golda Institute, East Kalimantan, as the keynote speaker; (2) a National Seminar entitled “Religion and Peace,” featuring Dr. Bambang Noorsena, presenting a Christian perspective, and Sumanto Al Qurtuby, Ph.D., presenting an Islamic perspective; and (3) a Word and Praise Worship Service with Christian adolescents, youth, and university students at HKBP Malang City, led by Rev. Dr. Rainer Scheunemann.
The balance between personal renewal, fellowship, and spiritual and intellectual enrichment continued on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The day began with a morning devotion at HKBP Malang, followed by a recreational visit to Maron Beach on the southern coast of Malang. In the afternoon, the participants returned to GKJW Suwaru to take part in simultaneous activities that were both meaningful and enriching.
Church elders and ministry leaders participated in pastoral development and contemporary preaching sessions led by Rev. Irene Ludji, Ph.D. and Rev. Dr. Gunawan Yuli Agung Suprabowo. Meanwhile, the Live-In participants joined local youth and adolescents in a warm, engaging fellowship featuring outdoor activities and a campfire.
The encounter of faith and love culminated on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when the participants contributed through a choir performance and Sunday School ministry during the GKJW Suwaru congregation’s Sunday worship service.
A deeply moving farewell followed during the official closing service, marked by the presentation of commemorative gifts and appreciative remarks from the leadership of the GKJW Synod and UKSW. The four-day Live-In Program concluded with a communal lunch before the participants departed for Salatiga.
The program undoubtedly left a lasting impression on both the congregation and the participants, particularly in the growth of faith, love, and hope—firmly rooted in genuine Christian fellowship and brotherhood.
*Reported by Mirsa (and team) & Rev. Ferry Nahusona