During International Students’ Day last November, the FOCUS Club at Douglas College I regularly attend set up a Pray for the World booth so students could pray for recent global events.

Initially indifferent, I did not feel like joining. What’s the big deal? I would rather spend time studying, but decided to participate because I was curious why God would care about these things when I saw nothing worth caring about.

To my surprise, many students—Christians, non-believers, atheists, even Jehovah Witnesses and Muslims—prayed with us in Jesus’ name! I was moved to see many so concerned about others that they came to write their prayer requests at our booth. I saw that this is how all of us should live—loving one another, no matter our beliefs and religious background.

The Bible teaches us to love one another, for love comes from God (1 John 4:7). Yet, many Christians, including me, fail to do it. We barricade ourselves from those who have different beliefs and religions, a different sexual orientation, or a different culture or race. We consider ourselves right and others wrong. Our prideful attitude and behavior have created conflicts, hatred, and wars. They also influence me to become an individualist who does not care as I should. At the prayer booth, God led me to a new perspective—that we can choose to set aside our barriers and pride, that we can choose to live in unity and peace, and that we can choose to love and care through simple acts like praying together for the world and each other. All are possible when we understand how much God loves us!

“Bless you!” many students said as they left our booth. Yes, I am truly blessed because of this experience. It taught me the true meaning of love. I pray for the world to truly understand the meaning of love so we can live in unity and peace.

Eunice Dyani Tanuwijaya

Student Leader of FOCUS Club

Douglas College, Vancouver