75 Years Waiting for a Blessing: A Heart-Stirring Encounter Amidst Simplicity

Medan, North Sumatra – (12/03/26) Not many people realize that behind the city’s hustle and bustle, there are still elderly individuals struggling alone to make ends meet. That afternoon, Jestham met one of them.

"Sir, what are you doing? Would you like to follow my car? I need your help," Jestham said kindly. The elderly man looked a little confused but agreed to follow. He followed her with his pedicab, even though his steps seemed labored.

When asked, "What happened to your leg, Sir?" he answered innocently, "Hit by a train." The accident had happened a month earlier, yet it had not dampened his spirit to keep pedaling his pedicab to support his family.

When they arrived at a mini-market, Jestham made an offer that changed everything. "Sir, I have some blessings from God for you to shop as much as you want. Would you like that?" With shining eyes, the old man replied, "Yes, yes."

When asked the simple question, "What is the most important household need, Sir?" he honestly answered, "Rice is the most important." From there, the big shopping began. The 75-year-old man initially only dared to take two bags of rice, repeatedly thanking God every time he was allowed to take more.

Slowly, tears of emotion began to well up in the old man’s eyes. His tears were not due to the abundance of items, but rather because of the sincerity he rarely encountered. "Praise God, this is so much blessing," he said over and over as if unable to believe what was happening. Jestham kept adding various necessities such as cooking oil, soap, instant noodles, coffee, and sugar. Each time an extra item was offered, he would politely refuse, "Enough, enough; this is already a lot," yet his heart was so grateful for every blessing that came.

Amidst the shopping, a heavy life story emerged. "This is the first time. I am 75 years old. This is the first time someone has given me this much," he revealed with a trembling voice. He admitted he could hardly believe the kindness he had received from a person he had never met before.

The old man then talked about his family. He has six children, but two have passed away. Now, he must raise and send his orphaned grandchildren to school. My second child, my third child, died. At that time, their children were left behind, so they live with me," he explained. He described his heavy burden as both a father and a grandfather. No matter what, our children—even if they already have their own families—we must take responsibility for them. As long as we are alive and healthy." His priority was simple yet heartbreaking: making sure his grandchildren could eat three times a day, even if he himself was willing to go without food.

His job as a pedicab driver no longer provided a steady income. He had even gone home without earning a single coin. Hearing this story, Jestham gave an additional blessing. "I have some extra blessings. I hope this can be a blessing for your family, Sir." Jestham then gave him money, hoping it would be enough to complete the needs at home and to repair his pedicab, which turned out to be in need of fixing. "Praise God," the old man said, deeply moved.

That brief encounter left a lasting impression on the old man's heart. "Until I grow older, until I die, I will always remember what you have given me. In my 75 years, no one has ever given me this much." He then continuously prayed for Jestham’s well-being. "Praise God, may we all be healthy. May you be healthy, blessed with wealth, and granted a long life. May your whole family be healthy, wherever they live," he prayed sincerely.

It is a story that teaches us that giving is not always about the amount but about showing up and paying attention to those who may have only been waiting to be seen and noticed.