Free 2-Minute Grocery Shopping Spree for Basic Necessities; A Father Opens Up About His Child Who Has Been Away for 4 Years

Medan City, North Sumatra – (23/02/26) A father was busy with his work outside a minimarket when Jestham approached him. "Sir, I have a blessing from God. Want to shop for as many basic necessities as you can in 2 minutes for free?" Jestham asked. The father looked puzzled and asked, "What kind of groceries?" Jestham replied simply, "All kinds of basic necessities." Without a second thought, the man nodded. He was then invited inside the store. He introduced himself as Hendri.

Once inside, Jestham asked Mr. Hendri what his household's most urgent needs were at that moment. Firmly, Mr. Hendri answered, "Rice, cooking oil, and basic staples. All the essentials." Jestham then gave him the freedom to take any items he wanted for two minutes. As soon as the countdown began, Mr. Hendri moved quickly. "Rice first, rice first!" Jestham cheered. When Jestham asked how many people lived in his house, he answered, "Four." While continuing to fill his cart, he repeatedly shouted, "A cart, a cart, give me a cart!"

The atmosphere inside the store suddenly became lively. Mr. Hendri kept adding rice, cooking oil, and instant noodles. "Quick, Sir! More, Sir! That one, Sir! That one over there!" Jestham shouted, accompanying him while laughing at his enthusiasm. Finally, Mr. Hendri said, "For someone who rarely gets an unexpected windfall, this is definitely a shock." It turned out he had never experienced anything like this scenario before.

After the time ran out, Jestham invited Mr. Hendri to have a casual chat. It turned out that at home, he lives with four people: himself, his wife, and their two children. His children are now adults and attending university out of town. One is in Java, and the other is in Medan. He hasn't seen them in four years. "I miss them so much; they never come home," he said, his eyes trying to remain strong.

During the conversation, Mr. Hendri also shared a major change in his life. He used to spend Rp60,000 per day on fuel, not to mention buying oil three times a month and taking his old, frequently broken motorcycle to the shop for servicing once a week. Now, he has switched to an electric motorcycle. "I just charge it once, and it can go up to 130 kilometers. Charging is free, so thankfully, there are no more deductions," he told Jestham proudly.

When Jestham asked what the hardest part of being a father was, Mr. Hendri answered calmly. "In Islam, sustenance is already determined by God. We just have to go out and seek it. There is no real hardship; there is ease in everything." Regarding his child who wants to work in Australia after graduating, his only message was, "Finish your studies quickly and come home." As for his wife, he advised her to always pray and never give up hope in raising their children.

Before parting ways, Jestham was deeply moved by Mr. Hendri's struggle as a father longing for his children. She then gave him an additional blessing in the form of cash. "Sir, this is an extra from me. Hopefully, it can help, or maybe you can send it to your children," Jestham said. Mr. Hendri paused for a moment, his eyes becoming teary again. He hadn't expected to receive anything extra beyond the groceries.

Mr. Hendri thanked her sincerely. "May God repay Ms. Jestham's kindness," he said. He then went home with a wide smile, carrying the groceries and the extra blessing for his beloved family. A brief but meaningful encounter, reminding us that sharing blessings doesn't have to be grand. When given from the heart, blessings feel even more beautiful when shared with those in need.