Jestham Buys in Bulk: Moving Forward with One Leg, Carrying a Thousand Hopes

Medan Petisah, Medan City—(05/01/25) Small stories often go unnoticed in the bustling city. Among the endless traffic and hurried footsteps, there are moments that seem destined to bring compassionate hearts together with fading hopes.

Defying All Odds: The Courageous Story of a Father Fighting for His Family

Here, we find a middle-aged father whose body is no longer whole. An accident at a shipyard took part of his leg, but not his spirit. Without compensation or sympathy from his former employer, he persists by selling tissue packets on the street. His calloused hands keep working—not for himself, but for the dreams of his two school-aged children. His wife passed away in 2018, leaving him to shoulder the roles of both mother and father alone. Yet, like deep roots holding firm to the earth, he remains unshaken even as life's storms rage around him.

One day, fate brought him face-to-face with Jestham, whose heart was stirred by the man's perseverance. "Excuse me, sir—are these tissues for sale?" he asked gently. A simple exchange followed. The father patiently explained that each packet cost just Rp12,000. Without hesitation, Jestham purchased his entire remaining stock, even offering extra money as a gesture of kindness. "If we measure this by God’s generosity, how about this amount, sir?" he said with a warm smile. Tears welled in the father’s eyes as he whispered thanks for this unexpected grace.

Gradually, his story unfolded. The shipyard accident had cost him his leg, but the contracting company denied all responsibility. "We were just subcontractors—they abandoned us," he said, resignation in his voice. Yet he refused to surrender. Every day, he rides his worn-out motorcycle from Pakam to the city, selling tissues to put food on the table and keep his children in school. "My eldest just graduated this year; the younger one is in eighth grade," he shared, pride flickering beneath the exhaustion.

Life as a street vendor is far from easy. "Sometimes people shout at me," he admitted quietly. Some passersby scorn him; others chase him away from his spot. But he never retaliates with anger. For him, only two things matter: his children must eat, and they must stay in school. His quiet dignity moved Jestham deeply. "Sir, I pray your business prospers and God lightens your burdens," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Behind his humble appearance and hardships, the father holds unshakable faith. "I still trust in God, even when I don’t understand His ways," he said, eyes glistening. He may not know why life has tested him so harshly, but he believes a greater plan lies beyond the pain. Jestham nodded, humbled by his strength. "Stay strong for your children, sir. Never give up." The father could only bow his head, gratitude shining in his eyes.

Before parting, Jestham left a message for anyone who might cross paths with this father: "Just buy his tissues—one packet costs only Rp12,000. Help him keep his family afloat." His final prayer was a whisper: "May his sales thrive, and may health and strength never leave him." May this tissue seller always find renewal, and may his resilience continue to kindle hope in every heart. His perseverance, without doubt, will be rewarded with blessings.