Sharing Blessings: The Touching Story of a Bread Seller, 22 Years of Struggle and Kindness

Medan Baru, Medan City—(12/29/24) That morning, the sky had just left traces of rain, leaving behind a fresh breeze whispering softly. Behind the recently subsided drizzle, a simple yet profound story unfolded. On the side of the road, a middle-aged bread seller with a gentle face and a sincere smile stood as a silent witness to a life filled with struggle. An unexpected encounter with the Jestham team brought a new light into his life, etching an unforgettable tale.

For 22 years, this man had sold bread, dedicating his life to providing for his family and putting his children through school until they earned their bachelor's degrees. Yet, what made him extraordinary was not just his perseverance but also his habit of sharing with others—even when he himself was in need.

Jessica Thamrin and her team happened to pass by and noticed the bread seller peddling his goods. Curious, they approached him and struck up a warm conversation. The man shared that he had been selling bread for 22 years. Though he was now 57, his spirit never wavered. He took pride in having sent his children to college, relying solely on the income from his small bread business. "I have two children; one already has a grandchild," he said with a smile. Despite his modest life, he felt grateful that his children had achieved a better education. But his struggles didn’t end there. He was also known for his generosity, often giving bread to neighbors or those in need—even when he himself had little to spare.

Moved by his sincerity and resilience, the Jestham team decided to show their appreciation. They bought all the bread he had that day. Initially, the man offered a price of Rp380,000 for his entire stock, but Jestham insisted on paying him Rp1 million as a token of support and respect for his hard work. "I’m deeply touched. This is the first time someone has bought all my bread at once," he said, his eyes glistening with emotion. In his 22 years of selling bread, this was the first time his entire stock had been bought out. He saw it as an unexpected blessing from God.

22 Years of the Bread Seller's Hard Work

What made his story even more remarkable was his habit of sharing. Despite his simple and sometimes difficult life, he always set aside some bread to give to those in need. "When I see someone who hasn’t eaten, I feel sorry for them. So I give them bread," he said humbly. When asked why he shared despite his own struggles, he replied, "We’re all human. We should help each other." This simple answer reflected the extraordinary sincerity of his heart. He believed that sharing was a way to express gratitude and care for others.

Before parting ways, Jestham not only purchased all his bread but also gave him extra money for his household needs. "This is a blessing from the Almighty for you today," the Jestham team said. The bread seller could no longer hold back his emotions. "This is the first time in 22 years I’ve held this much money from selling bread," he said with a happy smile. He also shared that one of his children was ill and needed medical treatment. The Jestham team prayed for his child’s swift recovery and for his family’s continued health. "Sir, we pray your child gets well soon, and may your business thrive every day," Jestham said before bidding farewell.

The story of this bread seller teaches us about perseverance, sincerity, and kindness. Despite life’s challenges, he never gave up and always strived to provide the best for his family. His habit of sharing proves that kindness knows no bounds—even from those who live humbly. Every drop of sweat, every step taken with determination, and every smile given with sincerity plants seeds of goodness that grow into trees of hope. This bread seller is living proof that within simplicity lies extraordinary strength.

Let us continue to sow seeds of kindness, for every good deed we do returns like a breeze carrying the fragrance of flowers. May this story serve as a light in the darkness, reminding us that in every struggle, there is light waiting at the end of the road. Keep moving forward, keep sharing, and be a light for others.