Johan Gunawan is from Semarang Indonesia and just graduated from Hesston
College. He is currently studying Computer Information Systems at
Bluffton University.
I heard about MEDA from my Accounting professor, Vickie Andres, who was
also my advisor. She encouraged me to come to MEDA's convention and
helped me so I could attend. The conference definitely made an impact on
me - especially speakers Lee Schmucker and Jason Garber. I learned that
MEDA has been helping countries all around the world, improving their
economic conditions along with spreading the words of Jesus.
One thing I noticed at the convention was how MEDA members often
approached us students first, especially during free and meal time. They
made an effort to get to know the students and shared their stories with
us. I will never forget one special moment. Some of us international
students got together to enjoy lunch on the cruise when one of the Board
members of MEDA came by and sat with us. She told many stories, mostly
about her job in Canada and what she was going to do after convention.
In that moment I felt the openness and hospitality of the MEDA members.
I think what MEDA needs is the ability to inform students of their
projects and get the students involved. Students like me can understand
and possibly have a chance to use our knowledge in the real field. For
myself, I look upon people who do what they preach. So far, I think MEDA
has given me many good examples from their projects.
