March 15, 2025
As God brought six new male teacher-trainees into the TransformNation (TfN) Program last year, He also provided them with a brand-new place to grow!
For years, the TfN leadership team has been praying for more young men to join the program. In Indonesia, teaching is often seen as a profession more suited for females, making it difficult to recruit male trainees. This has been a challenge especially as the demand for male teachers continues to rise in remote and high-risk areas. So the acceptance of six young men into the program last year was an answer to prayer; however, the male dormitory was in urgent need of improvement.
Situated on slanted volcanic ground by a riverside, the floors and walls endured constant cracking despite repeated repairs. This raised significant concerns for the safety and well-being of the students in the event of an earthquake.
In an unexpected turn of events, our field team learned of a nearby property that was for sale by the owner. The layout of the property was well suited for a dorm. The owner, having witnessed the positive impact of the Lab School, was willing to negotiate a fair price. At just the right moment, God provided the funding needed for the purchase of the property and essential renovations through MSI. Praise God for His perfect timing!
In December, the male trainees and supervisors moved into the new dorm they named “Immanuel.” The two-storey dorm features fourteen bedrooms, eight bathrooms, two meeting areas, a visitor lounge, kitchen, laundry room, and a garage. At full capacity, it can accommodate up to thirty-six people.
Teacher Elly, the Director of the TfN Program recalled the first time she entered the building: “I could picture the male students living and growing there—it just felt right in my heart. None of the staff or students expected that God would open the way so quickly for everything to come together. ‘Immanuel’reminds us that He is present and near.”
Mark, a TfN alumnus who mentors the trainees, shared his gratitude, “Our new home is big, beautiful, and really comfortable. It is much safer and the air circulation is far better. I’ve also noticed a significant decrease in friction between students. They finally have enough space to study privately and rest peacefully.”
“It will be a home for all TfN students,” Elly added. “We realize that many of the TfN trainees come from complicated backgrounds so they need a home, a family, and a community that supports them. More than just a building, I pray that this facility will help them feel God’s love. A home where they can grow together in their faith and experience a deep relationship with Jesus in a real way.”
Watch the video of the Immanuel Dorm Tour below:
