Transformed by love

Editor’s note: Nila Amallia from Jepara, Indonesia, participated in IVEP in 2014-2015. She was assigned to Mennonite Educational Institute (MEI) in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. Nila currently lives in her hometown and, after IVEP, has continued her teaching career. She is passionate in promoting the Indonesian traditional musical instrument angklung with her students and through different events. Top photo: Nila (third from right) visits the Bergen family, who hosted her during IVEP, in January 2025 in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. Photo/Amy Bergen

Once I heard about IVEP, I prayed a lot and I was asking God about his plan in my life. Should I apply or not? I was questioning God, day by day, in my prayers. His words and courage led me to the journey of IVEP back in 2014-2015. I wrote in my notebook, “Walk in God’s promises and obey his commandments.” Living in another country without knowing anyone and hardly speaking English scared me at first but as I took the journey, I found LOVE.

IVEP helped me see God’s love for the people. I remember the time I read a verse on MCC’s bulletin board in Akron, Pennsylvania. It said, “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in.” (Matthew 25:35, New International Version)

The Word is real and lives in every person I met through MCC. I was a stranger but then became part of this global family. I met many young people, other IVEP participants from different countries, and met my supervisor, staff and teachers in Mennonite Educational Institute (MEI) in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. Most importantly, I met my host family. God led the hearts of the people to show love and care and to provide for our needs as we lived far away from home in a totally different culture.

IVEP made me more creative and encouraged me to try new things. Since I had graduated from the education program at home, IVEP gave me a placement at MEI Elementary School. As a teacher’s assistant, day by day I was working with the students and helping with books and design in the library. My assignment in MEI helped me gain the understanding of becoming a better teacher. I learned how creative teachers are, how to engage with students, and how to work with students who have different skills and abilities. All experiences in MEI made me more creative in writing my lesson plans for students. 

IVEP gave me brothers and sisters around the world. Every time I have a chance to meet other IVEP participants, I feel that I connect again with my brothers and sisters. In the past 10 years, I have been really grateful to meet other IVEP alumni in their countries. I have visited Rubina Budha in Nepal, Solger Kim in Republic of Korea (South Korea), Taning Anita Purwidaningsih in Indonesia and keep in touch with others through social media. I am thankful for the moments I can talk to them and we can share about each other’s life events, whether happiness or even struggles. In this world we are not alone; we have family in Christ.

I also got in touch with other IVEPers through Mennonite World Conference (MWC) 2015 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S., MWC 2022 in Indonesia and the 500-year commemoration of Anabaptism in Zurich, Switzerland, this past year. Being part of these events was beyond my imagination. Some of the IVEP and YAMEN alumni from Indonesia had been invited to represent Indonesia in the 500th year of Anabaptism. We represented three synods in Mennonite churches in Indonesia and created a music group called TIARA (The Indonesian Anabaptist Performance Arts). We had a great time there as we were able to praise the Lord Jesus, sing, perform dance and musical instruments, and visit some historical places to get to know the history of Anabaptism. Time for reunion was the highlight; tears of joy, love and happiness for being able to meet one another after years.

God has granted me a wonderful family through IVEP. During my year as an IVEPer, I lived with Henry and Norma Bergen in British Columbia. I call them Mom and Dad. I honor and love them as my own parents. I hardly spoke English at that time and my mom Norma always spent time reading books, watching movies or going shopping with me. My dad Henry spent time cooking with me. He taught me how to cook and let me experience trying many different recipes. He taught me about gardening, growing potatoes, other vegetables and flowers, which made me want to have my own garden. Even more, I found the heart of a father who always took care of me.
 
I also got along with our big family, getting to know everyone, spending time with the grandchildren and taking part in our family events. All those activities helped me adjust to life in Canada. I love spending hours talking and listening to their advice about life. The way the family lives has taught me about how important affection, appreciation and hard work are. We are bound with love. I am blessed beyond measure. 

The IVEP journey has changed my life. That is the way God molded me into the way I am right now. I can improve my life skills and teaching skills, and I can share things I have experienced with young people and students around me. God has provided us with everything we need to live according to his plan. 

I encourage you to take this IVEP journey, take this chance, explore the love of God yourself. He is our savior, our provider. God bless you.