Two weeks ago, a good friend of mine died after years battling against cancer in his body. He had been an expert in agronomy with a doctorate degree, and served as a pastor in one of our local churches. I visited him in the hospital only two days before he died. Unlike other friends, this man had a very strong memory, even in the terminal stage of his life. He welcomed me back to Indonesia and asked about my study in Oxford in detail. Many friends even do not know what I had been doing in Oxford, but amazingly he knew about the nature and purpose of my study.
I remember the way he encouraged me to go to Oxford about ten months ago. Then I was invited to preach in his church. He was always excited to see young Christians who do further studies. He shared with me his academic journey and proudly convinced me that learning is the way towards serving and influencing others effectively.
Lying on his bed two weeks ago, he kept his encouragement and desire on me saying cheerfully: "When will you complete your Ph.D?" Physically he was weak, but his mind and heart were completely alert. His interest in endless learning is endless!
His children and children in laws are also good friends of me. They mentioned that hours before he died, consciously, he asked the whole family to celebrate communion, and pray the Lord's Prayer together as a family. It is a great testimony for me. Though I do not know him for long, Dr. Sudarwodadi had been a great simple person that God allowed me to learn from.
