16.04.2024

From Sikakap to Wuppertal, with Media and Photography

[Translate to Englisch:] Naomi Simanjuntak supports the department Communication and Fundraising in UEM's Mission House in Wuppertal. Photo by: Johannes Schermuly, UEM

UEM has a new Volunteer in its department Communication and Fundraising:

Naomi Simanjuntak from UEM member church GKPM* in Indonesia started her volunteers year this April. She comes from GKPM Congregation Mandiri Sikakap in the islands of Mentawai, off the west coast of Sumatra.

In 2022 she graduated from Universitas Putera Indonesia in Padang with her degree in Graphic Design and Photography, becoming a freelance photographer in Sikakap. She does professional photos at weddings, birthdays and on graduation parties. “My love for photography started in Middle High School, so that’s where I went to study”, the 23 year old says. When she’s not busy capturing people’s happiest moments on camera, she is working at a motorcycle shop in Sikakap.

As an active member of GKPM, she uses her skills as a graphic designer to serve her church: Modern worship services in GKPM have a Presentation in the front, where worshippers can read the texts and song lyrics during the service. This is where Naomi steps in, taking this task in her local community and becoming a part of its every week routine. She is also singing in her congregation’s choir and active in the Sunday School’s team.

“I joined the UEM Volunteer Program to get to know a different culture”, she says. “I like making new experiences, and I wanted to develop my personal skills”.

In Wuppertal, Naomi will be part of the department Communication and Fundraising. In her free time, she likes to play Badminton.

We welcome Naomi Simanjuntak and wish her God’s blessings for her time in Wuppertal.

*GKPM = Gereja Kristen Protestan Mentawai (Christian-Protestant Church on the Mentawai Islands)