A Lesson from RISE

There is no cinema in Rote Ndao. But about 20–30 minutes from the center of Ba’a, in a village called Kuli, there is something just as special; a movie night for around 100 people, including students and teachers. It is a weekly refreshing activity held at ISRA Senior High School every Saturday evening in the school aula. It starts at 7:00 PM after dinner and continues until the movie finishes.

While we were still having dinner, some students were already preparing everything, such as the projector, speakers, and laptop. Soon after everyone finishes eating, we all gathered in the aula, and then the lights were turned off.

That was my first time joining the movie.

If you go to the cinema, you are usually faced with two choices: buy snacks like popcorn and soft drinks or watch without eating anything. At ISRA, there is always a consumption team responsible for making cakes, bread, or any delicious food to be eaten together and all of that are prepared since noon onward.

In the middle of the movie, I was surprised when the room suddenly became so bright. I thought the movie would continue next week.

“Sandra, what happened?” I asked.
 “Snack time, Mrs.”
 “Ah, I see.”

It was fried bread with cheese and chocolate filling, and it was so delicious. The consumption team made many fried breads . I got two!

Besides all that, I believe that God sent me there that Saturday afternoon to remind me of His grace again and again. Even though there was a little dark cloud in my heart for not being there in the past few weeks, and many thoughts were swirling in my mind, I still thank God for His way of speaking to me through the movie I watched with all the students.

The movie was Rise, produced by Disney. It tells the story of Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the biggest stars in the NBA, recommended by Ms. Indri Lisnahan (thank you so much, Ms. Indri).

Giannis’ parents immigrated from Nigeria and faced many hardships. They did not have proper legal status, struggled financially, and worked hard just to survive.

It is amazing to see the bond between the parents and the children and how they rely on God in every part of their lives.

God’s power is shown in the moment when they are waiting for the NBA selection results. Giannis’ father tells his wife that there is nothing to worry about because Giannis has the strength of his mother’s prayers.

In the final moments of waiting for the selection result, all the family members are there. Giannis folds his hands, closes his eyes, and prays. This action is followed by his brother who sits next to him, and even his agent, Harris who rarely prays can be seen from his gestures feeling a bit awkward at first when folding his hands, but eventually follows Thanasis and joins in prayer. God changes everything in that moment.

At that very second, I felt like God was speaking directly to me; not to doubt, not to be afraid or worried, but to trust Him more and more. Right then, I felt something deeply personal touched my heart.

He reminded me to keep lifting my prayers for my husband, and for every child that He has entrusted into my life. There was a quiet mixture of emotion and gratitude in my heart and even a sense of pride that I could be there, sharing that moment with the ISRA family.

And so I pray…

For every student. For every dream they carry. For their journey toward the universities they hope for. May God guide them, strengthen them, and go before them always.🤍

amaryanti
Rote, 26/04/2026