Strengthening Mapalus and Si Tou Timou Tumou Tou Values through Contextual Christian Faith Formation in the K3M Community

Authors

  • Andrea Elfata Ratulangi country Indonesia Politeknik Negeri Kupang, Kupang Author
  • Yunardi Kristian Zega ✉ country Indonesia Politeknik Negeri Kupang, Kupang Author
  • Devrialdo Daniel Paat country Indonesia Institut Agama Kristen Negeri (IAKN) Kupang, Kupang Author
  • Maria Filomena Soares country Timor-Leste Igreja Protestante Iha Timor Lorosa’e (IPTL), Dili Author
  • Yanti Secilia Giri country Indonesia Politeknik Negeri Kupang, Kupang Author
  • Liston Sihombing country Indonesia Politeknik Negeri Kupang, Kupang Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62282/devotion.v4i1.9-19

Keywords:

Community engagement, Cultural identity, Diaspora community, Kawanua, Minahasa

Abstract

Christian faith formation within community life requires an approach that is relevant to people’s cultural identity and social experiences. This community service program aimed to strengthen the values of Mapalus and Si Tou Timou Tumou Tou through contextual Christian faith formation among the Keluarga Kerukunan Kawanua Mapalus (K3M) community in Kupang City, a Kawanua diaspora community working to preserve Minahasan cultural identity in a pluralistic urban environment. The program employed a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through structured observation and photographic documentation during implementation. Activities included communal worship, a contextual biblical reflection session, facilitated discussion connecting faith and cultural values, and communal social activities designed to strengthen relationships among members. The results indicated that the program provided a meaningful space for participants to experience faith formation within community life. The integration of Christian values with Kawanua cultural values encouraged cooperation, care, mutual respect, and togetherness among K3M members. Engagement across all age groups demonstrated the relevance of the contextual approach. The program strengthened community identity by connecting spiritual development with local cultural wisdom and social responsibility. These findings demonstrate that contextual Christian faith formation can serve as an effective framework for maintaining cultural values while fostering stronger and more supportive community relationships among diaspora communities.

References

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Published

2026-12-15

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): December (Article in Progress)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Andrea Elfata Ratulangi, Yunardi Kristian Zega, Maria Filomena Soares, Yanti Secilia Giri, Liston Sihombing (Author)

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