Bangka - "One More Baptism Plus 9 Studies"

On November 28, 2009, we baptize one more person named A Siu. A Siu is the aunt of one of our brothers, a spiritual teen named Jojo. A Siu follow bible study about a month. She was enthusiastic in bible study and did not hesitate in taking the decision to be baptized. There are 6 more people who were studying with the sisters and 3 learn with brothers. We continue to pray that there will be many more souls to be won for Christ. This month we are also visited by 5 single brothers and sisters from Jakarta. Some of them born in Bangka. They give us encouragement and introduced many family members and their friends to attend worship and bible study in our Church. To God be the Glory!

Medan - "Fruitful Spiritual Birthday"

James Nainggolan is a single brother – born in Medan, July 13, 1981. He is known as a member of the Song Ministry - self-taught drummer in the Medan church. In addition, he also was known as having the spirit alive of helping others.

A months ago, exactly on October 9, 2009, he evangelized two of his relatives and his family relatives that is Richard & Polma. They just come from the village and going to college in Medan. Not long after arriving there, James and their disciple invited them to discuss and study the word of God and thank God they were greeted with a very well. They even study the Bible up to three times a week.

Richard and Polma then decided to be disciples of Christ, repented and were baptized on 15 November 2009 that is exactly on the same date with James spiritual birthday.

Manado - "God's Call to Become a Disciple"

From her name, we may have clear about Nurul background of religion. He was born in non-Christian religious family background. Her mother was a Christian before marriage.

When she was about 8 years old, her mother suffered a mental disorder because she said that her mother received a vision of Jesus who called her back to be Christian. Since then her mother would be angry and talking to herself when not driven to the church. Nurul started to accompany her mother to church. There, the Lord Jesus began to catch the attention of Nurul. Until second grade of junior high school, Nurul was increasingly active in church activities.

But it seems that the Lord Jesus who loves Nurul wanted her to know completely about the truth of His Kingdom. One night, after work she was invited by a sister to attend the Special Service several months ago. She was immediately attracted to come and study the Bible.

Nurul is basically a good kid, but even after studying the Bible she could recognize herself before the Lord. She had changed even in small things, to be discipline, and to forgive those who could never been forgiven over the years, no complaining, but a lot of gratitude and she said that she knew the Lord much better.

Her mother and family were happy to see Nurul diligently has her quiet time although in difficult situation. Nurul has now become a disciple of Jesus. Her dream is for all family members to accept Jesus Christ and become His disciples.

To God be the glory

Makassar - "Work, Fruiful and 20 Studies"

One by one member of the mission team found a job but still there are 20 people who were studying the Bible up to the present. And, almost every week there are new people who come to church. Total attendance at the worship services each week from the Makassar church is 24 to 39 people with 13 people disciples of Jesus.

A brother named Roni willing to work as a salesman in charge of selling telephones door to door with a relatively low salary. However, because of his faithful, he was promoted to a higher level of position. Roni invite many friends and family to study the Bible. There are four people who were studying the Bible up to the present. Three of them had learned until "baptism".

The other brother is a single named Barthen, also worked with Roni - evangelizing many people. Most recently he was also considered as a model employee and was promoted to a higher level position as well.

A member of the mission is a sister named Susi, who is very happy & quick. She had just worked two weeks, and she was appointed as a manager. Because of the integrity and her hard working character are high, she was trusted to in charge of 30 employees. Although Susi came from the minorities ethnic there that is Chinese and Christians. Susi has helped her friend Yolda to be disciples of Christ, and she also had two people from the same office are studying the Bible.

Susi and Yolda is a long time friend. Susi has prayed two years ago, long before Susi has a plan to Makassar. Yolda was a single mother who is very insecure at first, was struggling with life, without a true purpose in life, desperate because her boyfriend left her after so long relationship. On her birthday, Susi presented a Bible to Yolda including cake and greeting cards, and two months after Yolda learning the Bible, and got baptized. Yolda children also rejoice together with her and eager to worship God together.

Pekan Baru Mission Team - "Evangelism in The Work Place"

Pekanbaru has become one of the largest city in Sumatra after the city of Medan in the last five years. This is marked by the establishment of grand buildings such as the Governor's Office, Library and hotel Labersa has become a new icon Pekanbaru city. Progress was achieved as the positive impact of economic growth in Riau Province that rely on oil and palm oil. Not surprisingly, many businesses began to grow and to invite the nomads from other regions to try luck in this town. Evangelism in the workplace to be one opportunity not to be missed.

Irvan Hurray, the first baptism of the church Pekanbaru brought some friends to study the Word of God, one of which is the Nius Harefa, coworkers. Nius has the same struggles with Irvan, that is smoking, when challenged to stop smoking, he's a bit heavy at first went along. When there Irvan work place, he does not smoke, but when Irvan not there, he's smoking. Until one day he realized the situation and stop smoking, not because of being challenged, but because he wanted to love God and seriously to repent. Finally after a month studying the Bible, dated October 11, 2009, Nius was baptized and become disciples of Jesus *).

Currently there are 15 people who are studying the Word of God, there are three sisters who study well, two of them named Yani and Lastri've learned "baptism", other study named Love is learning "repentance", please pray for them to be baptized at the beginning of November. Greetings from the congregation of Pekanbaru. To God be the glory!


*) Currently Nius was in Binjai (located near the city of Medan) visits his mother who is sick, please pray for her healing and also the spirituality of our brother Nius.

Manado - "God leads to an awesome life"

Formerly, Ronny and Jeny lived and worked in Papua. Economically they should be fairly steady since Ronny had pretty good job. However, they face serious financial problems because Jeny wasting their money. Finally, Ronny and Jenny together with their children moved to Manado.

In Manado, the Lord led them to a better life, Ronny and Jeny was invited by one of their relatives to the church, and study the Bible. The word of God working in their marriage and their relationships both restored.

Jeny turned into a more mature wives, honor husbands, serving, and diligently quiet time. Ronny was growing into a much better leader of the family.

They were faithful in their marriage even in a simplicity but also really shining. Moreover, they are also keen to share their faith and now one of their relative is studying the Bible. God bless them so much. In early November, they had lived in a better house after mid-October becoming disciples of Christ.

Solo Mission Team - "Twelve Ongoing Study"

Surakarta, known as Solo, is a city that located in central Java which is in 10th rank of a big city in Indonesia. Solo is one of the centers of Java culture that has many interesting place and also with plural society. And on October 1st, 2009 mission team to Solo was officially sent, with eleven members which is Didit and Astri (a steady couple whose lead the Solo team), Yanto and Olvi (married couple), Dedy and Elvi (married couple), Yuli, Vidya, Rangga, Agus and Indra.

And the journey begins...the journey of eleven disciples who have a huge dream for God. Since the first time we stepped on this city we directly fall in love to this city and its people. We build a huge dream for God's movement in this city. All of us start from the beginning even from zero but it is not makes us hold our steps or even steps back from our huge dream for the mission in Solo.

The first Sunday service was attended by eleven visitors and all of them are willing to study bible regularly. Week by week our service keep growing, even we can't say luxurious yet, but in a simplicity of all the people's heart that attended the service make it warm and so close. And after three weeks in Solo we are adapted and enjoying this city more and more. But the most important thing is God delivered us to many people who have an extraordinary heart who wants to know and loves God deeper. Until today we already have seventeen people who willing to study bible including twelve ongoing study bible.

We met a girl 15 years old, named Dita, who longing for a community that can help her get closer to God. And just right she's a niece of a sister from Jogjakarta church named Wiwin. Dita has a good comprehension concerning to bible, even her parent never took her to go to the church but she really show her willing to know God deeper.

God also let us met a man around 40 years old named Sholeh. He is so attracted in God's Word and every time he sharing bible he's always exciting and he admit that he found so many new things that he never found before. He learns how to love God through His Word, he learns how to put God in his first priority of life and he also learns how to make his wife attracted to bible like him.

Many good news comes more and more to Solo, there is a married couple whose in a restoration process. For six years they leave church and this is the day that they are waiting for. They are very enthusiastic to go back to God and guided by His Word. This story is not going to stop here, we're blessed so much by God with many souls who thirst of God's Word and sigh for a pure love in kingdom of God. Our goal is in the early of the next month we will baptize four disciples and we believe it will happen soon because God want it.


Reported by: Didit & Astri

Makassar - "First Baptism (Part 2)"

Ronal became a disciple of Jesus while in college in Surabaya. It was precisely in December 2003. He had a dream and always prays for the city of Makassar. Ronal parents asked him to return to Makassar after he finished his college. However, because there is no church there in Makassar, Ronal just went to Jakarta to open a small business. And after a mission to Makassar are going to be send, Ronal then decided to go even has to leave his steady. In Makassar, Ronal had been helped Burhanudin*), an old friend since they were study in the same Elementary School. More than that, there are also six of Ronal friends and family who were now studying the Bible. Ronal is a brother who is the most highly grown in the Mission Team Makassar.



*)Burhanudin was a single. He is a friend of Ronal who at the first time meet with Makassar Mission Team at the airport Hasannudin. Since that time, Burhan never missing attending church service even only sit on the floor of a modest house. Until finally he took the decision to be disciples of Jesus on September 19, 2009. Burhan previously was a very worldly and not interested in God but he has repented and changed by the word of God.

Makassar - "First Baptism (Part 1)"

Mrs. Silvana (51 y/o) is the mother of Revi*), a member of the Makassar Mission Team who strongly supports the mission team in that city. Before the Mission Team arrives there, Mrs. Silvana experienced a serious accident when accompanied by Revi’s brother named Cello. However, it does not make Mrs. Silvana stop giving and supporting the team. He prepared all things as finding a place to stay for the team for three months and the needs such as beds, appliances, cooking utensils and others. In fact, Mrs. Silvana has prepared a place to stay for the team for the next one year.

After studying the Bible with the Mission Team, Mrs. Silvana decided to become disciples of Jesus and states that she wants to devote the rest of her life for God. Because of the attention and concern for the members of the Mission Team, Mrs. Silvana seen as a mother figure for the team members and also as a prayer in the church.


*)Revi experienced bitterness toward Mrs. Silvana before she became a disciple of Christ. But after studying the Bible, precisely in 1996, Revi apologized to her mother. She prayed every day for Mission Team to be sent to Makassar. Revi also been fruitful that is her sister, Delia, and her brother-in-law from other religion backgrounds, too, now was studying the Bible. Revi is very oriented to the Lord.

Bangka - "Bangka Church Growing 4 Baptism"

Recently, God has added four new people in the Church of Bangka. Here, in the Church of Bangka, there was a 3rd grade junior high school teenager named Jordy. He is our neighbor who is very adept at playing music and very helpful in Song Ministry. His father and mother also adept at playing music and active in their church. However, they strongly support the Church of Bangka even always lend a keyboard to be used in the event our services.

In the church of Bangka there is also a man named Luken. He is the cousin of Ahen and Alfon that was recently baptized. Although opposed by his family and relatives, Luken did not waver. His wife named Vivi even support Luken because of course she can see the change of the personality and the life of her husband. More than that, she also was studying the Bible until now. She wishes to be baptized in the month of October this year.

Besides Jordy, Luken, Vivi, there are also A Lim and Renita who were actually preparing their wedding, but, it is God's plan because A Lim studied the Bible with the Church of Bangka. And not long after that, he took Renita to study the Bible together with him. Approximately 1 month of studying the Bible, they finally decided to be baptized to be disciples of Jesus and of course they will become the new married couple and the first in the Church of Bangka this year.

Pekan Baru - "First Baptism"

Mission team members Pekan Baru evangelize people anywhere in the city. At malls, markets, stores, houses, and various locations.

On the way home, Juwita and Princess, two members of the mission team met a man who asked a specific address to them. After answering those questions, they invited him to attend to the meeting of the Bible discussion on the next day. On the day, the man came with 3 of his friends as he had promised.

One of them is 24-year-old man named Irvan Hurray who worked as a construction supervisor. He followed the Bible lessons and stop smoking habit which is very difficult for him to left it. Once he understand the love and sacrifice of Christ through the study of the Cross, Irvan Hurray finally made the decision to be disciples of Christ and was baptized on September 27, 2009.

Surabaya - "Our father finally got baptized"

We are joyful because one by one of our family members become disciples of Jesus. Starting with my oldest brother, Muksin who was an occult believer. After a former school friend invited him to church, he studied the Bible there, and then he repented and was baptized in 1993.

Muksin experienced a very radical change in his life. I was very inspired to study the Bible and was also baptized in 1993. Then I took my sister, Akhim, to study the Bible in the following Sunday. She was baptized two weeks after that.

I wrote a letter to the oldest sister in Jakarta. I share my life story, and about God's plan. She responded well and also studied the Bible and became a disciple of Christ in 1995.

In 1996, when the mission team sent from Surabaya to Pontianak, Muksin, Akhim and I decided to go to reach our parents and our youngest brother there. He became a student a year later when he was in high school in 1997. My mother also studied the Bible. Although she could not read the Bible in Indonesian, she studied with my sister in law, Lily, by using Chinese language Bible. Mom finally was baptized in 2001.

My father was the last member of our family who became Disciples of Christ. He is our prayer for 16 years. During that time, Muksin, Akhim and her husband Doni always shared about how to live like Jesus. Once he was arrogant, irritable, and hard-hearted. However, in the mid of year 2009, he started visiting our church consistently. He studied the Bible every week with church leaders Surabaya, Alin and Johnson, and on August 9, 2009, my father finally got baptized.


Shared by: Ching Yong

Makassar - "First Church Service"

Makassar Mission Team has arrived on Thursday, August 20th, 2009 at 15:00 in Makassar, which has a population of 1.5 million people. They were picked up by Mr. Reinald, the brother of Ronald and Burhan, who is currently studying the Bible.

Although they were faced with hot air temperature, and a somewhat different language-accent-dialect which was a bit unusual for them, our team is still on fire for God.

The first church service held in Makassar was on August 23rd, 2009. It was conducted by sitting on the floor and an attendance of 26 people, including 5 children. Their first Bible Talk was attended by 28 people. Until now the Makassar Mission Team has had 7 people who were studying the Bible.

Keep praying for the Makassar Mission Team!

Bandung - "Eager to Understand the Bible"

After studying the Bible for one year with a group of brothers from the Kids Kingdom Ministry, Beni made the decision to be baptized in Singles Conference on August 16th, 2009. Beni was born from a non-Christian family background, and because of that at the beginning of his Bible studies it wasn’t easy for him to know Jesus and the lives of disciples. However, Beni constantly wants to learn more and more, and slowly his life and personal character had changed in a very positive way. Without a doubt, his family has seen that progress. Until now, Beni continued to advance and be faithful in the Lord.

Manado & Jakarta - "Mission Team to Makassar"

Mission team Makassar will be departed from Jakarta and Manado on the date of August 20, 2009. They consist of 10 members. For mission, those members have resigned from their job and will looking for the new job in Makassar.

Now, they have rented a place for Mid Week service and have found a rental house to stay for mission team members. And, for Sunday Service room with maximum capacity of 200 people, are now in a process of negotiation. Prayerfully, on September or October 2009, it will be able to be used by the mission.

These following are the profile of Mission Team Makassar:
Ronny had been disciple since 1998 and Sjully since 1997. They married on the year 2002 and became full time staff in Manado church. Sjully was an administration staff in the church of GKDI Manado. They were leaders for married ministry.

Barten is fruitful brother. One of his fruit also goes for mission to other city Manokwari. Barten is recognized as sold out disciple and always available. He grew very fast and become a great bible talk leader. Now, his friend had finished his Guard the Gospel study and will be disciple and ready to be baptized in the near future.

Susi was come from Makassar. He moved to Manado for job matter. Susi changed a lot, from a silent person and hard to smile, become joyful and warm just after she became disciple of Christ. She grew fast in her spiritual life and has led two sisters which are well-known as warm and friendly in the church.

Ronald also came from Makassar. He studied in other city, Surabaya. Before church existed in Makassar, he did not want to be back to his hometown but went to Jakarta to looking for job and worship Him together with church in Jakarta.

Revi also came from Makassar. Since was a kid, he stayed with his grandfather in Jakarta. In Makassar, his mother wanted him to be back to Makassar. But Revi want after the new church will be existed there. His mother know and happy to welcome her son and the mission team member. Therefore she helps church to find their residence and other things. Revi left the company that wants him to work longer.

Okton wanted to go for mission since 6 up to 7 years ago. He wanted to go to Jogjakarta, Semarang and other place but still unable to be fulfilled. Even though there are many challenges from his relatives, he still strong and committed. Okton have good reputation in his working place. The company wanted him to stay to work longer with them.

Fenho and Jouna firstly are hard to go and left the church they lead that is Bekasi Church. They have led Bekasi Church for two years. Many things they had plan and want to implement there. But, after meeting together with other church leaders, listening some considerations and advise from church leaders, they are ready and fired up to go to Makassar. Even though they are still new married couple with small kid, it does not make them sentimental.

MEDAN - "SPREAD THE WORD"

Just before church leaders decided the names for the mission team going to Pekan Baru, 13 potential brothers and sisters have successfully evangelized 1700 people just within 6 (six) days. All of them brought many guests to church service and many were inspired to study the bible with them.

Through many considerations and advice from the leaders of Medan Church, 7 out of 13 were elected to become mission team members for Pekan Baru. These 7 once again do an awesome evangelism. They have evangelized another 1300 people within 4 days and by that they have brought 20 people to attend Sunday service.

Looking at all this, the Medan Church become more and more encouraged and inspired, they asked, “Why don’t all 60 bible talks that we currently have in the church do things similarly just like the mission team members?” After making this decision together as a whole church, 50 out of 60 bible talks in Medan Church successfully evangelized about 50.000 people only within 12 days (Yes, you’re reading this right, 50.000 people). Because of that, many people are studying the bible, and the church service room named Millennium were overwhelmed with many people. The attendance is just like Nusantara Conference which was held about two months ago in Medan.

Mission team Pekan Baru were sent on 25-26 August 2009. They have found a boarding house for them to stay and also for church service. Keep praying for Mission team Pekan Baru and the Medan Church.

To God be the glory!

Medan - "Bringing family to Christ"

Mr. Ivan Piu Zalukhu and his wife namely Mdm. Upik are very inspiring disciples. In their tight schedule and activities as parents of three children including two niece, taking care of their mother and mother in law plus another three workers who stayed in their house, they still managed to spread the gospel consistently. They also serve as ushers and the church development team.

One of their niece, Yani, had been baptized on May 11th, 2008. Also Cici, another niece had been baptized on September 7th, 2008. Then, one of the workers, Yafe, also got baptized on September 28th, 2008. Not long after that another worker, Nani, got baptized on October 19th, 2008. Last but not least, Mr. Ivan’s mother plus the other worker, Agam, got baptized at the end of 2008.

In total, there were six people in their house that had been brought to Christ. Now, the mother of Mdm. Upik is studying the Bible. Pray that she will also be baptized in the near future.

To God be the glory!

Surabaya - "Turn into a powerful character from God"

Many trials had shaped the life of a sister in Surabaya, Tuty. She was then turned by God into a really powerful character.

In the past, she was hurt, bitter, and traumatic caused by sexual harassment coming from her step father, brother and cousin which all of them are non-Christians. However, after three months studying the Bible back in 1997, she decided to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. She stays faithful even though there were many rejections from her father and family, and later on she chose to leave her family whilst being unemployed.

Today, Tuty has become a strong, fired up, and a fruitful disciple. She is a small group leader in Surabaya. Moreover, she is blessed to be married with a great brother, Ricky, and they both has become an inspiring couple in the Surabaya Church.

To God be the glory, Amen!

Manado - "The Family of Pontolawang"

One by one, the family of Pontolawang becomes disciples of Christ. First, Maikel became a disciple back in Jayapura Church in the middle of 2003. His mother and his brother become disciples not long after that. Mdm Rita, the mother, had to walk alone through a very dark and unfriendly garden for years just to attend the midweek service but nevertheless committed to the Lord despite the hard challenges for her.

Michael's father, Mr Benny also became a disciple back in October 2006. One day, their hours and traditional shop were burned to the ground in just one night…But that never stop them from spreading the Word of Jesus Christ. The mother of Mr Benny, Oma Mintje, studied the bible within that period, and and she became a disciple of Christ too.

Today, one of Maikel’s brother will become a disciple and one other will be restored.

On early 2009, Yanes, the younger brother of Maikel also had been baptized to become a disciple of Christ. His life changed totally, from an unfriendly and addicted to drugs person into a joyful and free from drugs person. Yanes also had brought one friend to church to become a disciple of Christ.

To God be the glory!

Manado - "Mission Teams to Makassar and Manokwari"

This year, the Manado Church had sent 2 mission teams to 2 different cities, Manokwari and Makassar. 8 disciples have been sent to Manokwari on June 26th, 2009. They were ready and full of joy to spread the gospel of Jesus to the place that they have never visited before.

One of them is a steady couple, Steven and Melce. After being assigned to be members of the mission team on June 10th, 2009, they were then got engaged and married on June 24th, 2009 and went for the mission 2 days after. Although they had very little time to prepare everything, they are still full of joy and fired up to spread the Word.

Manado - "Manado Church and Jayapura Church send a mission team"

At the end of June 2009 Jayapura Church and Manado Church have send a mission team to Manokwari – the province of West Papua.

The background of sending the mission was the earthquake which was happened in Manokwari and Sorong on the early of year 2009. Because of that earthquake, a numbers of personnel of HOPE Indonesia are required to give counseling for trauma and training people on how to face or handling disaster in the city of Manokwari for more than 6 (six) months.

Mission team Manokwari is led by Musa and Ida from Jayapura Church. They have 2 (two) children, Catherina and Calvin. Together with them, there are 8 (eight) brothers and sisters from Manado Church who then became the mission team members and also staffs or workers of HOPE Indonesia for Manokwari. They are a married couple Steven & Melce, Randy, Billy, Jean Kaunang, Dince, Devi and Sherly. Plus, a woman named Ibu Kus from Jakarta who helped the mission team to Jayapura for one month in the past.

Bandung - "A child and her teacher saved one soul"

On January, one attractive child of Kids Kingdom of Bandung Church named Carrie (2,5 y/o) together with her teacher, Eva invited a woman named Liana to study the Bible. Within 6 (six) months, Eva and her working partners in Kids Kingdom visited Liana, her family and relatives, spend time with them, pray together, and teach her the Bible consistently. Liana feels the love of God through disciples. Also her family feels the same even they have different religion background. Therefore, they supported Liana to study the bible. Today, Liana had been baptized as a disciple of Christ.

Manado - "Nover and family are returning to God"

Nover is a son of a mother named Aplona, whom had been recovered not long after visited by the Caring Team of Bitung Church. He and his wife, Stemy came to visited mid week service. A number of member of Bitung Church held a family service twice a week in the house of Nover. It is attended by more than 10 members of their family. Nover and Stemy then study the bible.

After finished their study Bible, Nover and Stemy got baptized and become a disciple of Christ. Not long after that, Herdy, his brother, also got baptized and become disciple of Christ.

Nover is a national athlete of KEMPO and has a kind of institution for training people. After become disciple of Christ, he can control himself much better than before, even far more loving his brother, Herdy who hate him in the past.

Surabaya - "Our Bible Talk"

We started a Bible Talk in married ministry. Amazingly, at the first time we have seven (7) visitors. We encourage all church members by sharing good news and convinced them that is very easy to bring a friend to come to the Bible Talk. Why? Because, people actually like the truth and love as what we have in our community.

Praise the Lord and all glory for our Jesus Christ, now, we have 12 regular Bible Talk with about 56 people who routinely come to the Bible Talk. We never quit giving inspiration to leaders and keep praying... Everyone now is excited to hold a Bible Talk twice a month. Hopefully, by this Bible Talk more people will know about our community and also more people can be helped and saved for the glory of God. Amen.

Manado - "The Family Conversion"

“Now, you are my brother!” That’s what Iwan Lagonah and his wife Joice, said to their eldest son, who was baptized during the Manado church’s retreat last December 31, 2006.

We have shared this good news with you last year, but the it was continued because last year the second son of this couple, Ando, had been baptized. Iwan and Joyce, the parents, are old Christian. Their heart remained the same zeal until today. Now Frio, their oldest son served as a guitarist in our song ministry. Joyce mother is studying the Bible and she is being helped in her repentance and we hope that she will be baptized soon.

Manado - "Landy"

His name is Immanuel Rolandy Wilar, he’s usually called Landy. He became a disciple on February 24, 2008, in Manado. Landy first attended a service with disciples on Manado church celebration of Christmas, December 2007. He was invited by a sister who happened to be his close friend before they both became disciples.

Few months before attending his first service, Landy has already met with some brothers and sisters when he visited a sister who was ill that was his close friend. From his early encounters with bros and sis’, Landy has already become interested with the close relationship between the disciples, from the caring and the friendliness of the disciples, that’s why he happily accepted the offer to study the bible although he was having a time consuming job because he often had to go out of the city. Less than a month of studying the bible, Landy took the decision of becoming a disciple.

With his joy Landy kept on growing where he took the responsibility to become the leader of the prayer team, also to be a part of the song ministry, he was even started training to become a song leader. And of course, the spirit to seek and save the lost kept on burning in his heart, that made him willing to learn how to study the bible with others, even as a young Christian he has studied the Bible with Mesakh and baptized him last month. Now, he even has declared his readiness to be sent on a mission team that are being prepared to be started later this year.

Manado - "Maria Maharani"

Maria Maharani Kalangit is a sister who became a disciple on October 23, 2006, she became a disciple after her older sister also became a Christian. On her early attendances in the services, Rani, so she used to be called, was very interested witnessing the fellowship of the brothers and sisters, and got even more interested when she heard the Word preached. Living the life of a disciple, troubles and obstacles are surely to come, in Rani’s early christian’s life, it was when she had a job transfer to out of town that will be very consuming of her time and energy.

Though her job has become a challenge to her, it made her grow even more in her love of God. And so she started taking responsibilities in the service and ministries. With another sister she started a ministry of dancers for the service in Manado church, and so this ministry grew to five sisters in the church. On February this year she has become the Bible Talk Leader of campus and teens sisters’ ministry. Another prove of her willingness is her readiness to be sent on with a mission team to start a new church, humbly willing to take advice and are fired up being led directly by the sisters’ church leader. With her willing heart to serve in the Kingdom of God, Rani keeps on growing and being built for the glory of the Lord and for the goodness of others.

Manado - "Barthen"

Because of looking for a job, he has travelled to some areas in the archipelago. But actually he was also still looking for the direction of his life; it’s his search for the truth. It turned out; he found what he was looking for in the city of Manado.

Ferna, a disciple from Manado Church, met him on the street when Barthen was on his way home from his working place and invited him to join our service, there Barthen started to study the Bible and finally became a disciple of Christ. Who would’ve thought that before one year has passed after his decision of becoming a disciple, this young man would bring six new souls to God whose none the less his own co-workers and he kept on growing in God then he become a Bible Talk Leader.

WEAK PHYSICALLY YET HAVING A STRONG HEART

Mrs. Ria Napitupulu is a single mom. She was baptized on 8th December 2002. Her husband had died since 1992 and her 17 years old daughter is also a disciple in the Teens Ministry.

Mrs. Ria is a joyful, faithful and committed person. Through her, both her parents have become Christians. Her father had died 2 years ago. Her sister and sister-in-law have also been won over for Christ. Mrs. Ria actively involved in the Praying Ministry, visiting the sick, discipling partnership and helping others to study the Word of God.

The commitment as a disciple of Jesus is very clearly seen in her life. Even when she got an accident on 21th July last year, she did not loose heart. Her left leg was hit by a collapsing wall struck by a truck in her working place, breaking it and causing her to be hospitalized for about 3 (three) month.

Mrs. Ria is such a good example as a disciple who always appreciate the Church and the fellowship. You will not see any burden on her face, instead there is always a smile and shining joy. “If you are sick physically, you must not let your heart get sick too”, she said when we asked her what makes her so strong and happy living as a disciple.

7 people were baptized on Nusantara Conference

The church conference which was held on April 17-19, 2009 in Medan was a big success! It is started with a Leader's Meeting on the first day until the last service on Sunday evening at 6.30 pm.

Numbers of event, service and training class were held during the conference. The church also provide free tours around North Sumatera to Tongging, Si Piso Piso Water Fall, and to Berastagi. All charges for the tours were covered by brothers and sisters from Campus Ministry who have given their heart on getting the money by selling used clothes a few days before the conference. Awesome!

“This conference in Medan is one of the friendliest conferences that I've ever attended!” says Harliem Salim, lifting up the Medan Church. Budi Hartono, also stated the same thing. He said that the conference in Medan is more than just an event because the love and hospitality from the brothers and sisters can be felt by other participants from outside Medan City. “ Medan Conference has achieved more beyond our expectation and estimation...” says Budi Hartono.

The opening ceremony was great and awesome.. It blew out more than 2000 attendants on that evening, April 18 in Yang Lim Plaza. The performances included Traditional Dance, Drama and Choir by Consolasio group who won the first place in Beijing and three gold medals in Australia. Plus numbers of song performed by national artist Ria Warna at the end of the show.

As the core of the event, the Leader of Medan Church, Suwandi was appointed as an Evangelist together with his wife, Wernita as a Woman Ministry Leader. At the same time, as a closing to the conference, Harliem Salim officially announced 5 ( five ) mission teams plan to Pekan Baru, Bangka, Manokwari, Solo and Ujung Pandang. And as an addition to the event, 7 ( seven ) people were baptized after they repented and made commitment as Jesus' disciples.

To God be the glory!

Nusantara Conference, Medan, Sat 18, 2009

IN ALL SEASONS
Lyrics by Vania Salim
Song by Rita Maspaitella

I sing You praises in all seasons
You are marvelous and holy
You are my strength, my rock of salvation
I want to worship You forever

I exalt your name in all the earth
You are majestic, full of glory
Died on the cross and conquered death
Gave me life and made me holy

Lord my God, you are my only reason
You reign forever majestic and holy
You are faithful in all the seasons
You are awesome in all glory
I want to worship You forever more
You are my sanctuary
You are my hiding place


MATAKU TELAH MELIHAT KEMULIAAN
Lirik oleh Rita Maspaitella
Vokal oleh Ria Warna dan Boy Clement

MINE EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY
Translated by Karen Louis

Sukacita tiada terbilang, melihat kerjaMu sungguh nyata
Kemilau jiwa-jiwa, yang t'lah Kau anugrahkan
Mataku tlah melihat kemuliaan

There's a joy that goes beyond what word can say
When I see the way your power works today
We see souls saved through your grace
That's what helps us run the race
Yes our eyes have seen the glory of the Lord

Waktu berjalan tanpa terasa, air mata keringat bercucuran
Tapi kuasaMu nyata, janjiMu Kau genapkan
Mataku tlah melihat kemuliaan

Times goes by and we don't realize
All the time and tears that we have sacrificed
Cause your power is so real
And your promises fulfilled
Yes our eyes have seen the glory of the Lord

Reff:
PujiHu Tuhan, nusantara Kau layakkan
SyukurHu Tuhan, nyata sungguh janjiMu
Oh Tuhan biarlah api ini terus berkobar
Mataku tlah melihat kemuliaan

O...Praise the Lord
You displayed your pow'r among us
O...thank you Lord
For your promises are true
Our God, keep the fire within us burning on and on
Yes our eyes have seen the glory of our Lord

FirmanMu yang tlah ditaburkan, biji sesawi kecil jadi besar
Manusia meremehkan, tapi Tuhan berkuasa
Mataku tlah melihat kemuliaan

You have given Lord your precious word to me
So the mustard seed can growin' to a tree
Men may not appreciate, what your passion demonstrates
Yes our eyes have seen the glory of the Lord

Angkat hatimu hai saudaraku, lihat kuasa Tuhan selalu bekerja
Biar badai menentang, Dia takkan tinggalkanmu
Mataku tlah melihat kemuliaan

Full of courage now together we shall band
Having faith we see the working of God's hands
Through the storm and through the rain
God is there to feel our pain
Yes our eyes have seen the glory of the Lord

Songs taken from IN ALL SEASONS music album
Produced by SONG OF SANCTUARY

Nusantara Conference, Medan, Fri 17, 2009

SELIDIKI HATIKU
Lagu oleh Rita Maspaitella
Vokal oleh Karina

SEARCH MY HEART
Lyrics/ song by Rita Maspaitella
Vocal by Karina

Kau mencari lebih dalam
Lebih dalam dari sebuah lagu
Lebih dalam dari barisan puisi
Kau mencari hatiku

Search me Lord
Deeper than a song
Deeper than the poem
Search my heart

Kau mencari lebih dalam
Lebih dalam dari segala hikmat
Lebih dalam dari segala pengetahuan
Kau mencari hatiku

You search me deeper
Deeper than any wisdom
Deeper than any knowledge
Search my heart

Selidiki dan kenal hatiku
Ujilah dan kenal pikiranku
Lihatlah apa jalanku salah
Tuntun aku dijalan yang kekal

Search and know my heart
Test and know my thought
Never make me fail
Guide me to the right path

Kau mencari lebih dalam
Lebih dalam dari segala kekuatan
Lebih dalam dari sgala kekayaan
Kau mencari hatiku

Search me deeper
Deeper than any power
Deeper than any richness
You search my heart

Tuntun aku Tuhan di jalan yang benar (3x)
Lihat hatiku apa jalanku benar

(Lyrics by Rita Maspaitella, inspired by Psalm 139:23-24.
When I (Rita) feel very tired in my trials and struggles. God wants my heart)

Songs taken from IN ALL SEASONS music album
Produced by SONG OF SANCTUARY

Surabaya - "...like Samaritan's woman"

We never know or imagine on how God's way works to fulfill His plans. It's true when the Bible said that we will reap what we sow.

About a year ago, a brother came up introducing his co worker in order to study the Bible with sisters. She is a successful career woman in insurance field, sharp and friendly. But it was hard to study Bible with her because she was not open about her life and she kept a distance in our friendship. After 2 months of studying, she told that she didn't want to go further.

Three months later, we followed up on her. She admitted that she was actually interested in studying the Bible, but she wasn't ready yet to open up her life until she really could trust us. So we met again and that time, she came along with her friend, Tina, to study together with us. We finally decided to have bible talk instead of study with them. It constantly happened once a week.

In the next two months, she started to open her life honestly. She was open about who she really is. She is actually a single mother. She had been in an affair with another woman's husband for ten years already. The man she introduced us once and claimed to be her husband was her boyfriend.

As we continued our study, she made a commitment to repent of all the wrongs of what she was doing in her present life.

Santi ( her name ) made so much progress in her spiritual life. She said she wanted to be like the Samaritan's woman who spread the news about Jesus after she met Him at a well. Santi then brought so many friends to study the Bible with us.

Tina, Santi's friend, turned out to have the same problem as Santi. She is a single mom and having an affair with somebody's husband. Now she is prepared to study Bible. Silvy, has been studying the Word up to Repentance. She brought her grandchild Friscya ( a teens ) to study also. Martha, finished her “Sin” study and took her daughter Erna (single) to the study. Ninik, just started “Seeking God” study and many more will come.. because Santi always convinces people everywhere she goes that the Bible had helped her change.

Coming from Santi, Surabaya church starts having a vision to have a single mom bible talk. Please pray for the people who are studying the bible so that they will be baptized. There is nothing impossible for God. He can use everyone, disciples or non disciples to expand His Kingdom !

BROTHERS IN CHRIST

Location: Church of Christ - Virginia
Song & Lyrics: Pierre Jacobs (NVCOC)
Produced by BEREAN RECORDING

Manado - "The Listening Heart"

Kiky is having a hearing problem since he was in grade 3, and when he was in Grade 12 he lost his ability to hear completely. Even with the hearing aid, he could only listen to a soft noise, and because of that his schoolmates always make fun of him. But Kiky perseverence in study and learned only though lips reading brought him to the higher level every year with good grades.

Spiritually Kiky didn't interest to have a relationship with God. He never went to church and read Bible for a long time. Once when he was in high school he went to a service but that doesn't attracted him to study the Word of God. Until last year, after avoid it over and over again, he started to study the Bible with Dolfy, who persevered to teaches him despite his hearing problem.

From time to time, Kiky become more and more excited about studying the Bible, Last February he made a decision to put his sins behind, repent and get baptized into Christ, after 6 months of read the handwriting and the lips of his teacher. He become a new person, from impatient to a very patient man, from a harsh and rebelious, to a wise and forgiving person. All of these only because the power of God's Word he persevere every single day. Now, his family also fired up to come to the service with him.

Manado - "A Recovered Marriage"

The Word of God is powerful enough to change even the worst marriage. This truth has been proved in the marriage of George and Olin, despite the fact they had been married for a long time and have become hopeless due to their unusual way of handling conflict.

George and Olin did not only hurt each other emotionally but also physically. They were on the stage of going for a divorce. But, praise God! A disciple of Jesus invited George to study the bible. He decided to repent, left his sins, and become the true disciple of Jesus.

The marriage relationship was healed. Not only have they become a romantic couple, they are also able to help other people. In February 2009, George and Olin helped two of their brothers and one sister to study the bible and become the disciples of Jesus.

Medan - "Less Salary Yet Fruitful"

Umar Butar Butar is a 45-year-old single man living in Medan. He works as a supervisor in a famous transportation company there called AKAP (Inter State City Bus) and makes a lot of money. Legally and illegally.

Not long ago, a sister invited him to attend a church service in Medan Church. He was also invited to study the Bible. Nevertheless, Umar couldn't go to the church every Sunday because of his job and duties. He couldn't continue the bible study either.

In order to be able to come to church, Umar was willing to be mutated from his position to a doorsmeer (the person who washes the bus) with the salary only Rp. 300.000 a month, equals to US$ 30.

On May 18th, 2008 Umar made a decision to repent of his sins and was baptized into Christ. From a rude, proud and materialistic man, he was changed to an honest and humble man before God.

Not long after his baptism, Umar invited his friend, Brigjen Butar Butar to study the Bible. He became disciple and was baptized on September 28th, 2008. He also invited his friend, Ari Tamba, who was also baptized into Christ on November 23rd, 2008. So it was for Ari Tamba, he invited his friend Dedi to study the Word of God.

Please pray that in the month of March 2009, Dedi will be baptized into Christ also.

Bandung - "Church Update"

Campus Ministry
One of their plans is to have English Day on every Wednesday to help the students grow in their English and at the same time, as an opportunity to invite friends who are interested in English.

One of them, Coko, a student from Telekom campus, felt the burden of seeing so many students have fallen into adulteries, pornography, and free sex. Recently, Coko, Moses and one other brother have helped Febri to repent, left his sins and return to God. This was followed by Edward and Zendri who have finished their basic Bible lessons. By now, there are 11 (eleven) other students who are studying the Bible. Please pray so that Campus Ministry in the Bandung Church will keep growing to bring glory to God.

Single Ministry
Junius and Hetty have recently lost their uncle and grand mother in a relatively short period. The brothers and sisters in Bandung Church went to give encouragement and support although the family’s house was considerably far from the city. Junius and Hetty’s relatives were moved to see the attention from the church and started to study the Word of God.

Married Ministry
Hendra and Ling-Ling are studying the Bible until now. At the beginning, it wasn’t easy for them to accept the lessons given. However, slowly they start to see the love from God and His church in their lives. They started to repent and improve in their marriage life.

Please pray for Hendra and Ling-Ling to keep studying the Word of God and become true disciple of Jesus.

Another couple; Arif and Antykke have been added to the Bandung Church just recently, and also there is Henny who come back after three and half years since the last time she stopped studying the Bible.

Church Sport Activities
In general, the Bandung Church is fired up to help and builds relationship with others. One of the things they do is to hold a badminton games. Through this sport activity 30 friends have studied the bible and become disciple of Jesus between 2004 and 2006.

Due to inability to extend leasing the old badminton court, the Bandung Church rents a new court and since then 6 new friends have joinned.

Please pray for Bandung to be salt and light of the world!

Manado - "A Better Place for the Glory of God"

God has done miraculous thing to Manado Church of Christ. He answered the prayers of those who begged Him for a better place for the Sunday service. Finally, God led them to a place which far much better than the old one, called RRI AUDITORIUM. It's an awesome place with good air conditioning where the church need not to be sweating during the service.

It was truly God's hand, helping the church through one person who recently studied the Bible. He has a relative who happens to be the one that is in charge of the building so the Church could get the best rate within the budget.

Now.. Manado Church is proud to glorify God at a better place where fellowship and conversion also get better..

Medan - "Everywhere Evangelism"

To express their commitment in evangelism, single ministry in Center and West Region of Medan Church of Christ created their own slogan “ Everywhere Evangelism “

It encouraged every disciple in the group. Many of them studied the Bible with their friends and families. Their unity and eagerness were blessed with 6 baptisms. Let's pray for Medan Church of Christ to baptize more people this year. To God be the glory!

Manado - "A Future Filled With Hope"

As a victim of a riot caused by religion issue in Ambon, Engel had to move to a neighboring island, Ternate. But then the riot was expanded there, enforcing Engel to take refuge to Manado City. It never occurred on his mind about what had happened would be God's way for a better future for him. A future with hope. In Manado, he lived as a refugee. He entered a vocational public school there but he had to repeat his junior high level. He lived a tough life, trying to make a living by selling snack before and after school.

In the refuge camp, he met a disciple who studied the Bible with him. It took him only four days to decide to be baptized into Christ. Engel was very fruitful in his early year as a disciple. He baptized his sisters and not very long, his relatives joined his faith as disciple. After he made a list of friend, he started to pray for it .. one of his friends named Jansen was on the list.

Engel worked hard during his college years. He made it through and graduated with his bachelor degree in economic. He got accepted in a local bank named Bank Eksekutif where his friend, Jansen, also worked there. But they didn't share the same building, Jansen was in another branch in other town. Later on, the company needed Engel to handle their branch in a city where there's no church. No other way than a resignation for Engel to handle this matter. But God's way was the best one. The company then decided that there would be no more mutation, in fact, the branch where Jansen was stationed, was shut down and made him come back to Manado.

Jansen's life is a mess. He got married to Kiky when he was only 19 years old. They have a 5 yr-old son now. But the marriage is in ruin. Jansen is very rude to his wife. He often hits her, points a knife to her, even once, he pours out gasoline to her eyes. They were frustrated with their marriage. The think of ending it. But God uses Engel to reach out to them. They make time to study the bible and are willing to change. God transforms their marriage into something beautiful up to the point where Kiky can say that she is now enjoying the real married life.

There is a fact that Jansen was actually being prepared to become an elder in his father's local church. It was a great challenge for him to decide to be a disciple, but his wife Kiky, was totally determined and finally both of them were baptized on December 25.

Jansen and Kiky are put into family trials for many times due to their decision. The church also get threatened from their family. Jansen's family tell the church not to meet up with Jansen and Kiky anymore. But Jansen and Kiky become more fired up as they experience God's love in their live. Two weeks after their baptism, the couple was live on air in a local TV show for Married Couple. They shared how God changed their married life.

Engel is filled with so much joy. The year of 2008 was blessed abundantly by God. The ex – refugee got married with an awesome sister, Liana. He ended that year by witnessing the baptism of someone he enlisted in his dream book 8 years ago but he wasn't alone, because Kiky was there. Engel still serves as the song leader in the church. He and Jansen are now helping their co-workers to become disciples. God has given Engel a future with hope.. Glory be to God, amen.

Surabaya - "Greetings from Surabaya Church"

Dear brothers and sisters of North Virginia Church,

On this special moment, we'd like to thank you for all your kindness and support for us.

We realized that without your help, we all won't be here, knowing the truth and being part of God's Kingdom. We thank God for having you as our brothers and sisters who sacrifice wholeheartedly even during this global economic crisis. Although we never meet physically, surely you all have special place in our hearts. We are sure that you have the same level of love for us as well.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. May God bless our hard works in 2009. We are convinced that God will always count even our tiniest effort to be closer to Him. We believe, with the loving hearts of yours, incredible things will happen. We love you all!


Love,



Surabaya Church of Christ