GKI KANAAN PERUMNAS IV PADANG BULAN HOLDS ITS 23RD CONGREGATIONAL MEETING WITH THE THEME OF CHURCH INDEPENDENCE

Jayapura, November 15, 2024 - The Evangelical Christian Church (GKI) in Tanah Papua, Kanaan Perumnas IV Padang Bulan Congregation, held its 23rd Congregational Meeting in Jayapura City. The event, attended by 120 participants, carried the theme: “The Love of Christ Inspires Church Independence, Realizing Justice, Peace, and Prosperity.”

The meeting was officially opened with the beating of the tifa by the Port Numbay Classis Executive Board. This was followed by the presentation of participant badges and the handover of the gavel to the meeting’s leadership, symbolizing the commencement of the session.

Rev. Joice Tulaseket, Chairperson of the GKI Kanaan Congregation, stated that this meeting is a vital moment to evaluate the church’s ministry programs throughout 2024. “Through this meeting, we hope to generate new ideas to support the work programs for 2025. All participants are encouraged to actively contribute to the growth of the congregation and the enhancement of services for the people of Papua,” she said.

Rev. Joice emphasized that evaluating both accomplished and unachieved programs is crucial to planning for the future. The main focus of the meeting was on discussing the church’s work programs and budget for the continuity of the ministry.

Sara Levina Kafiar, Treasurer of the Port Numbay Classis Executive Board, explained that the congregational meeting is the highest leadership body within the church, as outlined in the GKI Church Constitution of 2022. The meeting’s duties include evaluating ministry programs, church income, and expenditure budgets, accepting the accountability report from the Congregation Council, and setting new programs and budgets.

“The meeting also formulates key recommendations for the classis and synod. These decisions will foster a culture of service based on values of faithfulness, perseverance, and obedience to faith, synergizing the efforts of the congregation, classis, and synod,” she explained.

Sara further highlighted that during the 68th anniversary of GKI in Tanah Papua, the church has faced numerous social, political, and legal challenges. She stressed that the church must act as a catalyst for justice, peace, and prosperity amidst these challenges.

“With this spirit, we aim to enhance service rooted in the synergy of thoughts, hearts, and actions to foster a new culture in this era of digitalization and modernity,” she added.

The GKI Kanaan Perumnas IV Padang Bulan congregation consists of 990 members spread across seven sectors: Galilea, Jericho, Bethel, Elim, Kana, Hermon, and Bukit Zaitun. The meeting was supported by a budget of IDR 64,522,100, allocated to ensure the smooth execution of the event. (*)