MINI INDONESIAN WORSHIP SERVICE AT THE GKI LEMBAH YORDAN CONGREGATION COMMEMORATING THE 170TH ANNIVERSARY OF MISSIONARY SERVICE, THE 17TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PAR LEMBAH YORDAN, AND ENTERING THE 5TH YEAR OF THE NEW CHURCH BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Preacher: Rev. Frits Saparue, S.Si.Teol, M.Mis

Anniversary Sermon Scripture: Romans 1:16-17 (The Gospel is the Power of God) & Psalm 116:12-14

The commemoration of Missionary Service on February 5 is a celebration that coincides with significant milestones. The number 5 symbolizes an important phase, and the 70th year is considered the Jubilee Year, which signifies a year of liberation. Although the journey of proclaiming the gospel was slow, the gospel’s power has illuminated even the darkness of sin. Today, we witness this light as each tribe gathers in worship, wearing traditional attire and singing songs of thanksgiving according to their respective ethnicities.

Several ethnic groups presented praises during the worship, including Javanese, Batak, Sangihe-Talaud, Toraja, Maluku, Minahasa (North Sulawesi), and Biak (Papua). The GKI Lembah Yordan congregation is reminded to remain steadfast and not forget that it is only through the gospel that we have reached where we are today. The gospel unites us because it is the embodiment of God Himself.

As we mark five years of the construction of the new church building, we give thanks that today we can worship within it, even though it is not yet fully completed. We also celebrate the 17th anniversary of the establishment of the Youth Fellowship (PAR) of GKI Lembah Yordan, which laid the foundation for the formation of the GKI Lembah Yordan congregation, stemming from the Christian Education Hall of Lembah Yordan, the origin of this congregation.

Therefore, in this 170-year journey of God’s grace, we must express gratitude by living orderly lives, remaining faithful in congregational worship fellowships, and avoiding discrimination among one another. As a closing remark, whoever mentions Papua is essentially referring to the gospel, and whoever proclaims the gospel engages in spiritual warfare against the forces of darkness. (Van Haselt)