STFT GKI IZAAK SAMUEL KIJNE CELEBRATES ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GRATITUDE AND JOY

Jayapura, 21 September 2024 - Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Theologia (STFT) GKI Izaak Samuel Kijne celebrated its 70th anniversary in a deeply moving thanksgiving service. The service was led by two prominent alumni, Rev. Amel Waimuri and Rev. Chris Abaa, attended by thousands of congregants and guests.

The Chairman of STFT, Rev. Sientje Latuputty, a speech outlining a grand vision for the future development of this theological institution. She emphasized the importance of continually building a quality of faith and education that is relevant to the challenges of the times, while remaining a blessing to the people of Papua and the world.

The support from GKI congregations throughout Papua for this Dies Natalis celebration was truly remarkable. Some congregations donated food for approximately 1,000 attendees, while others contributed by bank transfer, demonstrating a strong sense of togetherness within GKI.

The participation of alumni in this year’s celebration was also very significant. Rev. John Baransano, a senior alumnus, led a fundraising initiative among attending alumni, successfully raising 300 million rupiah. In addition, alumni added to the warmth of the occasion by performing songs with their melodious voices during the gathering.

Representatives from 61 regional church districts (klasis) across Papua attended the celebration. The organizing committee, chaired by Rev. Anthon Rumbewas, can take pride in the success of the event, which had been filled with various activities since Monday.

As the celebration drew to a close, it wouldn’t have been complete in Papua without the presence of music and dance. Hundreds of STFT GKI Izaak Samuel Kijne Jayapura students, alumni, and guests joined together in the lively Yosim Pancar (Yospan) dance, symbolizing unity and boundless joy.

Seventy years have passed, and seventy times seven years lie ahead, full of hope. Happy anniversary, dear campus. Continue to be a blessing to Papua and the world.