Borneo, the second largest island in the world, is indeed a huge territory. It consists of Kalimantan (Indonesia), Sabah, Sarawak (Malaysia) and Brunei Darussalam. The District Elder Yustinus Tukiman and his assistant DEv. Aris Kusnandar travel enormous distances to care for the little flock of some 300 souls mostly in small congregations and mission. Apostle Samuel Hadiwidagdo and Bishop Dwi Sulistyo Utomo who have responsibility for them are welcomed the District Apostle in Palangkaraya on Friday to meet the Ministers and their wives in in the evening. Matthew 20:28 was the bible text and many of the Chief Apostles thoughts in his Divine Service for Brothers in the ministry in Gendeng, Yogyakarta were reviewed and deepened.
30 years ago on 25th July, DA Hendra Tansahsami was passed away (refer to nac.today – Architects of the rebuilding process in Indonesia). “We remember our pioneers and forefathers with great thankfulness and love, yet we also have to look forward and continue their work to fulfill God’s will. I am sure they are still praying for us”, the District Apostle commented.
Divine service in our Palangkaraya church with Psalm 40:3 and in reference to the new song. The District Apostle said:
“Learn the new song now. A song of thanksgiving and of joy in Christ. A song of the zeal for the Lord and a song of forgiveness and reconciliation. A chorus, Jesus Christ the Director. Amazing sound if on right tune. We still need many a rehearsals until perfect harmony”
The last stop was in our Samboja church, near Balikpapan for the Sunday service. Exodus 33:18. His glory we find today in the Divine service by the presence of Jesus Christ. The glory of God can be seen in His goodness, because he does not want to punish sinners but that all are saved. In His love, because Jesus gave His life but also in God’s faithfulness which does not permit Him to stop the salvation work just because of our weaknesses and shortcomings. His glory is evident in Grace, we always get more than we deserved and last but not least, in His law which serves us to be preserved from evil and thereby allow the blessing.
34 guests of the Gereja Persekutuan Misi Injil Indonesia were coming to attend the divine service. The District Apostle greeted Pastor Emeritus Stephen Suwarno and Pastor Henrik Suratno and assured them of our good neighborly relation- and friendship.