Dear Brothers and Sisters, Today we have bid farewell to my predecessor, our District Apostle in Retirement ALFONS TANSAHTIKNO. First in Bandung for the funeral service attended by some 300 Brethren mostly from the Bandung region.
The Bible word was from
2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal”
Alfons Tansahtikno was a very determined personality. He knew his people and his country and had a clear vision to position the gospel in a surrounding often challenging. He was the earthen vessel in which the treasure of the gospel was carried. This earthen vessel we see no more, yet we turn toward the eternal, the invisible.
The second congregation gathered a few hours later at the crematorium in Karawang. Here another 300 came together, this time from the Jakarta region, for the last farewell and surrendering of the body to earth, dust and ash and commending soul and spirit to the love of Jesus Christ before the remains were handed over to authority for cremation. The quote from the Bible was
John 11:25 Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
This question, “Do you believe this?” Was answered by Alfons Tansahtikno with a clear YES. He believed from the beginning to the end in his life. We say good-by with the commitment, Yes, we believe in the life of the resurrection and thus we shall meet again.
Interesting was, that the hall was shared with other mourners, Chinese Buddhists, who also brought a coffin for cremation and finished their own ceremony. They did not leave when we came, and silently listened to our words of farewell and choir renditions. We went to greet them, unknown to each other, yet one in a moment of grief.
Alfons Tansahtikno did not want to be remembered on earth by a monument, a grave or a tomb stone. The family followed his wish and scattered the ash in the see. Away from the visible and temporary; turning towards the invisible and eternal. What a wonderful testimony!
Special thank you to District Apostle Andrew Andersen, who joined the ceremony and contributed with words of comfort and conveyed the message of the Chief Apostle:
On the occasion of his retirement Chief Apostle Leber wrote: “Filled with awe and out of a deeply rooted faithful heart he placed his life and work under the motto: “All that the Lord has spoken I will do!” As a loving and kind Shepherd of souls he tended and fostered the flock of Christ.” For quite some time our friend suffered under severe health problems. However, also in this very special trial he remained steadfast in faith and in his love to the Lord. We are thankful to the Lord that he now relieved him from all pain”
Thank you to Apostle Edy Isnugroho who officiated last Sunday night at the “closing of coffin” and Apostle Samuel Hadiwidagdo who conducted a comforting word service on Tuesday night at the funeral parlor.
“Farewell Alfons, Thank you for all your work, sacrifice, teaching and leadership. You fell ill and never could enjoy your retirement. You never complained when I visited you and in your suffering you were a fighter and a great example. Christ’s victory, is also your victory WE SHALL MEET AGAIN”
