After Pontianak (see our post: http://www.nac-indonesia.org/en/news/I-am-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life/) the District Apostle reached Palembang together with the Apostles Fred Wolf, Domingo Diagbel, Samuel Hadiwidagdo and Edy Isnugroho.
In our Palembang Church the Ministers and wives gathered for a divine service to strengthen the servants of God. “Let us follow the example of Apostle Paul, share his concerns, preach and teach as he did, the spiritual needs, the overcoming of life’s situations are today the same” the District Apostle elaborated on Hebrews 10:23-25. Make an effort and help our brethren to hold on to hope without wavering. Support each other in love and good work. All shall be encouraged to stay together to the last day. We profess our hope in the return of Christ, who will come to take His own unto Him. We acknowledge our hope in our own resurrection and the one of the departed. The hope in eternal life, fellowship with God and final victory of Jesus must live in us in order to encourage the Children of God.
In a festive divine service on Wednesday morning, members from far and near Palembang gathered. Pr Sastro Diharjo and Pr. Darto were granted well deserved retirement from their ministerial commission. Both man of God served for 34 years humble yet firm and diligently. Shepherd Supriyono was ordained as District Evangelist for the congregations in South Sumatra: Palembang, Jalur 13, Sungai Lilin, Pelitajaya, Cahaya Mas, Tulung Harapan and Talang Baru.
The Bible text for this sermon was from John 13, the 7th verse. Peter did not understand why Jesus wants to serve them by washing the feet. The disciples had to go through many experiences and eventually with the gift of the Holy Spirit they developed understanding more and more. We find ourselves often in such situations and cannot grasp the God’s activity with human understanding yet we do live in a time when faith is needed most. We believe in God’s love and trust Him even we do not understand Him always. Let us follows the example of Jesus by serving as He did, ourselves and our neighbour relevant to salvation.
Next stop was Yogyakarta. At our Gendeng Church the Ministers and wives from the Yogyaakarta Subdistrict have gathered on Saturday. “Apostle’s Ministry and Congregation” was the theme (Romans 1:11-12) and the sermon was based on “we believe in the mission God has given us with no excuses” (Jeremiah 1:7).
The District Apostle visited Apostle in retirement Yusak Saptohadipraytno and his wife.. It was a joyful encounter even though the Apostle is of ill health his heart is full of love for all the children of God he once served and assured the District Apostle of his daily prayers.
Another highlight was experienced on Sunday (12/3) at our Mangirejo Church, a congregation with over 100 years history. The retired District Elder Junam, a pioneer of many years celebrates his 80 birthday and together with His wife 50th wedding anniversary. The bible verse for the sermon from Psalm 147:1-4 was most fitting for the Golden Wedding Blessing. “Glory to God our Father. We praise God with thanksgiving for His offered salvation through His love and Grace. Let us proclaim it by forgiving others and praying for them.
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