Newapostolic events have a few things in common. There is an Apostle visit, serious work and deliberation with the Brothers, celebration of all sorts, joyful fellowships and then the divine services to which Brethren flock from far and near. It was no different in Malang (East Java), over the weekend of second Advent. Visitors were the District Apostle and the District Apostle Helper. The National District Rectors assembly, in Indonesia a legal church body, was in session on Friday 8th chaired by the GKBI President, DAH Edy Isnugroho.
The group was met by the District Apostle on Saturday morning and how could it be otherwise, his heart and mind was full of thoughts from the Chief Apostle about the fascinating subject of concept of ministry. Very spiritual it became in the Divine Service for Ministers and wives from the subdistrict Surabaya, Malang and Bali. John 13:15-17. “There is only one Master, that is Jesus, and He went very close to people, he shared life with them to share the will of God with all. He even went to such a length to take lowest servant position, washing of feet and admonished us to do likewise. He asked us to know these things and do them”
A choir, combined with voices and instruments from Surabaya, Bali, Genteng, Jombang and Malang presented a beautiful “Puji Tuhan” (Praise the Lord) concert. It was just amazing and tuned all in for the Sunday Morning service.
Sunday has come and over three hundred hearts gathered full of expectations. District Evangelist Setiardjo Tedjomartono entered into well deserved retirement. 44 years he served in the area where he was among the first members already in young years. Since 1997 he is leading the District which always required lots of long distance traveling besides his profession as Technics Teacher. Even when he developed medical problems he has not deviated from his calling and trusting God, he was fully convinced to recover which was also granted to him by the grace of God. His Apostle called him a diligent servant of God, serving and leading with true love and patience. The responsibility for this District was mandated to the Evangelist Budi Tjatur Prasetijo, a medical Doctor by natural profession.
Another highlight of the service was the bestowing of the Diamond blessing upon the 60th wedding anniversary of Brother and Sister Djoniman Goutama, the parents of Sister Yolanda wife of Bishop Samuel Tansahtikno. They belong to the pioneers and founding members of Malang congregation dating back to over 60 years. First services were conducted in the house of mother Heilmann. These were the days with dutch connections. Still today there are members in the Netherlands originating from Malang. Also the congregation has a diamond status.
The sermon was based on Isaiah 42:9. “God made promises in old- as well as in new testament times. Intellectually they were hardly explainable and at times did not make much sense to human understanding. Yet those who believed were full of hope and God never disappointed them. Also promises still valid today, the return of Christ, cannot be really explained yet it will happen.
