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The dedication of Gereja Kristus Batu Penjuru in
Tarakan at 5.00pm on the 26th February 2004 is a truly
historic event. The event is the fruit of the hard work, sacrificial
giving and unceasing intercession by St. Patrick’s Church in Tawau.
It is also testimony to the co-operation of the Diocese of Sabah,
the Diocese of Singapore and the St. Patrick’s Church.
The formation of the Province of South East Asia
challenge the members to mobilize resources to plant and grow
multi-lingual churches. |
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In response to the Great Commission, a team from St.
Patrick’s Church, Tawau made a trip to Tarakan. Three persons prayed
to received Christ.. The team sense that the door to the Gospel is
open and that we should follow up with another team to do evangelism
and perhaps to start a cell group and nurture the new converts.
A second team led by Archdeacon Albert Vun made a
follow-up trip a month later. The response was encouraging. A member
of the team who is from a Sandakan church paid a two-year lease for
a detached house.
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Ps. Flora Chong was posted to
Tarakan on the 15th August 2000 supported by a number
of team members from the second trip. A week later, Sunday
service is held in the premises with two elderly man and members
of the team. From such humble beginnings, the team followed the
model of the cell church. It is characterized by sustained
evangelism under girded by fervent prayer. Within one year, the
congregation has outgrown the living room that was used as a
worship hall. The search for bigger premises began in earnest.
A building was identified. The purchase of the building was
concluded in the middle of the year 2002. Reconstruction work
commenced shortly and the work on the new worship hall was
completed in November 2003. |
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A small team
left for Tarakan the day before to augment the Tarakan staff and
to help with the preparations and logistics for the dedication.
Overseas guest started arriving in Tawau on the eve before the
event in preparation of the journey from Tawau to Tarakan by
ferry.
The Rt. Rev
Dr John Chew, Bishop of Singapore who will officiate the event
was accompanied by a team of clergymen led by Canon Dr. James
Wong, the Dean of Indonesia. The Most Rev. Datuk Yong Ping
Chung, the Archbishop of the Anglican Province of South East
Asia who is also the Bishop of the Diocese of Sabah is
accompanied by his lovely wife Datin Julia Yong. All Saints
Cathedral of Kota Kinabalu is represented by Dean Koo Tuk Su.
St. Patrick’s Church turned up in force led by the Ven. Albert
Vun and his wife, priest and pastors, representatives of the
Parochial church council, intercessors and members who have been
involved in the work. Rev. Agustinus Titi, the Presiden of
Gereja Anglikan Indonesia flew in directly from Jakarta to
Tarakan. |
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A beautiful day dawn
on the morning of the dedication. The ferry left on schedule and the
ride was smooth and comfortable. Momentary dark clouds obscured the
horizon around noontime and a few droplets of rain descended. A few
quick prayers ascended to the heavens and strong winds scuttled the dark
clouds. The weather was beautiful as the congregation and guest started
arriving for the service. |
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The seats were quickly filled up and
had to overflow into the courtyard. The dedication service commenced
with the Bishop John Chew knocking on the door to allow the King of
Glory to enter. The keys of the church were handed to him by the
Ketua of the Majlis and he subsequently handed it over to Pastor
Flora Chong who is heading the work. The procession into the church
is led by the local Majlis followed by the Parochial Church Council
members from St. Patrick’s Church and the Sabah Diocesan Secretary.
This is followed by the ordained clergy in their robes and
vestments. The Archbishop Yong and Bishop John Chew brought up the
rear. |
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Bishop John Chew
preached from Psalm 133 expounding how beautiful it is when brothers
can dwell together in unity. It is a witness to the world and in the
days to come, Gereja Kristus Batu Penjuru that is so strategically
built on a hill will be like Mount Zion. It will draw all man to
the saving faith in Jesus Christ.
In the solemn
and worshipful atmosphere of the dedication service, there was also
light hearted moments when there was a mixed up in the giving of the
gifts. The whole service was conducted in |
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Mandarin and Bahasa Indonesia so there
was some confusion when those involved in the service spoke neither
language. |
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The service was concluded with the
celebration of communion which underscored the unity those in Christ
in spite of our diverse culture, race and background.
A feast was prepared for all who
attended the dedication. As we sat around enjoying the food and each
others company, it brought to mind the verse in Psalm 126: 5-6 that
those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out
weeping carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy carrying
sheaves with him. |
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We pray that the seeds sown in Tarakan
will continue to produce a bountiful harvest and may the Lords Name be
praised. |
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