Dedication of Gereja Kristus Batu Penjuru (Tarakan, Indonesia)

 

 Doing God’s work God’s way by Rev. Terry Wong
 26 Feb 2004

On 26 Feb,  Archbishop Yong Ping Chung and Bishop John Chew were at the dedication of the new building belonging to the 3-year old Gereja Kristus Batu Penjuru in Tarakan, (Kalimantan) Indonesia. This new church is a part of Gereja Anglican Indonesia (GAI), which at the moment is under the responsibility of the Diocese of Singapore. I was there mainly to explore our possible involvement in other towns in Kalimantan.

 

Apart from being a “textbook success”, this church planting work reflects a inherent strength

within our Anglican family. Present at the dedication service were clergymen and lay leaders from Sabah, Singapore and Indonesia. The church was planted by St Patrick’s Church. It is in no small part due to the dedicated ground work by Pas Flora and the close support from her Vicar, Archdeacon Albert Vun and his Missions Director, Philip Lo (who spoke at our 11.15 am Service last year). Yet unselfishly, the work and property was handed over to GAI. At the service, her representative, Rev Augustinus Titi (from Jakarta) said that the sense of family within the Anglican church has been a unique experience. We rejoice not just at a successful work planted, but the manner in which it was done. Present at the Service were also some local pastors and it is also our desire to tell them that this church is there not to compete but to support and enhance the ministry in the town even more.
 
I left the place feeling even more appreciative of the spirit and sense of family that we need to capture in a selfish, parochial and ego-centered world. Selfless cooperation is the way to go – not just because it simply makes more sense, but because it is the way of Christ. As I think of the coming Alpha Initiative, Peace Iran, our involvement in Vietnam or Indonesia and the Kindergarten work, it is my prayer that these projects will not only be successful on their own terms, but solidly reflect the nature of Christ in the way they are done – unselfish, church-based but not church-bound, with a kingdom perspective and consumed only by the passion for His glory. And those involved must cultivate a spirit of humility and love. It does not matter - whether we are playing a leading, supportive or anonymous role - as long as the work of the Gospel grows.
May we learn to do God’s work in the spirit of Christ.

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