GPDI Budi Mulia

Is it possible for a place of worship to be both a beacon of faith and a testament to resilience? The GPDI Budi Mulia in Jakarta stands as a testament to both. GPDI Budi Mulia is more than just a building. It’s a vibrant part of the Pentecostal Church in Indonesia’s story, a denomination whose roots trace back to 1921. The Pentecostal Church in Indonesia, or GPdI, boasts a membership in the millions today. But its beginnings were humble. Two missionary families from the Bethel Temple Church in Seattle, Washington, the Reverend Cornelius Groesbeek and the Reverend Richard Van Klaveren, arrived in Indonesia in 1921, planting the seeds of the Pentecostal movement. Their journey began in Bali, then moved to Surabaya in 1922, and finally to Cepu in 1923. In Cepu, their ministry truly ignited, drawing many Indonesian followers, including individuals like H.N. Runkat, J. Repi, and A. Tambuwun. These early converts became key figures, spreading the Pentecostal message throughout Indonesia. The movement’s growth was swift, and by 1924, the Dutch East Indies government officially recognized the “De Pinkster Gemeente in Nederlansch Indie.” This recognition paved the way for new churches to blossom across the nation. GPDI Budi Mulia carries on this rich legacy of faith and growth. The GPdI, like many organizations, has experienced its share of divisions throughout its history. Some of these divisions led to the formation of new churches, such as the GBI, founded by Rev. Ho Liong Seng (DR.H.L Senduk), who parted ways with GPdI in 1950. Similarly, Rev. Isaac Lew left in 1959 to establish GPPS, and in 1936, Missionaries R.M. Devin and R. Busby formed the Assemblies of God. These departures, while significant, did not diminish the GPdI’s continued expansion and impact. GPDI Budi Mulia, nestled in Jakarta, serves as a tangible reminder of the GPdI’s extensive network. The church’s presence contributes to the vibrant tapestry of faith within the city, reflecting the dedication and perseverance of its founders and followers.