Have you heard the story of a church born from a vision and a bombing? Gereja Bethel Indonesia Tabqha Eden Park stands here today. It is a testament to faith and resilience.
In 1991, Pdt DR Ir Niko Njotorahardjo began a ministry in Batam. A year later, he received a powerful vision. It was from Isaiah 54:2-3. Expand your tent. Lengthen your cords. Strengthen your stakes. This vision fueled his dedication.
Initially, only 50 people attended services each week. Yet, Pdt DR Ir Niko Njotorahardjo persisted. He sent musicians and preachers from Jakarta every Sunday. The church was then known as GBI Bethany Pulau Batam. Pdt Djoko Basuki coordinated the church from 1993 to 1995. Afterward, Pdt Jimmy Mulya took over.
In 1994, Pdt Niko expanded the ministry to Singapore. He aimed to serve Indonesian citizens there. Pdt Jimmy Mulya moved to Singapore to lead this effort. In 1996, Pdt Hanny Andries became the pastor in Batam. At that time, the congregation numbered around 200 people.
Then Pdt Niko received another vision. Build a prayer tower. It would guard the city and nation in 24-hour prayer and worship. Pdt Hanny established this 24-hour prayer tower in 1998. It continues to this day. The church experienced remarkable growth because of the prayer tower. Within four years, they planted churches in Sumatra and Singapore. By 1999, they had 35 locations with 45 services each week.
In 1999, Pdt Hanny visited Israel. He went to the Church of Multiplication in Tabgha. This is where Jesus fed 5000 people with five loaves and two fish. The Holy Spirit impressed upon Pdt Hanny to pray for a church building. God revealed the building’s structure and name. The name was Tabgha. It comes from the Greek word for seven springs.
Upon returning from Israel, Pdt Hanny continued his ministry. The congregation grew rapidly. From 200 people, it increased to 2500 in 2000. By 2007, it reached 7000. Over 20000 people had been baptized. However, many were contract workers. They returned to their hometowns after being baptized.
The growing congregation needed a larger worship space. Hotels lacked suitable rooms. The church often had to change locations suddenly. A warehouse in My Mart Mall became their temporary home.
On December 24 2000, tragedy struck. During the second Christmas Eve service, a bomb exploded. It was the first terrorist bombing in Indonesia. Miraculously, no one was hurt.
The bombing became a catalyst for miracles. The government allowed the church to buy land at a very low price. Acquiring a building permit seemed impossible. Initially, they requested a permit for a multipurpose building. But the request was lost.
The church repented for lacking faith. They reapplied for a permit for a church building. Miraculously, all necessary permits were granted within three days. No extra costs were involved.
Construction began. God provided everything needed. Even when finances were short. The bombing transformed from a disaster into God’s way of leading the church forward.
The night before the groundbreaking, God confirmed the name Tabgha. Pdt Timotius Abdul Rahim saw a vision. A fountain sprang from the church grounds. It split into seven streams. They arched over nations like bridges. A year later, this vision was fulfilled. Guests from many nations came to learn about prayer.
Today Gereja Bethel Indonesia Tabqha continues to thrive. It prepares believers and impacts the city. The church embodies Matthew 5:14. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.