Right here stands Gereja Bethel Indonesia. It is a beacon of faith for many Indonesian Christians. The church’s story is rich. It started with a vision to serve Indonesians abroad.
Let’s step back to 1994. Pastor Niko Njotorahardjo felt called to expand ministry to Singapore. His goal was clear. He wanted to serve the Indonesian community there. Pastor Jimmy Mulya moved from Batam to Singapore. He and his team worked hard. They established a vibrant community. This community brought people together through faith.
Gereja Bethel Indonesia is part of a larger movement. It is the Bethel Full Gospel Church of God. This church has roots in Indonesia. American missionaries spread Pentecostal beliefs there in 1921. Over time, the church grew. It faced challenges. But its faith remained strong.
In 1946, a split occurred within the Pentecostal Church of Indonesia. This led to the formation of Bethel Full Gospel Church. Later, in 1967, they considered uniting with the Church of God. However, disagreements arose. In 1970, they re-registered as Bethel Church of Indonesia. The government officially recognized it in 1972.
The church has seen remarkable growth. In 1998, it had 725,000 members. These members were spread across 1,320 churches. By 2012, there were 5,000 churches. They ministered to three million members. Around 100,000 members lived outside Indonesia. A large portion of the members are Indonesian Chinese.
Gereja Bethel Indonesia adheres to Pentecostalism. Its core beliefs include the Bible’s divine inspiration. They also believe in the Trinity and Christ’s dual nature. Baptism and communion are important practices. The church emphasizes baptism with the Holy Spirit. Divine healing is also key. It demonstrates Christ’s Resurrection Power.
The church trains future ministers. Bethel Seminary in Jakarta plays a vital role. It is joined by Kharisma school of theology. Several other institutions also contribute.
Now, consider the church’s rapid growth. In Batam, the church started with only 50 members. Pastor Niko sent musicians and preachers from Jakarta. This dedication fueled expansion. In 1999, they had planted 35 churches. These churches held 45 services each week.
Pastor Hanny Andries led the Batam congregation from 1996. He felt a strong calling. He established a 24-hour prayer tower in 1998. This prayer tower still operates today. It has significantly aided the church’s growth.
In 1999, Pastor Hanny visited Israel. At the Church of Multiplication in Tabgha, he had a vision. He felt God calling him to build a church. God revealed the building’s structure and name. The name “Tabgha” means “seven springs” in Greek.
Returning from Israel, Pastor Hanny continued his work. The congregation grew rapidly. From 200 members, it reached 2,500 in 2000. By 2007, it had 7,000 members. They faced challenges including a bombing on Christmas Eve in 2000.
Despite adversity, the church persevered. Miracles happened. The government sold them land at a very low price. They received building permits quickly.
The story of Gereja Bethel Indonesia is inspiring. It demonstrates faith, resilience, and divine provision. It started from a vision to help Indonesian citizens. The church continues to grow. It is a testament to faith and community.