GSJA BSI BATAM

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Batam, GSJA BSI BATAM stands as a testament to faith. GSJA BSI BATAM’s story intertwines with the broader narrative of the Assemblies of God in Indonesia. The Assemblies of God’s roots in Indonesia trace back to the arrival of three missionary families in the years leading up to World War II. Kenneth and Gladys Short, Ralph and Edna Devin, and Raymond and Beryl Busby, each heeding a divine call, embarked on separate journeys to the then Dutch East Indies. Their shared mission was to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Kenneth Short, initially drawn to Borneo, arrived in Banjarmasin in 1936. He began his ministry in Pulang Pisau, a region along the Kahayan River. A pivotal moment occurred when Kenneth prayed for a blind man, who miraculously regained his sight. This event led to the conversion of Saridjan, the blind man’s brother, marking the first fruits of Short’s ministry in the region. Meanwhile, Ralph and Edna Devin established a mission base in Ambon, in the Maluku Islands. They initially collaborated with Job Silloy of De Pinkstergemeente in Nederlandsch Oost Indie. However, doctrinal differences led them to establish the Bethel Indies Mission in 1938. Raymond and Beryl Busby arrived in Medan, Sumatra, in 1939. Their initial association with the Bethel Temple Mission eventually led to their involvement with the Bethel Indies Mission. The outbreak of the Pacific War disrupted their ministries, forcing them to return to the United States. Following the war and Indonesia’s declaration of independence in 1945, the three families returned, this time as official missionaries of the Division of Foreign Mission of the American Assemblies of God. The Bethel Indies Mission, the precursor to the Assemblies of God in Indonesia, underwent a name change at its first congress in Jakarta in 1951. The legacy of these pioneering families shaped the foundations of GSJA BSI BATAM and the Assemblies of God’s presence across the Indonesian archipelago. Their dedication and perseverance laid the groundwork for the growth and expansion of the church, leaving an enduring impact on communities throughout Indonesia. GSJA BSI BATAM continues to thrive, a beacon of faith reflecting the unwavering commitment of those who first brought the message of hope to these shores.