Remember that Sunday morning in 1980? The newly formed GKI Kayu Putih Jakarta held its first service. Eighty-five people gathered. They worshipped in a borrowed room. It wasn’t much but it was home. The GKI Kayu Putih Jakarta. It began as a small congregation. Part of the larger Indonesian Christian Church Synod. This Synod has a fascinating history. It’s a union of three previously independent churches. East Java’s GKI joined in 1934. West Java followed in 1940. Central Java’s GKI joined in 1945. These churches had different roots. Some linked to Dutch missions. Others connected to Chinese Evangelical groups. Despite these differences they merged. They formed the GKI the Indonesian Christian Church Synod.
The GKI Kayu Putih Jakarta was the 45th congregation. It started humbly. It met in a space called Pondok Sentosa. This was a guest house. Sunday services were the highlight of their week. But weekday activities were limited. The choir Sentosa practiced. There were small fellowship groups. Visits to the sick were made. Even youth and children’s services happened in people’s homes. This was their reality. The GKI Kayu Putih Jakarta.
They faced a challenge. Pondok Sentosa was no longer available. But God provided. In April 1984 they laid the cornerstone for their own building. The GKPS church generously offered their space. The congregation grew to 115 members. They decided to fund the construction themselves. It was a bold decision. They believed God would provide. The congregation worked together. They showed amazing unity. Some secretly kept their vows. Others gave loans to the church. Many loans were never repaid. They became offerings. In 1986 the building was finished. The GKI Kayu Putih Jakarta finally had a home.
The new building seated 500. They initially thought 350 would be the limit. But God had other plans. The GKI Kayu Putih Jakarta grew far beyond expectations. Today it’s a vibrant community. It’s a testament to faith. It’s a beacon in Kayu Putih. The GKI Kayu Putih Jakarta. A story of humble beginnings. It’s a story of remarkable growth. A story of faith triumphing over challenges. This is the GKI Kayu Putih Jakarta. A church that exemplifies unity. It shows the power of collective effort. It is a living example of faith. The GKI Kayu Putih Jakarta.