What began in 1955 continues to this day at GBI Jemaat Mangga Besar. This church has a rich history. It has evolved through generations of dedicated leadership.
GBI Jemaat Mangga Besar started as GBIS Gang Talib. The location was Mangga Besar XI/21. Other locations included Angke and Karawang. Reverend Musa Djuarsa, also known as Tjoa King Bo, was the first pastor. He served from 1955.
After his passing Reverend Thomas Empidjaya, also known as Tee King Liang, took over. He became the second pastor. The third pastor was Reverend Jusak Djunaedi Widjaja, also known as Oei Yok Djoen. He passed away in 1987 during a Sunday service. This service was at Gereja Gang Talib, now known as GBI Ketapang Utara. He died at the pulpit.
In 1987 Reverend Lukas Suganda became the pastor. He continues to lead the congregation at GBI Jemaat Mangga Besar today. Reverend Lukas Suganda and Reverend Hanan Alimin were invited to Sukabumi in 1970. Reverend Jusak Djunaedi Widjaya invited them to establish GBI. The first leader of GBI was Reverend DR.H.L. Senduk, also known as Ho Liong Seng. GBI has expanded from Sukabumi to all corners of the earth.
Reverend Petrus Soeganda will be ordained on April 16, 2023. Reverend Kiky Tjahjadi will conduct the ordination. Reverend Petrus Soeganda is the fifth generation of leaders. His daughter, Pdm. Paula Wahyuni Soeganda, serves in Sydney Australia. She is at GBI Macquarie Park Sydney Australia. She serves with her husband Reverend DR. Jonathan Darma. Their sons Pdp. Chenaniah Darma (Ken) and Jeremiah Darma also serve there. Reverend Petrus Soeganda’s second child, Markus Soeganda, serves at CLC. He serves with May Soeganda and Olivia Soeganda. They are staff to Reverend Agus Rahardja.
Today Reverend Petrus Soeganda, Pdp. Yuni Haryanti, and Irene Patricia Soeganda serve together. They faithfully serve God alongside other servants at GBI Mangga Besar. GBI Jemaat Mangga Besar continues to offer worship services. It provides a space for the community to grow in faith. Weekly services include sermons and Bible reading programs. These programs help members deepen their understanding. The church uses worship piano instrumentals. These instrumentals aid the congregation during moments of reflection. The church also focuses on memorizing Bible verses. These verses like Matthew 28:19-20 provide guidance.