“What does FGA Centre Penang really stand for?” I often hear visitors ask. The FGA Centre Penang’s story began in 1983. It started as Spring Tide Chapel at Spring Tide Hotel.
After some time, Spring Tide Chapel became Full Gospel Ministries. In March 1986, Full Gospel Ministries joined Full Gospel Assembly Kuala Lumpur. It then changed its name to Full Gospel Assembly Penang or Sidang Injil Sepenuh Penang in Malay.
In 1988, FGA Penang moved to an old cinema called Gala. This cinema was on Lorong Abu Siti near KOMTAR. The first worship service there was on Christmas Day. In 1989, FGA KL granted FGA Penang autonomy to be independent.
FGA Penang then became FGA Centre Penang. It registered with the Malaysian government. It also became a member of the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship or NECF.
FGA Centre Penang began offering Malaysian language services in March 1992. The initial goal was to serve students from Sabah and Sarawak. These students were studying at Universiti Sains Malaysia or USM. A few months later, Pastor Esther Toh and Pastor Eddie Fong connected with factory workers from Indonesia.
The first group they reached included Nurintan Siregar. She now pastors a church in GBI Panipahan, Riau. After that, they met a second group led by Mrs Ona Samosir. The third group was led by Mrs Ellis Sihombing.
In September 1992, the first Malaysian-Indonesian service started with 30 members. By mid-1993, the congregation had grown to over 120 people. This ministry has continued to grow. Today, it has twelve congregations with an average of 1100 members.
FGA Centre Penang is a cell church. It aims to advance God’s Kingdom based on the Bible. FGA Centre Penang values family. They believe the church is the family of God the Father. To apply this value, they cherish unity and harmony. They also encourage acceptance, love, blessing, encouragement and rebuke.
They encourage all members to join a Komsel cell group. Komsel is where family relationships are expressed. Leaders and spiritual mentors care for all members in Komsel. Pastors indirectly shepherd all members through these mentors.
Senior Elder Lim Heok Hooi says FGA Centre Penang strives to practice biblical values. These values include family, dedication, and faithfulness. He hopes everyone understands that FGA Centre Penang is the family of God the Father.
FGA Centre wants to serve, disciple and help you achieve God’s purpose in your life. They want every member to grow spiritually. This happens through God’s Word and being planted in a small cell group. Their main desire is for every member to prioritize God. They should prioritize His will in their lives. So worship with them faithfully. Participate in their activities.
The FGA first came to life in the home of Dr. and Mrs. Koh Eng Kiat in 1979. Dr. Koh, along with his brother-in-law Mr Ang Chui Lai, used to gather for prayer and worship. By early 1980, they moved to a shop house in Petaling Jaya. In December 1983, after purchasing the Goodwood cinema and doing minor renovations, they held its first service.
The church has grown spiritually and numerically. They have planted many satellite churches and outreaches. The Church has grown dramatically over the years. Thousands of people come each week to praise and worship the Lord. The growth of the Church is the work of God. God uses this mega Church to bless and influence the community.