Remember Sukabumi. Gereja Bethel Indonesia or GBI has roots there. GBI Jemaat Hidup Baru is part of a larger story. It is a story of faith and perseverance. It is a story deeply embedded in the history of Christianity in Indonesia.
The story begins earlier. It starts with missionaries from Bethel Pentecostal Temple Inc. They came from Seattle. They arrived in Indonesia. Rev Van Klaveren and Rev Groesbeek spread the Gospel. Groesbeek preached in Bali. He then moved to Cepu. He met Van Gessel.
In 1926, Groesbeek moved to Batavia now Jakarta. The congregation grew. The Dutch government recognized it. It was called De Pinksterkerk in Indonesia. In 1932, a church building was erected in Surabaya. A Bible school was founded. It was named Studi Tabernakel. In 1935, it became Sekolah Alkitab di Surabaya NIBI.
Fast forward to 1970. On October 6th, Pdt H.L. Senduk and others formed Gereja Bethel Indonesia GBI. This happened in Sukabumi. Senduk had previously been with GPdI. He separated and founded GBI. The government officially recognized the church. This recognition came through a decree. It was issued by the Minister of Religious Affairs. The decree number was 41. It was dated December 9, 1972.
Pdt H.L. Senduk served GBI Jemaat Petamburan. He was assisted by his wife Pdt Helen Theska Senduk. Also assisting were Pdt Thio Tjong Koan and Pdt Harun Sutanto. In 1972, Senduk called upon Pdt S.J. Mesach and Pdt Olly Mesach. They were to help minister at GBI Jemaat Petamburan. Pdt S.J. Mesach had been a pastor. He led GBI Jemaat Sukabumi since 1963. GBI continued to grow. It became a large Pentecostal charismatic church. It was not only in Indonesia. It spread internationally.
GBI believes in the Bible. Both Old and New Testaments are important. They believe in the Trinity. God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are three persons in one being. Jesus Christ is the only Son of God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit. He was born of the Virgin Mary. He was crucified. He died and was buried. He rose on the third day. He ascended to heaven. He sits at the right hand of God. He is Lord and King.
All humans have sinned. They have lost God’s glory. They must repent. They must turn to God. They must receive forgiveness. Justification and new birth come through faith. They come through the blood of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit makes it happen.
Those who repent must be baptized. It must be by immersion. It must be in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It must be in the name of Jesus Christ. Sanctification is the fruit of new birth. It is through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. The power of God’s Word and the Holy Spirit makes it happen. Holiness is a principle for Christians.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift. It is for those whose hearts have been cleansed. The initial sign is speaking in tongues. This is as the Spirit inspires. Holy Communion strengthens fellowship. It unites believers with God and each other.
Divine healing is available. It is in Jesus’s atoning sacrifice. It is for all who believe. Jesus Christ will return. He will raise the dead. They will rise in Him. Those alive will meet Him in the air. He will return with His saints. He will establish a thousand-year reign on earth. The dead will be resurrected. The righteous will rise first. They will receive eternal life. The wicked will rise later. They will receive eternal punishment.
GBI is part of a larger movement. It has spawned new synods. These include Gereja Bethany Indonesia. Others are Gereja Tiberias Indonesia. Also included are Gereja Berita Injil. Gereja Mawar Sharon is another. Gereja Suara Kebenaran Injil is also one.
GBI Jemaat Hidup Baru stands as a testament. It shows the enduring power of faith. It reflects the rich history. It embodies the vibrant spirit. It is part of the Gereja Bethel Indonesia.