From its humble beginnings in a small shop house the Gereja Bethel Pembaruan Ekklesia stands as a testament to faith and perseverance. This Jakarta church started its journey on April 21 1996. Pastor Hengky So and Pastor Silfani So spearheaded its establishment. They were sent by Pastor S J Mesach to plant the Ecclesia congregation. The first service was held in a shop house in Taman Semanan Indah. Only about 70 people attended that initial gathering.
Sunday services became a regular occurrence. They were held at 7 am. Around 30 people attended each week. The church grew rapidly. Soon the small shop house could no longer accommodate the growing congregation. Prayers for a larger space were answered. Renovations began and were completed on April 21 1997.
The church continued to flourish. By May 1998 a second service was added. It started at 9:30 am. This growth however brought challenges. Non-Christian residents living outside the housing complex objected to the church’s presence. They sent a letter on May 31 1999. They demanded the church relocate within two weeks.
The congregation faced this threat with unity and prayer. They relied on Romans 8:28. The two-week deadline passed without incident. However the church was summoned to the local office. Negotiations were difficult. The church reluctantly agreed to a one-month extension.
Even with the extension the church failed to find a new location. Things looked grim. The church wrote to the West Jakarta mayor seeking help. Miraculously the mayor granted them a plot of land. The land measured 2154 square meters. It was located in Taman Semanan Indah. The land even included an existing building.
On August 8 1999 the church held its first service on this new property. They used the former marketing office temporarily. The church continued its remarkable growth. The temporary building soon proved inadequate. The decision was made to build a new church building.
Construction began in 2003. The new building was completed in 2004. It was officially inaugurated by the West Jakarta mayor. In 2005 the church was dedicated by the chairman of the Indonesian Bethel Church Synod. The Gereja Bethel Pembaruan Ekklesia’s story showcases God’s provision and the unwavering faith of its members. It’s a story of growth challenges and ultimately triumph.