“A house of prayer for all nations.” That’s the feeling you get standing before Gereja GBI Altar Tabernakel. This church has a fascinating story. It started with a vision to serve Indonesian citizens in Singapore.
In 1994, Pdt Niko felt called to expand ministry to Singapore. He aimed to serve the Indonesian community living there. Pdt Jimmy Mulya moved from Batam to Singapore. He worked to grow the ministry with a dedicated team. They came from GBI Batam.
Let’s rewind a bit. The story of Gereja GBI Altar Tabernakel actually begins in Batam. In 1991, Pdt Niko Njotorahardjo started a ministry there. A year later, he received a powerful vision. It came from Isaiah 54:2-3. The passage spoke of enlarging the tent and expanding. Pdt Niko poured his energy and resources into this vision.
Initially, the Batam congregation had only 50 members. Yet, Pdt Niko faithfully sent musicians and preachers from Jakarta every Sunday. This dedication reflected the words of Isaiah 54:2. The church was first known as GBI Bethany Pulau Batam. Pdt Djoko Basuki coordinated the church from 1993 to 1995. Then Pdt Jimmy Mulya took over.
Back to Batam. In 1998, Pdt Niko envisioned a 24-hour prayer tower. Pdt Hanny felt strongly about this. He established the prayer tower that year. It has been running continuously ever since. The church experienced remarkable growth because of the prayer tower. Within four years, it planted churches in several Sumatran provinces. They also planted a church in Singapore. By 1999, there were 35 church locations. They held a total of 45 services each week.
In 1999, Pdt Hanny visited Israel. He went to a small chapel called the Church of Multiplication. It is located in Tabgha. This is where Jesus fed 5000 people with five loaves and two fish. The Holy Spirit impressed upon Pdt Hanny to pray for a church building. God gave him a vision of the building. He even revealed its name: Tabgha. The name comes from the Greek word “Septagon.” It means “seven springs.”
Returning from the Holy Land, Pdt Hanny continued to grow the ministry. The congregation grew rapidly. It increased from about 200 people to 2500 in 2000. By 2007, it had reached 7000 members. Baptism records show that over 20,000 people had been won for Christ.
The growing congregation created a need for a larger worship space. Finding suitable venues was challenging. The church often had to change locations suddenly. The spaces they used were rented to others. The church prayed continuously for a solution. The vision Pdt Hanny received in Israel seemed impossible to achieve. The church lacked the resources to build. They found a warehouse at My Mart Mall in Batam Centre to house the growing members.
On Christmas Eve in 2000, tragedy struck. The warehouse used for worship was bombed. Thankfully, no one was hurt. This event became a catalyst for miracles. The government granted the church the right to purchase land. It measured 8200 m2 at a very low price.
Initially, the church applied for permission to build a multipurpose building. But the permit was not approved. Instead, the application was lost. The church realized it needed to trust God for a church building. They reapplied for a building permit for a church. Miraculously, the permit was granted within three days.
During construction, God provided everything needed. This included funds. The bombing became a turning point. It led the church out of its limitations into God’s promise.
The night before the groundbreaking ceremony, God confirmed the name Tabgha. Pdt Timothy Abdul Rahim had a vision. He saw a fountain springing from the church’s land. It rose high and split into seven streams. These streams arched over the nations like bridges. A year later, this vision was fulfilled. Guests from many nations visited the church. They came to learn about prayer.
Today, Gereja GBI Altar Tabernakel continues to thrive. It prepares people to impact the city. Their goal is based on Matthew 5:14. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” This church stands as a testament to faith. It demonstrates vision and God’s provision.