Is it possible that a simple act of mailing newsletters could spark a religious movement? Gereja Pantekosta Isa Almasih Victory has roots that stretch back to the early 20th century. It began with the distribution of “Spade Regen” newsletters to the Dutch Indies now Indonesia. These newsletters spread Pentecostal ideas among Dutch settlers in Temanggung Central Java.
Gereja Pantekosta Isa Almasih Victory is part of a larger story. It is a story of missionaries and the spread of Pentecostalism throughout Indonesia. Two key figures Rev Cornelius E Groesbeek and Rev Richard Cick van Klavern arrived in Jakarta in March 1921. They came from Seattle intending to spread their religious beliefs.
These missionaries first ministered in Bali experiencing what they believed to be God’s miracles. In 1922 they moved to Surabaya. Rev Richard Dick van Klavern then established a mission in Jakarta at Pecenongan No 54. This mission expanded and a branch church opened at Patekoan now Jl Perniagaan No 39 in 1927. This location is now the site of Gereja Pantekosta Isa Almasih Victory.
Early leaders like Br Klerks and Zr Bowerr assisted Rev van Klavern. Pdt Lim Hong Seng stood out for his devotion. He took over the ministry in 1935. In 1969 Pdt Samuel Budhi continued the pastoral work. After his death in 2001 Ibu Pdt Dr Hanna Trijanti Budhi took over leadership.
Gereja Pantekosta Isa Almasih Victory is located on Jl Perniagaan 39 in West Jakarta. The GPIA Synod was established on July 28 1952. Today the church also runs schools including SDK Almasih SMPK Almasih and SMUK Almasih. Gereja Pantekosta Isa Almasih Victory stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and community. It reflects the journey of Pentecostalism in Indonesia.