Reverberating through Jakarta is the story of Gereja Pantekosta. It is a testament to faith hope and community. Let’s delve into the origins of this significant Pentecostal denomination in Indonesia.
The establishment of Gereja Pantekosta di Indonesia traces back to 1921. Two missionary families arrived from Bethel Temple Seattle USA. Rev Cornelius Groesbeek and Rev Richard Van Klaveren initiated this movement. Van Klaveren was of Dutch descent. He had immigrated to America.
Initially their ministry began in Bali. In 1922 it moved to Surabaya on Java Island. By 1923 the mission extended to Cepu a city known for its oil. In Cepu a BPM employee named F.G Van Gessel experienced a spiritual awakening. He was filled with the Holy Spirit. Many Indonesians followed including H.N. Runkat and J. Repi. Others were A. Tambuwun J. Lumenta E. Lesnussa G.A Yokom R. Mangindaan W. Mamahit S.I.P Lumoindong and A.E. Siwi. These individuals became pioneers. They spread the Pentecostal movement across Indonesia.
The movement grew fast. On June 4 1924 the Dutch East Indies Government recognized “De Pinkster Gemeente in Nederlansch Indie”. It became a legitimate association. The Holy Spirit’s power fueled the growth. New churches sprang up everywhere.
On June 4 1937 the government further acknowledged the Pentecostal movement. It became a church alliance. This recognition was based on the Statutes of 1927. Government decree No 33 changed the name. “Pinkster Gemente” became “Pinksterkerk in Nederlansch Indie”.
During the Japanese occupation in 1942 the name changed again. It became Gereja Pantekosta di Indonesia. At that time Rev H.N Runkat led the Central Assembly.
It is important to note several divisions. They led to new churches. Founders often came from GPdI ranks. Rev Ho Liong Seng founded GBI church. He and Rev Van Gessel left GPdI in 1950. Together they established GBIS. Rev Isaac Lew departed in 1959 and started GPPS. Earlier in 1936 Missionaries R.M. Devin and R. Busby formed the Assemblies of God. In 1946 Rev Tan Hok Tjoan split and created Gereja Isa Almasih.
The pioneers deserve recognition. Their dedication helped GPdI flourish. Rev H.N. Runkat worked across Java. In 1929 Rev Yulianus Repi and Rev A. Tambuwun along with Rev A. Yokom and Rev Lumenta spread faith in North Sulawesi. By 1939 Rev E. Lesnussa traveled from North Sulawesi to Makassar. In 1926 Rev Nanlohy reached the Maluku Islands. Rev Yoop Siloey followed.
Rev S.I.P Lumoindong went to Yogyakarta in 1928. In 1933 Rev A.E. Siwi ministered in Sumatra. In 1932 Rev R.M. Soeprapto aided services in Blitar. By 1937 he was in Sitiarjo South Malang. In 1935 Rev Siloey and others pioneered services to Kupang NTT. In 1930 Rev De Boer followed by Rev E. Pattyradjawane and A.F Wessel went to East Kalimantan. In 1940 Rev JMP Batubara worked in West Kalimantan. Rev Yonathan Itar pioneered the Pentecostal Gospel in Irian Jaya. Their sacrifices led to GPdI’s rapid growth.
Today Gereja Pantekosta di Indonesia continues to thrive. It is a living monument to the power of faith unity and dedicated service.