Perhaps few know that Gereja Santapan Rohani Indonesia Jemaat Kebayoran Baru has a fascinating history tied to a global evangelical mission. Let’s uncover the story behind this house of worship. Gereja Santapan Rohani Indonesia means Church of Spiritual Food. This name reflects its mission to nourish the souls of its congregation.
The story begins with Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang. He was born in Shanghai in 1908. He dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel. Rev. Timothy felt a strong calling. He believed Chinese churches should support missionary work. This vision led to the creation of Ling Liang Church in Shanghai in 1942. This church served as the starting point for a global mission.
During World War II, the Ling Liang Church aided Jewish refugees. They had escaped Nazi persecution. The church provided food and Bible studies. These acts of kindness demonstrated their commitment to helping those in need.
In 1945, the Ling Liang World-Wide Evangelistic Mission was officially established. Its goal was clear. It aimed to spread the Gospel from Shanghai to the world. The mission expanded its work. They established churches and schools. They also created orphanages and nursing homes.
In 1947, Rev. Chuanzhen Lan and Rev. Moses Chou were sent as missionaries. Rev. Lan went to Calcutta, India. Rev. Chou was assigned to Jakarta, Indonesia. They ministered to Chinese communities abroad. They also reached out to local populations.
Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang established Gamaliel Christian University in Jakarta in 1955. A year later, he founded a training school for evangelists. His ministry took him around the globe. He led revivals and shared the Gospel across cultures.
Before World War II, Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang wanted to work in Indonesia. On September 5, 1941, a group of devoted individuals offered a house. It was located at Jl. Drossaersweg No. 185 in Batavia. Today, it is known as GSRI Jl. Tamansari 79 Jakarta Barat. It would serve as a place to honor God.
This marked the beginning of GEREJA SIDANG KRISTUS BATAVIA. Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang became the first pastor. He was also the founder of the church.
In December 1942, Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang began working in Shanghai. His goal was to spread the Gospel throughout the world. This became the motto for all Gereja Santapan Rohani Indonesia churches. They were ready to evangelize. They would send servants of God to Indonesia.
That is why Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang founded LING LIANG WORLD-WIDE EVANGELISTIC MISSION ASSOCIATION. Its headquarters were in Hong Kong. Gereja Sidang Kristus Batavia already existed in Batavia or Jakarta. It became the target of his evangelistic efforts. Throughout 1943, several brothers with the help of Rev. B.L. Ho. He also assisted in the ministry of Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang founded YAYASAN SIDANG KRISTUS BATAVIA. It was an independent organization.
In 1949, Ling Liang World-Wide Evangelistic Mission sent Rev. Moses Chow Chu Be from Shanghai. He was the first missionary to Indonesia. He was assigned to assist the Sidang Kristus Batavia ministry. He served as the pastor.
On August 5, 1950, the members of the Board of Trustees of Sidang Kristus Batavia agreed to change the name of the Foundation. It became the Ling Liang World-Wide Evangelistic Mission Foundation. The building was renovated. A new church building was constructed.
On November 25, 1950, the new church building was dedicated to God. This date has been designated as the founding date of GEREJA LING LIANG THANG.
Rev. Moses Chouw Chu Be pastored the Sidang Jemaat Ling Liang Thang congregation. It was later renamed GEREJA SANTAPAN ROHANI TAMANSARI. The period of 1949 to 1956 was important for the development of the GEREJA SANTAPAN ROHANI INDONESIA.
Gereja Santapan Rohani Indonesia Jemaat Kebayoran Baru emerged from this movement. It started as a chapel service. It was for students at the School of Evangelism Training. Though closed for 20 years, the building was returned in 1979. In 1981, the Institut Misi Alkitab Nusantara IMAN was established. Today, it is known as SEKOLAH TINGGI THEOLOGIA IMAN or STT IMAN.
Today, Gereja Santapan Rohani Indonesia Jemaat Kebayoran Baru continues to embody this vision. It strives to be a church of true disciples. It is committed to spreading the Gospel throughout the earth. Its vision is to have members who are true disciples of Christ. Its mission is to preach the Gospel to the whole earth. The church offers services and fellowship. These nurture the spiritual growth of its community. It stands as a testament to faith. It shows dedication and the enduring power of a global mission.