“Did you know that Gereja Santapan Rohani Nusantara has roots that stretch back to Shanghai in the 1940s?” This church’s story intertwines with the mission of spreading the Gospel across the globe. Gereja Santapan Rohani Nusantara is part of a larger movement. This movement is known as the Ling Liang World Wide Evangelistic Mission Association.
Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang founded Ling Liang Church. It started in Shanghai. Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang felt a calling to share the Gospel. He wanted Chinese churches to support missions. In June 1942, Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang and his colleagues prayed together. They decided to name their mission Ling Liang Church. Ling Liang means spiritual food in Indonesian. Gereja Santapan Rohani Nusantara continues this tradition today.
The church quickly grew. By August 1942, the Ling Liang Church held Sunday services. They used classrooms for a seminary. This seminary trained pastors. The Ling Liang Church became the mother church for the Ling Liang World-Wide Evangelistic Mission. Branches sprang up in Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Suzhou.
During World War II, the church helped Jewish refugees. These refugees had escaped Nazi persecution. The church offered them aid. Two church members led Bible studies in English for the refugees. Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang held Sunday services for them. This continued until the end of the war.
In 1945, the Ling Liang World-Wide Evangelistic Mission officially formed. Its goal was to spread the Gospel. They started in Shanghai. They went to all of China. They even reached countries in the Far East. The mission expanded its work. It established kindergartens and elementary schools. They also built orphanages and nursing homes.
In 1947, the church sent missionaries abroad. Rev. Chuanzhen Lan went to Calcutta, India. Rev. Moses Chou went to Jakarta, Indonesia. They ministered to Chinese communities and local people. After 1949, the mission expanded further. They began work in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang founded Gamaliel Christian University in Jakarta in 1955. The following year, he established a training school for evangelists. These actions helped spread the mission’s influence. Today, Gereja Santapan Rohani Nusantara continues this legacy.
Each Gereja Santapan Rohani is independent. They make their own decisions about church policy and finances. Despite their uniqueness, they share a common vision. They aim to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. This mission is a vital part of Gereja Santapan Rohani Nusantara.
Before World War II, Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang wanted to work in Indonesia. On September 5, 1941, some believers offered a house for God’s work. This house became Gereja Sidang Kristus Batavia. Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang became its first pastor.
During the war, Rev. Timothy Dzao Zse Kwang was in Shanghai. He could not return to Indonesia. Pastors Lie Beng Tjoan and Jason Linn continued his work. In 1949, the Ling Liang World-Wide Evangelistic Mission sent Rev. Moses Chow to Batavia. He assisted Gereja Sidang Kristus Batavia.
On August 5, 1950, the church changed its name. It became Yayasan Ling Liang World-Wide Evangelistic Mission. On November 25, 1950, they dedicated a new church building. This date is celebrated as the founding of Gereja Ling Liang Thang. Later, it became Gereja Santapan Rohani Tamansari.
Today, Gereja Santapan Rohani Nusantara stands as a testament to faith. It shows dedication. It also highlights the enduring power of a global mission. The church’s history reminds us of its commitment. It serves as a beacon of hope in Jakarta. It connects to a worldwide community.