Imagine a humble beginning in 1948 Jakarta. It was a time when a couple named Tan Wang Kwie and I Heng Nio Alias Ruth Uriatie spread the Gospel. They preached about Jesus Christ in Jatinegara Timur. This area was once known as Master Cornelius Jakarta.
Tan Wang Kwie and Ruth Uriatie shared the Gospel. They held prayer meetings in homes. Their service was simple. Yet, their testimonies were filled with Christ’s love. The spirit of Pentecost accompanied them. Many souls were won for God. Miracles happened. People received divine healing. Believers in Jesus increased. The couple sought a suitable place for worship. They lacked funds to rent or buy land. So, they prayed with the new believers. Some even fasted. Soon God answered their prayers.
A woman named Go Kim Nio offered her home’s front porch. She was the aunt of Tan Wang Kwie. The location was at Jatinegara Timur No. 89 Jakarta. Initially, only eight people gathered. The congregation grew to dozens. Prayer meetings evolved into public services. Sunday school for children also began.
The ministry prospered. In early 1950, another miracle occurred. God moved Go Kim Nio to donate land. It was next to her house. She gave it freely to build a church. The congregation still lacked funds. Yet, Pastor Tan Wang Kwie and his wife continued praying. They sacrificed everything they had. God provided. A simple church building was erected.
In 1951, the Gereja Sidang Pantekosta di Indonesia became a legal entity. It registered with the Department of Religion. Its headquarters were in Jakarta. Pastor Tan Wang Kwie became the chairman. Ouw Eng Goan served as the General Secretary.
In September 1965, the first major conference took place. It happened in Jakarta at the church building. Congregations from Mojokerto, Jati Pasar, and other cities joined. Leaders from those congregations also participated. The growing membership led to drafting better church laws. They improved the organizational structure of the Gereja Sidang Pantekosta di Indonesia.
Pastor Tan Wang Kwie remained Chairman I. Pastor Oh Tjie Sien became Chairman II. Ouw Eng Goan continued as General Secretary. The church expanded its ministries. It included welfare, education, and evangelism.
The Gereja Sidang Pantekosta di Indonesia continued to advance. However, in 1966, Pastor Tan Wang Kwie passed away. This faithful founder completed his earthly mission.
After the first conference, the church experienced rapid growth. Each subsequent conference saw more congregations and officials. The Gereja Sidang Pantekosta di Indonesia expanded. It extended its reach to Sumatera Utara and Riau.
In 1967, the church opened Immanuel Bible School in Mojokerto. Despite challenges, it produced many pastors. They served within the Gereja Sidang Pantekosta di Indonesia and other organizations.
In 2001, the Gereja Sidang Pantekosta di Indonesia celebrated its 50th anniversary. It faced challenges. Yet, Jesus Christ defended and sustained it. Today, it has numerous autonomous churches.
The Gereja Sidang Pantekosta di Indonesia recognizes the importance of legal compliance. It operates under Indonesian law. The organization maintains its statutes. These guidelines ensure unity and holiness. They uphold the church’s role in the Body of Christ. The Gereja Sidang Pantekosta di Indonesia continues its mission. It thrives through faith and perseverance.