Listen closely. Gereja Isa Almasih stands as a testament to faith and history in Jakarta.
Gereja Isa Almasih. It is also known as GPIA. It represents a group of Pentecostal Christian churches in Indonesia.
Let’s step back to the early 20th century. Missionaries Rev Cornelius E Groesbeek and Rev Richard Cick van Klavern became pioneers. They spread the Pentecostal message across Indonesia.
These missionaries embarked on a journey from Seattle. They sailed on the “Suwa Maru.” Their destination was Indonesia. It was January 4 1921.
They arrived in Batavia now Jakarta in March 1921. They then traveled to Bali. They ministered there for about a year and a half. They performed acts of faith.
In late 1922 the missionaries moved to Surabaya. Rev Richard Dick van Klavern then went to Batavia. Rev Cornelius Groesbeek went to Cepu.
Rev Richard Dick van Klavern started services in Jakarta. The location was Jl Pecenongan No 54. This ministry grew. A branch opened in 1927. It was located at Jl Patekoan now Jl Perniagaan No 39 in Jakarta.
Rev Richard Dick van Klavern had help at Patekoan. Br Klerks and Zr Bowerr assisted him. Pdt Lim Hong Seng also became a key figure. He was known for his faith. Pdt Lim Hong Seng took over the ministry in 1935.
In 1969 Pdt Samuel Budhi continued the pastoral role. After his death in 2001, Ibu Pdt Dr Hanna Trijanti Budhi took over. She continues to lead the church.
The General Secretary of Gereja Isa Almasih is located in Semarang. The address is Jl Pringgading 20 Semarang. The website is sinodegia.or.id.
Gereja Isa Almasih has several schools. These include SDK Almasih SMPK Almasih and SMUK Almasih.
Gereja Pantekosta Isa Almasih’s story began with missionaries. They arrived in Jakarta. They then spread their faith. The church grew. It became a Pentecostal presence in Indonesia.
As you stand here remember the journey. Remember the dedication that shaped this place. Gereja Isa Almasih stands as a beacon. It shines with faith. It offers hope in Jakarta.