“Where Rawalumbu meets faith” could be the motto of HKBP Maranatha Rawalumbu. Imagine a church born from a simple desire. The desire was to create a closer community for those in Rawalumbu. This is the story of HKBP Maranatha Rawalumbu.
In 1988, a group of Batak people gathered. They met at Japendi Purba’s house. The address was Jalan Apiunggun Raya Nomor 63. They wanted a fellowship. They wanted one for their children and youth. The closest HKBP church was Perumnas II. It was hard to reach. People needed two or three rides by public transport.
Japendi Purba took his child to HKBP Rawamangun for baptism on September 20, 1988. He spoke to Pendeta Dr WH Sihite about the community’s desire. He wanted a church in Rawalumbu. The priest agreed to hold a service.
On October 11, 1988, the first service was held. It took place at Jalan Apiunggun Raya. Three ministers from Rawamangun served. Pendeta Marpaung, Gr N Bancin and Sintua FTM Sormin led the service. Thirty-nine people attended including Catholics and Adventists.
After the service, they agreed on a name. The community would be called HKBP Rawalumbu. It would be under HKBP Rawamangun. They chose five deacons. Dapot Hutapea, Elman Silalahi, Sampetua Tambunan, Horas Rajagukguk and Jafendi Purba were chosen.
The first Sunday service was on October 16, 1988. This date became the church’s birth date. Dapot Hutapea preached. He was a theology graduate. His sermon was from Matthew 18:12-20. Twenty-eight people attended. The first collection was Rp 11,650.
Rawalumbu was a growing area of Bekasi. Many residents commuted to Jakarta for work. They were urban people from various ethnic backgrounds. They were diverse in education and economic status. They were also religious.
HKBP Maranatha Rawalumbu became the Bekasi XIX Bekasi resort. Ephorus HKBP Pdt Willem TP Simarmata inaugurated it. He also installed Praeses Distrik XIX Bekasi Pdt Manarias Sinaga MTh. The event was on Sunday, November 18.
The Ephorus unveiled the blue sign “HKBP Distrik XIX Bekasi”. He released balloons. Two children gave him a Bible and flowers. He signed a plaque. He released white doves.
In his sermon, Ephorus Pdt Willem TP Simarmata spoke. He said it was a historic day. He urged the congregation to be useful to others. He wanted them to bring peace to the community.
Pdt JAU Doloksaribu MMin leads the congregation today. He hopes the church brings coolness to Bekasi. He wants it to be salt and light. He quotes Jesus: “You are the salt and light of the world.”
Maranatha Kid’z Music (MKM) is also part of HKBP Rawalumbu. It is led by Dr Manogari Sianturi, S.Si, M.T. MKM faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. They needed a dedicated space for music training. Despite the challenges, MKM has produced talented musicians.
HKBP Maranatha Rawalumbu stands as a testament. It shows the power of community. It shows the strength of faith. From a small gathering to a established church. HKBP Maranatha Rawalumbu continues to serve. It serves Rawalumbu and beyond.