Editorial
JAMES E. COSSEY
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Gereja
Bethel
I
T IS ALMOST 4:30 a.m. in Jakarta, the many islands of Indonesia, people
and I have been awakened by the (including Church of God members
Muslim call to morning prayer. It’s and ministers) live in abject poverty.
OK. I must be up early anyway; we Non-Christian religions and supersti-
are to be across this massive city in tions hold many in darkness and
just over an hour for the first of four bondage. Demon oppression and pos-
morning worship services at one of the session are realities to be dealt with
more than 500 local Gereja Bethel daily, requiring constant devotion to
Indonesia:
Indonesia [Church of God in Indonesia] prayer and God’s Word.
congregations. While I was in Indonesia, a local
This city is a flurry of activity as we newspaper quoted the Muslim president
leave the hotel at 5:15 a.m., but nothing as stating that if all of the wealthy Mus-
Our Partner
to compare with the nonstop movement lims in Indonesia would pay their proper
of buses, cars, pushcarts, and motorcycles support to the local mosque, they could
that characterized the previous days. At eradicate poverty in Indonesia. His phi-
in Ministry
6 a.m., a congregation of 500 people fills losophy isn’t new. Dr. Ho Senduk,
the church for the early service. What a national overseer of Gereja Bethel
service—characterized by fervent prayer, Indonesia for three decades, fostered the
dynamic singing of hymns and choruses, idea, and the Indonesian church still
THE CHURCH OF GOD IN
and the preaching of the Word! Follow- believes that reaching the affluent for
INDONESIA IS DOING A
ing preaching, there is again fervency in Christ and making them disciples pro-
MASTERFUL JOB OF EVANGE-
prayer as hungry men and women seek vides the talent and resources for reach-
LISM AND CHURCH PLANTING
God in response to the preached Word. ing the poor and lost. It is working.
IN JAKARTA. A FEW OF OUR
As our team traverses the city of Jakar- Through each local church, and through
ta and ventures out to surrounding areas, church agencies like Pastor Niko Njotora-
CHURCHES HAVE BEEN ABLE TO
including Sentul City, where a massive hardjo’s Foundation for Love and Care
BUILD BEAUTIFUL SANCTUARIES.
convention center has been erected by for Indonesian People (a partner with
OTHERS MEET IN HOTELS OR
the church (see photo on page 17), it is Operation Compassion), an impact is
OTHER RENTED FACILITIES.
obvious that the Church of God in being made by the Church of God, with
Indonesia is doing a masterful job of millions of dollars being invested in min-
evangelism and church planting in Jakar- istry to the poor and infirmed. But they
You are invited to visit the online
ta. A few of our churches have been able still need our help, and they cherish our
Evangel site at www.onlineevangel.org
to build beautiful sanctuaries. Others partnership.
and my personal blog at
meet in hotels or other rented facilities. This Evangel features a report on
www.jecossey.blogspot.com
Views expressed on my blog are my
Some of our ministers live in comfortable Gereja Bethel Indonesia. We believe you
personal views and do not reflect
homes and have professional careers. will rejoice as you see what God is doing
the views of the Evangel staff, the
Yet not all of the Church of God in through the 5,200 churches and 2.5 mil-
Church of God, or Pathway Press.
Indonesia, or all of Jakarta for that mat- lion members of the Church of God in
ter, is so blessed. In many areas, including Indonesia. Read and be inspired!
EVANGEL • JUNE 2009 3
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