26 mission spark december 2013 edition

Mission SparkMission Spark

UEM ASIA Department December 2013 Edition

Merry ChristmasMerry Christmas

Mission Spark

Edition Thema

Mission Spark [ 01 ]

As we approach the end of 2013, it was the time in which has been longed for by Christians all over the world. The time for Christmas and New Year is always welcomed happily and enthusiastically, as if we do not miss the final echo of the end of the year, and many people have already prepared everything although December is still about to come.

In some places, people choose to celebrate Christmas before Christmas itself lasts and still in the waiting period. Enthusiasm to celebrate Christmas and New Year was remarkable. Regardless of the length of holidays for Christians and a longer time to gather with family, it can not be denied that not everyone can celebrate as it is expected. Natural disasters that come in a sudden and shocking course requires victims

are ready to celebrate Christmas in such a condition.

The eruption of Mount Sinabung is still issuing smoke and hot lava. No fewer than 17,000 refugees live in camps which would bring about a change from their normal lives. Elsewhere, Haiyan typhoon victims try began to rise from adversity terrible typhoon that hit their area. Loss of property and even family is not easy to face but life must be pursued, and even the neighboring countries to actresses still continues to seek help for the victims.

Despite the suffering, distress, and loss are always avoided by everyone but disaster can never be predicted by humans, it is a part of life that must be faced by anyone. Quite often it is regarded as a barrier to enjoying the comfort of this world. So that people do not stop complaining to God and as "commissioned" God to immediately resolve the things that interfere with well-being. A summon of PGI and KWI 2013 " Come, O The King of Peace (Isaiah 9:5) ", became the theme for the echoed for every Christian everywhere. This theme is very relevant, as disclosed therein invocation and expectation of the coming of the One with Peace and Justice Enforcement. This prayer echoed by the realization in any situation, in the end, "Almighty God, The Everlasting Father, The King of Peace ", it is He who has authority over this world.

Through this Christmas theme, again reflected the meaning of Christ has been born for us, who has declared the work of justice and peace in the world, which gives hope of eternal life through His coming as a Fair Judge. The spirit of this theme is also in line with the resolve of Churches - world who want to uphold justice, because true peace is not going to be noticeable without the enforcement of justice. Thus, sufferings, losts, sicknesses, and even disappointments continue to remind us that there is no reason not to rely on the authority of the owner of this world and life, it's the King of Peace. The example of the Apostle Paul to remain joyful in hope, patient in tribulation and persevere in prayer, can be done though is in the toughest conditions. Christmas would provide a support to us all. Not for a speedy recovery from illness and injury, nor to make God as a restorer, but it will echo us to mortality life. But may God give his grace to sustain us, give love and make all the suffering as a living friend so recovery and eternal life has been given through His birth can be echoed in every heart.

Merry Christmas 2013 and welcome the New Year 2014 !

JOY in DISASTERBy: Rev. Dr. A.A. Yewangoe (The Chairperson of PGI)

ProgrammeJoint Program


My first meeting with UEM was when I was asked to attend a training in M a l a n g . T h a t t i m e , I h a d n o u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e U n i t e d Evangelical Mission (UEM), what organization it is and on what activities it is involved, but then I know UEM as well, after I attended the training of trainers on Christian - Moslem Dialogue for a month in Malang .

After Malang, my friends and I have a commitment to spread the spirit that

we got from the training to the students and youth in our area, specifically by doing it through discussion but in the beginning we got confused, because we thought whether they can accept our idea or they can be our partners in carrying out the spirit of our vision and mission, then after a few times, we finally got a partner who also had similar vision with us, they are some students who are members of the Christian youth in a Christian organization.

Then we finally agreed to conduct activities, and we agreed to hold a small training named A Peace Camp. The Peace Camp is an activity conducted openly in the open nature conducted in order to make a tight relationship among different religion, culture, and belief, and we focused on forging cadres of youth to live in harmony .

The first Peace Camp was held on 7-10 February 2011 in Sayum Sabah, attended by 50 participants (25 Muslims and 25 Christians ), the continuation of the peace camp is a weekly discussion and social events, but we found a little problem post a peaceful camp, especially for Muslim friends, because there is negative news from one of the fundamental organization of students on campus, but the at the next year we still held the second peace camp, held on 27-30 February 2012 in Bukit Lawang, and finally we conducted the third camp in Asrama Haji Medan from 28-31 March 2013.

From a series of the peace camp held for three consecutive years, it proves that we have the spirit and commitment to establishing good relations between Muslim and Christian youths.Noticing our passion and effort, UEM finally invited us to come to Interfaith Evaluation Conference held in Sukamakmur, North Sumatra. This activity was attended by 22 participants from Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, who are the alumni from the training in Malang in 2010 , Davao in 2011 , and Sri Lanka in 2012. In this conference, all participants are given opportunity to share their respective experiences during the previous training , and expresses the changes , the learning and the constraints that they get after all trainings .

We would like to thank the UEM for the good opportunity that has been given, especially to Ate Susan Claro, the resource persons from the Philippines who has guided us during the evaluation conference .

Malang, a beginning of a changeBy: Purjatian Azhar

Graduate Student of Islamic University (UIN) Sunan Kalijaga Jogjakartaand an alumnus of Training of Trainers on Christian-Moslem Dialogue, Malang

ProgrammeJoint Program


Personal capacity building is really needed to develop themselves in their respective fields, as well as Punguan Christian Batak Church (GPKB) based in Jakarta who has conducted this program as God entrusted to the church.

To be fulfilled the quality of the Pastor's ministry, GPKB is in cooperation with GKJTU (North central Javanese Christian Church) and United Evangelical Mission (UEM) to implement the training workshop for GPKB pastors and wives started from 5-8 November

2013 in Kabanjahe.

Pastors are taught to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats existed in the side of GPKB. After getting the analysis method, the pastors get to know the extent to which the existences of GPKB or the respective ministry places of each pastor who were present that time.

Not only the Pastors who got supplies for the progress of the services, instead wives of Pastors also got the knowledge to assist their husbands (The Pastors). HIV/AIDS Consultant, dr.Ria Lumbangaol also gave a briefing about reproduction health and the issues on HIV/AIDS.

Beside the training, the Pastors and their wives a long with the supervisors held a visitation to see the victims of the earth disaster of Mount Sinabung Eruption, that visitation was a form of solidarity to the victims especially the congregation of GBKP who were located surround Mount Sinabung.

At the end of the meeting, GPKB made a commitment to implement another meeting to equip the Pastors in the future.

We express our deepest gratitude to UEM and GKJTU (Rev. Petrus Sugito and Rev. Heru) for all the assistances given to the success of this event.

Training Workshop of GPKB Pastors and Wives By: Rev. P. Pitonggam L. Tobing, M.Th/General Secretary of GPKB

HIV AIDSProgramme


HIV AIDSProgramme


Through over the calling of hearts of every PWHA assisted by AIDS Committee of HKBP who are existed from various church denominations such, GKPI, GKPS, HKI, Pentecostal and apart from HKBP. This Retreat was implemented from Friday-Sunday, 1- 3 November 2013 at Hermina Hotel Parapat with the purpose of strengthening all PWHA assisted by AIDS Committee of HKBP, so that they can realize that everyone is precious in the sight of God as the theme of Spiritual Retreat “I am precious in the sight of God”.

The activities was run well, in the form of sharing, discussion, brainstorming, role play and meditation. On the first day Rev. Mori Sihombing, MTh provides Pastoral guidance with 4 messages such:1. Do not be discouraged2. We have to fight3. Do not lost the day before pray, and give thanks goodness always4. Pull out all the positive powers for your recovery

Whereas on the second day was led by Rev. Debora Sinaga, MTh by discussing “I am precious in the sight of God”. This session was performed with the methods of participatory, dialogue and preaching. The participants realize that they are precious in the sight of God, hence doing the God's will as our thanksgiving. At night and the next day, the participants were having excursion around Lake Toba and Samosir Island.

Thanks to the Lord Jesus who has organized the life of every human being as every person with HIV are also loved by the Lord.

Retreat of PWHA assisted by AIDS Committee of HKBP By: dr. Ria Lumbangaol

HIV AIDSProgramme


GKPI, as a church is concerned about the social problems in the neighboring society, taken part in the HIV / AIDS International Day, on Sunday, December 1, 2013. GKPI participated in various ways like through reading The Circular Letter of the UEM in the churches during the Sunday worship and also through the action of solidarity and presentation/testimony conducted in one of the churches.

And GKPI Tomuan is elected as the church to commemorate the National AIDS theme called " Protect Workers, Family, and Nation ". The reasons for the selectiing GKPI Tomuan is beacuse the church itself asked for it . This illustrates that there has been a good awareness from the church members against the dangers of HIV / AIDS .

The Sunday Sermon was delivered by the Director of The Community Services & Development of GKPI, Rev. Edwin Sianipar , S.Th., MBA. In his sermon, He explained that the church should not participate in the formation of both stigma and discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Instead, the church should be actively involved in giving attention, care, and strengthening, including the empowering them.

After the worship, the congregation listened to a brief presentation from the Director of LPPM, dr. Grace Nasution, and one of the PLWAs who is becoming the supported people in Pondok Kasih. And Rev. Edwin Sianipar briefly describe the profile of the Lembaga Pelayanan Pondok Kasih.

He explained that the institution is an institution established by three churches, namely HKI, GKPS, and GKPI in tackling HIV/AIDS . The institution has conducted some services like supporting PLWA and PLWHA located in North Sumatra, first there were 15 people, but now 11 people, since 4 others had died. The Board of the institution now are Rev. Erni Purba, M.Th from GKPS as the chairperson , Rev. Edwin Sianipar from GKPI as the Secretary, and Rev. Salome Nainggolan , S.Th from HKI as the Treasurer.

The PLHA also gave witnesses and testimony. Her initial is DP, 34 years old and also she is an assisted residents of Pondok Kasih. DP told the conggregation that in the beginning she did not know if she has been infected with the HIV virus. In fact, she used to be a nurse at one of the nurses in a dental clinics in Bandung, West Java. However, this work is what led to her contracting the deadly HIV virus. Once when she took care of a patient without wearing any safety gloves. She got infected by HIV/AIDS after dealing with patients who was wounded and infected her through her sensitive. After knowing that she has been infected by the virus, She became worse. Moreover she received the stigma and discrimination not only from the society, but also from her own extended family. However, she was relieved that her husband and children still remain faithful to her side and they are not infected with HIV / AIDS. As PLWA, she and her family are not becoming despair and hopeless, and she felt even stronger after she joining the Pondok Kasih.

After listening the testimony, some 150 young people and adults doing march in solidarity against the dangers of HIV / AIDS. They were carrying banners and posters containing suggestions, concerns, and motivations in an effort to protect workers, family, and the nation of the dangers of HIV / AIDS. Director LPPM GKPI, Rev. Edwin Sianipar stated that this action is a manifestation of our solidarity (GKPI members) against PLWA and PLWHA. The purpose is to reduce the high percentage of PLWA, particularly in Pematangsiantar .

International HIV/AIDS Day of GKPI Tomuan, Pematangsiantar.By: Vicar Theodorus Benyamin Sibarani, S.Si-Teol.,M.Kesos

HIV AIDSProgramme


1 December marks World AIDS Day 2013 – an international day for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV by raising awareness and showing support for people living with the disease. This concept was originally conceived at the meeting of World Health Ministers on the programs for AIDS Prevention in 1988. “Protect the workers, families and the country”, thus the national theme in World AIDS Day 2013 which celebrated simultaneously in all regions in Indonesia.

This theme is a series of theme from last year with the exclamation "Protect Women and Children from HIV-AIDS". The word protect is a call to invite every person without exception to be involved in saving the life of every human being from the threat of HIV and AIDS virus. The transmission has shifted towards the housewives. It has threatened the sustainability of the family life, even when the transmission is not detained, then later on there will be more and more children are exposed to HIV and AIDS.

Save the generations, right now!In this year, the National theme is growing more, in addition to the families then the workers and even the country are consisted in the part that must be protected from the threat of HIV and AIDS.

By protecting the workers and the country then it will save the development in each sector both in the community and in the church. What is the world's theme on this AIDS Day? “Getting to Zero” is the theme selected by the World AIDS Campaign (WAC) to commemorate this year's World AIDS Day on 1st December. It means zero to the discovery of new HIV cases, zero on stigma and discrimination, and zero deaths due to AIDS.

Let us know the cases of HIV-AIDS briefly in all over the world up till this year, there have been reached 43 million people. In Indonesia reached 152.267 per September 2013. Most cases are found in women. More and more women founded with HIV will increase the cases of HIV AIDS on children in a few years later. It is one of the threats to the sustainability of the church's life. The body of the churches have been infected a lot even have been at the stage of AIDS, and there are already who have been passed away.

Then through World AIDS Day, December 1, 2013 we were invited to give support to PLWHA (People Living with HIV and AIDS) and PLWP (People Living with PLWHA). The church must rise up and take part in the prevention to HIV and AIDS and bring the kingdom of God in the midst of PLWHA.

STOP AIDS till here!

WORLD AIDS Day, Sunday 1 December 2013


PartnershipProgramme

The partnership Meeting between GKI-TP and GKJW focuses on drafting MoU has been held on December 3-5, 2013 at Baliwiyoto Malang, GKJW head office. There are 11 participants attending this meeting: Rev. Tjondro F. Gardjito (GKJW Chairman), Rev. Sumardijana (GKJW Vice Chairman), Rev. Abednego (GKJW General Secretary), Rev. Retnosari (GKJW Deputy General Secretary), M r. E n d a r s o ( G K J W Treasurer I), Mrs. Yekti Wahono (GKJW Treasurer

II), Rev. Puji Sugiarto (staff for Stewardship), Mr. Jan Rumbrar (GKI-TP Staff for Partnership), Rev. Yohanis Seranik (Chariman of GKI-TP Classis Keerom), Rev. Frans Mambasar (Secretary of GKI-TP Classis Keerom) and Rev. Marudur Siahaan as a facilitator from UEM.

The meeting started with introduction of GKJW, continued by Exposure to Cv. Arjuna Batu, a place to make fruity juice, chips from sweet potatoes, cassava, kind of fruits, etc. and to make tempe in Sanan, Malang. With this activity GKI-TP has some idea about GKJW area and their context. On the third day, it is a time to get to know GKI-TP and their needs so that they have an idea in which ways they could cooperate and focus their partnership programs. They are reminded also with the result of the last group visit from Keerom Classis to GKJW in June 2013. After all this process, they have agreed to draft the MoU and to plan the concrete program for this partnership relation.

MoU of Partnership between GKI-TP and GKJW focuses on Education, Economic thEmpowerment, Evangelism and Koinonia/communion has drafted on December 4 , 2013 at

Baliwiyoto Malang. The MoU will be signed by the Leader of GKJW and GKI-TP on thFebruary 5 2014 at Mansinam, Manokwari, Papua. The signature of this MoU will be

synchronized with sharing happiness and togetherness in celebrating anniversary of the first day of evangelism in Papua Land and visiting of GKJW to GKI-TP to Keerom. The MoU and their partnership plan programs for 5 years are drafted . All program runs well as the plan since August 2013 ago.

MoU GKI-TP and GKJWBy: Pdt. Marudur Siahaan


8 women pastors and 2 other women from GKI in Papua traveled to Germany, France and the Netherlands at the invitation of the UEM ( United Evangelical Mission ). They are Rev. Aprience Domo - Yoku , Rev. Jois Da Costa , Rev. Irene Rumbiak – Warkawani,Rev. Rachel Bakarbessy – tan, Rev. Yanti Tumanduk, Rev. Agustina Korwa – Imbenay, Rev. Josi Wambrauw – Manemi, Rev. Febriane Suripatty – Patty, Mrs. Sarah Kafiar , and the Syamas, Mrs.Bubun Borong.

On Saturday, September 21, 2013, we arrived in Germany. We were picked up by Rev. Sonia Parera - Hummel and Rev. Uwe hummel, Rev. Maureen Marquat and Rev. Marudur Siahaan . From the Frankfurt airport, we headed to France, precisely in the village of Taize (a small and quiet village, this village is famous for a community called Taize community - community of monks ). We enjoyed the incredibly beautiful view, vineyards, wheat, broccoli, corn field arranged very well, we can also see sheep and cows (as we have seen in the commercial ads of milk).

We were in Taize from 22-29 September 2013, together with some adults, youth and some young children who come to Taize from several other countries. The interesting thing is when a writing says silent (means that it's not allowed to talk in the church). And mobilephone is not allowed to use in the church as well. Besides that a picture of undershirt and shorts are crossed out with a red line (reminding people to dress properly when conducting worship with others, especially with God). There we did a morning prayer, Bible study, night prayer, and in small groups sharing with other friends from other countries such as Lebanon, Canada, Australia, Korea, the Netherlands, Germany and many others.

Although there are many languages , but the atmosphere is very orderly when it is the time of worship. We are guided by Taize songs, sung over and over again in order that we could understand them properly, and there is a prayer that is raised in the form of singing as well. We were also given the time for personal prayer, every morning we attend an incrediblely unique communion because Protestant and Catholics and other denominations come together to attend the Lord's Supper in the church without any boundaries.

A week in Taize ; “Togetherness in Diversity Unified by the Language of Love”By : Rev. Feby Suripatty and Rev. Josi Wambrauw/GKI-TP



In Taizé we were asked to live up of what we have there, to be taught to live in simplicity and into the lives of people who have less. There are many young people, men and women who come from different countries, voluntary unpaid volunteer. They are in charge of cooking, cleaning the bathroom, cleaning the yard, repairing damaged items whether the rooms ot the barracks, becoming translators to the group of the guesses. The volunteers stay for 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and some even have decided to stay forever in the Taize community.

We were given the opportunity to meet with Brother Francisco from Jogjakarta / Indonesia ( who have been 20 years devoted himself in Taize ). We were also met the leader of Taize, Brother Alois. When I met him, we strongly feel the joy that we cannot express in words. We were moved when Brother Alois said we (the brothers) felt like Elizabeth whom visited by her sister Mary ", he also asked us to pray The Lord's Prayer with our own respective language??. And not only that, he also gave a blessing to us and asked us to bless him (this gives a very deep impression for us of how simplicity, humility, and terderness are really demonstrated in Taize Community and it starts from the leader, Brother Alois ).

The main task of brothers were praying in the church. Pray for all people, for politics, poverty, hunger, violence around the world, for the growth of the churches. The brothers refused donations from anyone, because they do not accept any donations, they feel happy with what they have. They wear gold ring on their fingers as a sign of promise to live for Jesus. They do self-fund by making ceramics, toys necklace, made ??paintings and farming, and later they will sell all products they have in order to finance all the needs in Taize Community .

We were allowed for a few hours to walk around the Taize Community. We walk to a small town called Cluny, which is very green and beautiful. And we could see a beautiful fineyard along the town.

We share our wonderful experience during our stay in Taize community, in France in order to learn that diversity can be united together in the language of love, and it is such an important experince for us. May God bless us all.


Special Report


On October 11-18, 2013 in Wuppertal, Germany, UEM organized a very interesting and touching program. The P r o g r a m i s c a l l e d International Conference on Single Women. Single women meant here is having broad sense such the women who have never married, widows, divorced women, and women as a single mother.

Before the meeting starts, the p a r t i c i p a n t s h a v e t h e

opportunity to live together with German single women, in several places and several professions. This was used as the exposure for the participants.

The meeting was attended by 21 single women from Asia, Africa, and Germany. The topic of the meeting was “The Challenges and Chances of Single Women in Striving for Transformation in Church and Society” which was implemented through seminars related to single women, group discussion, Bible study, plenary session, and discussion about the concrete actions and projects.

In discussed about the issues and challenges faced by single women from several contexts such as the discrimination cases from the contexts of cultural, church and also the political system. From the church points, we find a lot of discriminations, for instance the exclusions against single women who are pregnant, the rejections of christening the children of single women, rejection of ordination for single women, etc.

From a legal standpoint, we found a lot of problems for instance, there is no law for divorce in the Philippines; the inheritances of a widow became the fourth position in Cameroon; there is no allowance from the family for single mother; a widow doesn't receive pension from the government as a legal promise. While from the economic standpoint, we found a challenge for single women workers who were not paid properly and many are facing poverty. In Germany, single women pay higher taxes than a married woman.

Even more distressing for us the participants, that a single woman from Congo could not attend that meeting, because she could not get visa because she is a single woman.

Based on our experiences as single women, we recommended to the churches and UEM:- In order the churches and UEM to be together to increase the awareness against the

existences of single women both in the church and society.- The churches should encourage and support the changes in the nature of single women.- Talking, discussing and addressing the issues experienced by single women, either in the

church or by custom.- The churches and UEM collaborated to implement the program, activities, and projects for

single women, especially which is related with the income for them. - The churches and UEM are together in implementing a network/relationship with NGOs to

be engaged in supporting and empowering single women.

International Conference on Single WomenBy: Rev. Evalina Pasaribu, M.Th/HKI

Special Report


It was a Friday morning, 8th November 2013, that the monstrous Supertyphoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda) had hit deadly hard the city of Tacloban and surrounding coastal villages in Leyte. The ocean surge it triggered was tsunami-like and its strongest wind, like a tornadoe. The people of Leyte and Samar – known as fighters and courageous “WARAYS” being tested with countless typhoons in decades -- have found Typhoon Haiyan truly unprecedented and unimaginable of its fury.

One of those institutions and structures being destroyed and operationally crippled is the UCCP-owned Bethany Hospital, widely known and appreciated for its good medical services in the entire Eastern Visayas. Within the hospital's premises is a “mission house” being utilized as the East Visayas Jurisdictional Area office of Bishop Dulce Pia-Rose. She stays in that house as her sleeping quarters when she's in Tacloban. Her family is residing in Maasin, Leyte.

Was it luck or providential?Bishop Dulce's partner-husband had insisted to her to go home to Maasin the afternoon before the typhoon came. Tacloban is 3 hours drive from Maasin, which was not badly affected by the typhoon.

If she did not heed her partner's advice, Bishop Dulce could have been directly swarmed or drowned by the 2 meters high ocean surge and voluminous floating debris that inundated the Bethany Hospital, her own office and quarters. In that scenario, she either got killed or heavily injured.

Walking over dead bodiesAll power and communication lines were cut off. All roads and bridges in Leyte and Samar islands got inaccessible or impassable for 4 days after the typhoon.

Wanting to find out the situation in Tacloban, two days after the typhoon (a Sunday), Bishop Dulce had to hike for 20 kilometers over debris and dead bodies that covered the road towards Tacloban from Maasin.

Solidarity and support are direly needed and appreciatedThe thought of her own fate as a “survivor” (thanks to her partner's wise advice) and the enormity of the relief and rehabilitation tasks being expected of her as the key UCCP church leader in East Visayas – the most depressed and devastated region -- appears too heavy a load that Bishop Dulce has to surmmount with strength and determination. It may be noted that she faces the great responsibility as the only woman Bishop of the UCCP and, in fact, of all churches in the entire country.

But thanks for the assurance of support and solidarity from UEM and other partners that Bishop Dulce is enabled daily to carry the relief work and the needed rehabilitation particularly of the UCCP churches, its institutions and constituencies in East Visayas.

Bishop Dulce wishes to convey her sincerest thanks and appreciation to UEM for the prayers, encouraging messages, quickest fund support and for sending its personnel (staff, South-South and North-South volunteers) to assist directly in the relief and rehabilitation work.

Reporting: Rannieh B. Mercado (while cruising from Bacolod,Negros to Iloilo, Panay Island on 3rd December 2013 as part of the Disaster Response Monitoring Operation)

The story of UEM Council Member (Bishop Dulce Pia-Rose) in Tacloban, Leyte

Special Report


57 Years anniversary of Evangelical Christian Church in Papua which was established on O c t o b e r 2 6 , 1 9 5 6 w a s celebrated by the entire members of the Evangelical Christian Church in Papua. The church that runs it's service for the five years period ( 2011-2016 ) under the theme “United in the bond of love celebrates its 17 anniversary under the Sub-theme: Be united to manage our own house, the Evangelical

Christian Church in Tanah Papua and become blessing to the world

On the celebration, the chairman of synod of GKI TP, Rev Alberth Yoku emphasized in his speech that the GKITP has not shifted from its position as the church of God that exist in this world. Not a church of this world to be in front of GOD that the main task is to strengthen the faith of people of GOD. Church in preaching in preaching the word of GOD not compromise with man in the world. Church must portray itself as a holy institution, a divine institution, the institution which speaks the truth of GOD to the world

Celebration at the synod level mainly was joined by 4 clasis; Jayapura Clasis , Sentani Clasis, thClasisKeerom , and Clasis West Sentani Moi.The 57 Anniversary Celebration of the Church

brought good impression for the church. At this celebration some activities performed such as mass baptism , mass confirmation, Inauguration of the church buildings and Many other activities were formed in the congreagation , Clasis and synod level . Among the activities are visitation to tombs of the founder of the Church , Bible Quiz Competition, choir competition and also sport competition. It is held analso an interactive dialogue between church member and the Chairman of GKI Synod which was broadcasted by local TV stations across the land of Papua . The GKITP members took the opportunity by joining in that interractive dialogue to gives a lot of input directly to the chairman of the Synod for the development of the church service to strengthen the member's faith and to develop live of the members as christians.

The Synod celebration held in Jayapura was attended by the Chairman of Indonesian Christian Church West Java, a Church Partner of GKITP , Secretary of Papua Province , Jayapura Mayor and other guest. In his speech, the Chairman the Synod of GKI Synod said that in the midst of the challenges GKI in Tanah Papua has reached many good achievement to. On May 1, 2013 , 1651 employees of GKI in Papua have received their salary fairly provided the church has centralized because of the availability of the treasury in the house of God. GKI church is also doing efforts to establish a church -owned bank which has now reached about 70 %

thaccomplisment . On this, 57 anniversary Celebration the chairman of the church synod has signed the MOU for the construction of 45 shops in 45 Clasis of GKI TP wich will sell basic food material, and in corporation with, a company engaged in construction of house building CV. Cahaya Cendrawasih Kaimana GKITP will help its worker their own cheap houses building. The first groundbreaking ceremony of the project was held in Manokwari Clasis attended by the treasurer of GKITP on the celeberation day.

th57 Anniversary of GKI in PapuaBy: Elvira Makuba/GKITP

Youth and VolunteersVolunteers


My name is Poon Ho Yee Timothy, I have participated in the UEM South-South Volunteer Program 2013 , from the Chinese Rhenish Church (CRC) in Hong Kong, and sent to Indonesia under Gereja Kristen Protestan Angkola (GKPA). I have started my service in mid-September and will stay in the North Sumatra area for about a year.

Padang SidempuanThe first two months, I was placed in the Kantor Pusat of GKPA in Padang Sidempuan. At there, my major duty is to teach English and computer to the staff after work. It is quite strange to me as this is the first time that I teach adults but not children. However it is full of fun to teach adults as sometimes they behave like children that laugh at each other because of wrong pronunciation. The computer lessons are similar, but each time with a smaller group. I focused on Microsoft Excel for manipulation of large amount of data, and I hope that it will be useful to them in the future.

People in the Kantor Pusat are very nice to me, they sometimes brought me out for a lunch or invite me to their homes. I am very happy to be with them. Life in Padang Sidempuan is very different to that of Hong Kong. Water and electricity is not a stable supply here, and it made me appreciate what I have in Hong Kong—be thankful to everything.

Thanks to the generosity and kindness of the Ephorus of GKPA, I was living with their family in Padang Sidempuan, and often have chances to join their family activities. It is very valuable to me that to witness the confirmation of baptism of one of his family member, and their traditional activities afterwards. I am sure this experience is very special to me.

SilanggeAfter serving in the Kantor Pusat of GKPA, I went to the Panti Asuhan Debora, an orphanage in the village of Silangge. The relative high altitude here makes the weather cooler, which is very comfortable to me. There are twenty children here with an equal amount of boys and girls, and they are aged from 7 to 20. My major duty here is to teach them English after school, about five times a week. Some of them can speak quite good English and even try praying in English, some of them are a bit shy to speak English. I am trying to motivate them to read aloud in the class to practice practical conversations. At night, the children do their homework and I also assist them to do their homework especially for English. They are very surprised that I can also teach them Mathematics, as my background is engineering.

Be thankful to everything!By: Poon Ho Yee Timothy/

South-South Volunteer from Hong Kong to Padang Sidempuan, Indonesia

Youth and VolunteersVolunteers


Silangge is a small village in Sipirok, and there are a lot of farm here which there is almost none in Hong Kong. Rev. Harahap and his family in the orphanage often bring me around the area to explore the beauty here including a monument for commemorating German missionary, hot water bath and traditional market. It will be impossible for me to expose to those things without their guidance.

DifficultiesThe culture shock to me is still persisted, although I know it is inevitable. Sometimes I get stomach discomfort for about few days, and I don't know why. I think I am still not yet adapted to the food here although I like some of the chilly very much. Another problem is the language problem, as my progress of learning Indonesia is quite slow. It is sometimes confusing to me for mixing Bahasa Indonesia and Batak language as well. Basic communication is not a big problem but in order to learn more about them, it is always better to communicate with their language. In the coming time, it is very important for me to master Indonesian. I hope all of you will pray for my health and my adaptation so that I can perform my duty here at my best. May God bless all of you.

Information


One of the key tenets of UEM Corporate Identity is that: “We manage the resources entrusted to us transparently and conscientiously and account for them together in faithful stewardship.” All members are givers and receivers. Over recent years, UEM income has been stable both from member fees and donations. But this will change within the next few years. Most of the finances for UEM work have been provided by the German members in terms of contributions and project funding, while Africa and Asia contribute less than 1.5 % to the UEM budget.

Therefore the 2012 General Assembly in Berastagi has decided to embark on the United Action campaigns in order to increase significantly the contributions of the members in Asia and Africa. The goal is that by 2018, donations of 500,000 Euro per year will come from the Asian and African Regions (40 per cent from the African Region, 60 per cent from the Asian Region).

In response thereof, the 2013 Asia Regional Assembly (AsRA) in Hong-Kong asks all churches to identify and apply the most appropriate means of fundraising in order to honor their pledges to contribute to the financial targets expected from the Asia Region (€30.000 in 2013, € 90.000 in 2014, € 150.000 in 2015, €210.000 in 2016, €270.000 in 2017, € 300.000 in 2018 and thereafter).

A. Promise of Faith (Faith Promise)During the 2013 AsRA in Hong-kong, a Special Service was held. The delegates, staff and stewards were asked for a “Promise of Faith” as one's concrete response to the challenges of child poverty and trafficking in Asia. The promise is expressed through an amount each one pledges (in Rupiah, Peso, SL Rupee, HK$, Euro, etc.) This “promise of faith” is encouraged by AsRA to be a yearly pledge (2013, 2014 & 2015) as a personal contribution of the delegates for the United Action Campaign.

“United Action” Concept for a Fundraising Campaign in Asia 2013

Information


12 Netty U. Tasireleleu

GKPM 100.000.-

- - - - - 100.000.- 13 July 2013

13 Jonarita Purba

GKPS 200.000.-

- - - - - 200.000.- 26 August

2013 14 Panulis

Saguntung GKPM 1.000.00

0.- - - - - - 1.000.000

.- 13 July

2013 15 Sonia

PARERA Hummel

BNKP - 500

- - - - 500 Euro 5 Dec 2013

16 Anneliese Wong

CRC - - - 5.000

- - - -

17 Iris Wong CRC - - - 18.000

- - - -

18 Lily CRC - - - - 300

- - -

19 Jennie Elliyani

GBKP 500.000.-

- - - - - - -

20 Jemmy Ayomi

GKI-TP

100.000.-

- - - - - - -

21 Matheus Adadikam

GKI-TP

1.000.000.-

- - - - - - -

22 Mientje GKI-TP

500.000.-

- - - - - - -

23 Kurnia S. Nurhayati

GKJTU

400.000.-

- - - - - - -

24 Trisna Dian Pratiwi

GKJTU

200.000.-

- - - - - - -

25 Togar Simatupang

GKPA 250.000.-

- - - - - - -

26 Ridho Sunelju

GKPM 200.000.-

- - - - - - -

27 Elias J.Solin GKPPD

100.000.-

- - - - - - -

28 Gijela Mariati Ujung

GKPDD

500.000.-

- - - - - - -

29 Jaharianson Saragih

GKPS 12.000.000.-

- - - - - - 13 July 2013

30 Wanda Lucia GKPS 500.000.-

- - - - - - 13 July 2013

31 M.Syarif Simanjuntak

GPKB 500.000.-

- - - - - 500.000.- 30 August

2013 32 Basaria

Lumbangaol HKBP 100.000.

- - - - - - - -

33 Benny Sinaga HKBP 500.000.-

- - - - - - -

34 Daniel Sinaga HKBP 200.000.-

- - - - - - -

35 Marudur Siahaan

HKBP

500.000.-

- - - - - - -

36 Welman Tampubolon

HKBP 1.500.000.-

- - - - - - -

Information


37 Desri Sumbayak

HKI 1.000.000.-

- - - - - - 13 July 2013

38 Evalina Pasaribu

HKI 300.000.-

- - - - - - 13 July 2013

39 Albert Jebanesan

MC-SL

- - - - - 17.000

- -

40 Leandro Karlo Suarez

UCCP - 500-

- - - - -

41 Rannieh B.Mercado

UCCP - - 2013

- - - 550.000.- 11 October

2013 42 Reuel

Norman O Marigza

UCCP - - - - 50 - - -

43 No Name - - - - - - - - 13 July 2013

B. Ten Thousand One (10001) Delightful Boxes

Wanting to generate massive awareness and support from families, organizations and congregations of UEM members, the Church Leaders have pledged certain quotas of “delightful boxes per Church. The quotas have reached 10001 boxes all in all. These “delightful boxes” (to be appended with United Action Sticker as produced uniformly by UEM) will be apportioned by each Church to its respective congregations, families, offices and centers. These boxes will be dropped or filled with whatever amount of money either on a daily or weekly basis. Later, on UEM Sunday (first Sunday of June) these boxes will be reported by the congregations to the Church Headquarters, which will account and remit the whole collections to UEM (Medan Office).

No Name of Church # of Boxes being Pledged

Actual Amount Remitted

1 HKBP 3000 2 BNKP 600 3 GKPS 1200 4 GBKP 750 5 GKJTU 200 6 GKPA 130 7 GPKB 70 8 GKPPD 100 9 HKI 250

10 GKPPD 100 11 GKJW 300 12 UCCP 1500 13 MC-SL 1000 14 GKI-TP 300 15 GKPM 150

Information


C. Offerings/Collections during AsRA, ARB Meetings & other UEM Programs/Activities

The ARB has decided on these offerings as intended for UEM Foundation. As the target contribution for the UEM Foundation is already achieved, the subsequent offerings/collections beginning this 2013 will be earmarked as contribution to the United Action Campaign. This concretely means that in every activity of UEM Asia, there will be an offreing during the opening and closing service

No Activity Date & Venue Amount Collected (IDR)

1 New Year Devotion January/ in Rev. Rannieh’s House

257.000.00-

2 Opening Service of ARB

08 July 2013/ AnneBlack Hotel, Hong kong

1.069.563.68.-

3 Opening Service of AsRA

11 July 2013, Regal Airport Hotel, Hong Kong

3.101.719.81.-

4 Induction Service of ARB and Staff

14 July 2013, CRC Hong Kong Church

10.817.826.94.-

5 Opening Worship – Training Workshop GPKB Pastors and wives

5 November 2013, PPWG Zentrum Kabanjahe

232.000.-

6 Closing Worship – Training Workshop GPKB Pastors and wives

8 November 2013, PPWG Zentrum Kabanjahe

282.000.-

D. UEM Sunday in Asia Offerings / Collections (First Week of June)The 2009 & 2011 AsRAs have decided on these UEM Sunday offerings as intended for the UEM Foundation. In the spirit of 2013 AsRA decision, these offerings will henceforth be remitted and acknowledged as contributions to the United Action Campaign.

Information


No Church Congregation /Congregation/Organization

Amount Remitted (IDR)

1 BNKP Teladan, Medan 1000.000.- 2 - Sofian 2.051.000.- 3 GKI Tanah Papua Efata 300.000.- 4 - Agustina Homer 500.000.- 5 GKI Tanah Papua Lembah Jordan 816.000.- 6 GKI Tanah Papua Pengharapan 10.049.600.- 7 - Benny Yoseph Labobar 520.000.- 8 - Anna 853.000.- 9 - Elia 993.000.- 10 GKI Tanah Papua Getsemani 4.285.000.- 11 GKI Tanah Papua Marni - Manokwari 1.600.000.- 12 GKI Tanah Papua Bethesda Warkapi 219.000.- 13 GKI Tanah Papua Getseman Bhayangkara 438.000.- 14 GKI Tanah Papua Bakaro 123.000.- 15 GKI Tanah Papua Elsye, Manokwari 200.000.- 16 GKI Tanah Papua Ahmate - Manokwari 550.000.- 17 GKI Tanah Papua Mozes Kali Acai 300.000.- 18 GKI Tanah Papua Bahtera Rakyat 621.000.- 19 GKI Tanah Papua Bukit Saitun Skyland 196.700.- 20 GKI Tanah Papua Alfa Omega Kota Raja 1.381.000.- 21 GKI Tanah Papua UEM Alumni 800.000.- 22 GKI Tanah Papua Maramba Abepura 738.000.- 23 GKI Tanah Papua Sem Kaiwei 665.000.- 24 GKI Tanah Papua Petrus Amban Manokwari 2.647.000.-

E. Special Donations from Individuals/Families, Organizations and Institutions

No Name Address Amount Remitted

(IDR) 1 Rev. Rannieh B.Mercado Medan 500.000.- 2 Rev. Sonia Parera Hummel Germany 200.000.- 3 Unidentified - 250.000.- 4 Rev. Sonia Parera Hummel

(Preaching in GPKB) Germany 350.000.-

5 Rev. Sonia Parera Hummel (Preaching in GKI Tanah Papua-Zoar Abeale, Sentani)

Germany 300.000.-

6 Jaharianson Saragih 75.000.- 7 Wanda Lucia 75.000.- 8 Sumardjana 100.000.- 9 Widhiyawati 100.000.- 10 Desri Sumbayak 75.000.- 11 Evalina Pasaribu 75.000.- 12 Manjalo Hutabarat 275.000.- 13 Elvira Makuba 580.000.- 14 Widhyawati 50.000.-

Information


The United Evangelical Mission (UEM) is an international communion of 35 churches in Africa, Asia and Germany, and Bethel. The UEM members support each other in facing present day missionary challenges, among others through the exchange of personnel and sharing of r e s o u r c e s .

For our Asia Regional Office in Medan (Indonesia) we are looking for a:Programme Officer Asia

The main tasks are to:- actively support the Deputy Executive Secretary Asia (Regional Office) in the planning,

implementation, monitoring and the follow up of joint programmes in the region,- prepare and implement seminars and other activities in the region,- coordinate the Youth Work in the Region such as, among others, the North-South Volunteer

and South-South Exchange Programs,- assist in the conceptualization of the Mission Sparks (in print or electronic form) and other

useful multimedia technology suitable for information dissemination,- assist in the preparation of regional assemblies and meetings of the Executive Board,- be in charge of all translations related to the work of the region, in particular for public

relations and communication,- look after the office in the absence of the Deputy Executive Secretary Asia (Regional Office)

and respond to emergencies

What we expect:- active membership in a church, preferably in a UEM member church- relevant qualification preferably in theology, development studies, regional studies or related

fields- ability to conceptualize and analyze programmatic themes and issues- excellent skills in administration and management ability to easily communicate and work in a

team at least two years of experience in international and ecumenical programs- excellent command of the English language knowledge of, or ability to learn the Indonesian

language- willingness to travel nationally and internationally

The appointment will be for a period of three years from May 1st, 2014, with the possibility of extension.

Please send applications (application letter with church endorsement plus UEM application form to United Evangelical Mission

Mr. Jörg SpitzerRudolfstrasse 137 42285Wuppertal Germany

Complete documents have to reach the UEM by 15 January 2014 at the latest (deadline)More information: www.vemission.org/en/working-for-uem/jobs.html

[email protected]

Job vacancies within the UEM

mailto:[email protected]

Information


It is estimated that about 10 thousand people have died and more than 1 million people have lost almost everything because of the recent Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Philippines.

UEM-Asia continues to appeal to the member-churches and allied institutions in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Hongkong to pray and extend any support to UCCP's gigantic efforts to provide food, water, clothes, shelter, and healing to thousands of affected families and churches in Central Philippines (Leyte, Samar, Bohol, Cebu, Panay & Palawan).

Until 14 November 2013, UEM Medan Office has received in its bank account the following support for UCCP relief work in the Philippines:a. CRC-Hong Kong : $ 5000b. GKJTU = 10 Million Rupiahc. GKPS = 25 Million Rupiahd. HKBP = 40 Million Rupiahe. BNKP = 10 Million Rupiahf. GBKP = 15 Million Rupiahg. CPE Alumni Organization in Indonesia and Rev. Nursini Sihombing = 4 Million Rupiah

Any prayer and support can make a difference to the suffering of our sisters and brothers in the Philippines. We really expect more churches to remit to UEM their own donations for the UCCP relief work on the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Fund support can be deposited or transferred to :within Europe:United Evangelical MissionIBAN: DE45 3506 0190 0009 0909 08SWIFT/BIC. GENODED1DKDNote: Support for taifun victims - Philippines

within Asia:BNI (Bank Negara Indonesia) Branch Pemuda Medan(Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia)Account name : UEM ASIAAccount Number : 0128002447Swift Code : BNINIDJAMDNNote: Support for taifun victims – Philippines

Please help the people in the Philippines!

Information

Editorial Message

Mission Spark Electronic aims to provide all UEM member churches, allied insitutions and organizations with latest information on certain themes, programs, projects and activities pursued in the Asia Region. Therefore, to enrich the news of our Mission Spark Electronic, we kindly invite you, all UEM member churches, allied institutions and organizations, to send us news/articles on certain themes, programs, projects and activities. The Mission Spark Electronic is published in the second week of every month, so we really hope that your write-up or news are sent to us three weeks prior to publication. Your good cooperation is indeed appreciated.

May God is glorified through this ministry.


Tim Wuppertal

Tim Medan

Rev. Sonia P. Hummel(Executive Secretary)

Felizitas Jordan(Administrative Assiteant)

Sabine S.(Administrative Assistant)

Rev. Rannieh B. Mercado (Deputy Executive)

Melva M. Barus (Joint Programme Officer)

Sri Ulina Ginting (Translation)

Mahdianta Pandia (Layout)

Yanti Sitepu (Publication) Julian Tampubolon(Driver - Messenger)

Thony Hasugian(General Services)

Kristina Neubauer(Partnership and Project Officer)

Asisten Editorial

dr. Ria Lumbangaol (HIV/AIDS Consultant)

(Partnership officer)Rev. Marudur Siahaan

(Consultant for Climate Justice Program)

Saurlin Siagian

Yuli Gulo (Administration)

Herawati Br Bangun (Translation)

UNITED EVANGELICAL MISSION ASIA DEPARTMENT

Ira Maya Dewi Sitorus (Cashiering and Travelling)

Editorial Corner


26 mission spark december 2013 edition

Documents

christmas theme

true peace

king of peace isaiah

almighty god

commissioned god

justice enforcement

enforcement of justice

mortality life