Seasoned Single Fellowship

Saturday, May 4, 2019, was a long-awaited day for a group of single disciples of Jesus single of mature age. At around 5:00 p.m., about 70-80 people gathered at Menara Kuningan in room F1. Snacks ranging from traditional cakes, pudding, and rujak accompanied the disciples who came to fellowship before the event began. At around 5:45 p.m., the event called Seasoned Single Fellowship (S2F) began.

The question is, what is Seasoned Single Fellowship?

As I walked through room F1, there was a standing banner that provided information about this community.

“We are a community of seasoned singles, mature in faith, skills, life experience, loving, & highly inspiring single ministry in advancing and supporting the growth of the Kingdom of God in Asia.”

Wow, this community does not exist only in Jakarta, but its reach is all of Asia. Inspired by Matthew 5:13-16, this community focuses on finding the purpose God has designed for their lives, focusing on the power of the cross, the reward God has promised, and eternal life.

Before S2F was formed, 10 years ago in Jakarta a community called Precious Woman Fellowship or commonly known as PWF had already begun. This is a ministry or community for women single of mature age to gather, to support one another, and also to grow in the Lord. During those 10 years, this community grew, inspired, and also won many souls for the Lord. With the presence of Seasoned Single Fellowship it is hoped that adult men who are single can also take part and grow more for the Lord. With its broader areaof coverage, namely all of Asia, it is hoped that this community can get to know and learn from adult single disciples from other countries.

So, the question is, what was special about that day?

The eventhosted by Milton and Kristawati Sontani, accompanied by a DJ and Song Ministry from Single Ministry began with a question, “Why are you here today? For what?”

Various answers, from being told to come by a mentor to coming to fellowship were given. However, the most fitting reason was that on that day the community called Seasoned Single Fellowship was officially launched. Congratulations!

The next question is, why is it called “Seasoned Single Fellowship”? What does it mean?

Rooted in its key word, seasoned means mature, adult, and experienced. On the other hand, seasoned also means like seasoning that gives flavor and also inspires. Therefore, all single people aged 35 and above or single people who have been disciples for more than 15 years may join this community.

At this event, a conference to be held on August 9-11, 2019 in Singapore, namely the Asian Seasoned Single Conference, was also introduced. This is the first Seasoned Singleconference! Come on, if you meet the criteria above, hurry up and register :D

After the introduction and information about S2F, games that were no less exciting were also played. Games titled, “Follow my words, not what I do” successfully made the atmosphere warmer and less stiff. So, if the MC says, “Touch your head” but someone instead touches their knee (following what the MC demonstrates), that person loses. For those who were less focused, aka lost, the penalty of dancing was already waiting. However, because those who lost refused to dance, in the end everyone present danced to “Baby Shark”. This community truly feels like family.

After the fun of playing and praising God, a remarkable sharing was shared by Pastor Budi Hartono. The sharing began with a question we could fill in ourselves, namely: "Our lives are complete if..."

Various answers, from the most spiritual to the most real all came up. Pastor Budi revealed a fact that humanity once lived in such a beautiful time, where they had everything, yet they were still not satisfied. Humanity’s first sin was dissatisfaction. Adam and Eve had each other (a spouse), had an extraordinary place to live (the Garden of Eden), and they did not need to work. Everything they needed had already been provided by God. Yet it was dissatisfaction that made them fall into sin and eat the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. What makes us dissatisfied people today? SOCIAL MEDIA!

So many photos of other people that look more “green” than our “own grass” make us people who are never satisfied (discontentment). The lesson taken from Philippians 4: 10-13 once again reminded the disciples to:

1. Acquire (learn)

Learn to feelcontent. Being content is a decision, not a feeling.

2. Accept (accept)

Learn to accept what God has already given. Do not let us forget to be grateful for the things God has given just because we are focused on chasing what we do not have.

3. Acknowledge (depend on)

Learn to depend on God and that having God alone is enough, because only in God do we find true satisfaction.

Pastor Budi also concluded that Seasoned Single Fellowship is a fellowship that helps us to be content, connected, and confident.

After the sharing lesson, the event continued with the offering, further information about the Asian Single Conference in Singapore, and upcoming S2F activities. The event was then closed with a song, “Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now” and prayer.

I am grateful that I could be present that day and become one of the witnesses to the launchof a community called Seasoned Single Conference. Hearing its noble purpose and vision, I hope God will work greatly through this adult single community. May every disciple become more connected to one another, mutually support, and continue to inspire many people out there.  In that way, more souls will be won for the Lord! Come on, for those of you who are single above 35 years old, join this community! Let’s enjoy your mature single life for God! To God be the glory! Amen.

*The GKDI Church is currently in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every region; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

Related article: Waiting for a Christian Spouse: When Single Life Feels Frightening

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