Good News from the Bangka Congregation - Hotman

Making Peace with the Bitterness of the Past

Neglect and feeling abandoned by one’s closest family members can become a source of bitterness that hardens the human heart. But that was not the case for Hotman, a man born in North Sumatra who chose to make peace with his past.

Back in 2007, Hotman followed his mother when she moved to her hometown in Palembang. After graduating from high school in 2012, Hotman moved to Pangkalpinang. Before continuing his education to a higher level, Hotman had worked as a local radio announcer. It was there that he met Pastor Keng Lie, who had been invited to preach on that radio station.

After that, Hotman became interested in getting to know Christianity and decided to study the Bible personally. Sadly, his young age and lack of openness kept him from continuing his studies to completion.

However, the word of God that had been sown in his heart did not go to waste. Two years later, Hotman, who was already in college, went back to looking for a community of Jesus’ disciples. In that community, he was helped to understand Christian life. Yet once again, Hotman did not complete his Bible studies because of differing views about an equally yoked life partner.

In April 2019, Hotman met a brother at a kopitiam. Hotman, who was now already working, exchanged contact numbers and kept in touch with him. Long story short, this brother invited him to worship together, and Hotman began studying the Bible again. This time, however, he did it with eagerness, because it had already become his longing to join a community that could help him know God.

The hardest challenge for him while studying the Bible was forgiving his father. Since childhood, Hotman had been left behind by his father, and they only met again when he was already in high school. This event planted deep bitterness in Hotman. He felt rejected and cast aside by his father. So much so that when people asked about him, Hotman would answer that his father had died. Little by little, this bitterness crystallized into hatred and revenge. Hotman always wanted to repay what his father had done. 

Only after Hotman understood that the essence of Jesus’ death on the cross was to forgive the sins of every person who believes did that bitterness collapse. A deeper knowledge of Jesus’ love made Hotman realize how great God’s plan was in his life. He then chose to make peace with the bitterness of the past, because every time he looked at the cross of Christ, he saw that his sins had also been nailed to the wood.

June 30, 2019 was a historic day for Hotman: From someone who did not know Jesus, Hotman confessed Him as Lord and Savior.

Going forward, Hotman wants to keep growing in the Kingdom of God and take part in ministry. Hotman, who cares deeply about the future of teenagers, is currently focused on helping them have a right understanding of God and know the way of truth. 

While he was still studying the Bible, Hotman was already evangelizing and inviting his friends to study the word. Today, one of his close friends is studying the Bible deeply. And Hotman hopes that one day his parents can come to know God through the example of his life.

All glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ! - Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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