Good News from the Surabaya Congregation - Hari

No Longer Afraid of Being Unloved

Hari was born in Ajibata, North Sumatra, as the eldest of five children. Growing up in a family with limited finances left Hari feeling constrained. He had no opportunity to take part in various activities like other children and was forced to spend his free time at home. Hari, who often complained because he had to eat salted fish every day, even ran away from home for a time because he felt pressured by his family's economic situation.

After becoming an adult, Hari worked for a foreign coffee-exporting company. This made him more independent and financially free, and without realizing it Hari became proud. What is more, he felt he already knew God. As a church activist, Hari diligently prayed, read the Bible, and had several people he mentored spiritually. He had even studied God's word at GKDI Lampung in 2015 at the invitation of brother Robi.

His stable career and spiritual activities made Hari feel that his life was just fine. In fact, he actually viewed God's word as merely a collection of knowledge. His relationship with God was only a formality. Hari carried out all his spiritual activities because he was afraid of being punished if he did not please God's heart. On the other hand, he thought that by praying diligently and reading the word, God would bless him.

Secretly, Hari longed to become part of a congregation like the church in the first century. However, he did not know where to look, and he also doubted whether that seemingly perfect congregation really existed.

Hari wanted to be close to God but did not know what true closeness looked like. In other words, even though he had a great deal of knowledge about God and His teachings, Hari did not know how to apply them. And because no one helped and guided him, Hari kept up his spiritual routine without any growth in faith.

At the beginning of 2018, Hari was transferred to his company's branch in Surabaya. There, he again searched for the community he had dreamed of. Robi then referred him to meet a brother named Tantok.

After that, Hari rejoined the same community as in Lampung and continued studying the Bible. Although at first he had arguments about  the word, Hari realized that having a lot of knowledge about God did not automatically make him a better person. Hari then decided to study the Bible again from the beginning.

Studying the word opened Hari's understanding that he was a proud person yet insecure in relationships and had no joy in life. His intelligence and the complexity of his thinking made him closed off to others and unwilling to accept input. He lacked integrity in his work, always viewed people based on their social status, and found it difficult to love others.

Of all the lessons, the themes of Life Purpose and the Cross of Jesus touched his heart the most. Hari now understands that God had planned peace for his life from the beginning. God loves him as he is, whether he does much or little for Him. Hari no longer needs to worry that he will not be loved because God's love is so perfect that He was willing to lay down His life for him.

On November 20, 2018, Hari made the decision to be baptized in Surabaya. Now he understands the meaning of humility, and he is able to connect his spiritual knowledge with concrete actions. Hari is more joyful and open to introspection, no longer insecure but marked by high integrity, and continues to grow in his commitment to God.

To this day, Hari serves as a pianist on the music team for worship services and singlesevents. Hari's greatest dream is to see his parents and younger siblings become disciples of Jesus. In addition, he hopes that one day he can establish a place for people who want to study the word and be helped as he was. Amen! - Church GKDI is currently in 35 cities. We hold 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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