Grey’s Anatomy
On September 28, 2021, IFGF Men had a fellowship titled “Grey’s Anatomy” with Ps. Sam Hartanto (President of IFGF Global) as its speaker. 242 men from IFGF Bandung, Surabaya, Jakarta, Semarang, Medan, Pekanbaru, Jambi, Cirebon, Bali, Manado, Mapanget, Sorong, Gorontalo, Tondano, Abepura, Singapore, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, Melbourne, Auckland, Canberra, Sydney, Houston, Dusseldorf as well as other churches (JPCC, GBI Sukawarna, GIA Semarang, GSJA Cimahi, Smcc church, GBIS Kepunton, Bread of Life Church – IMBOLC, GBI) participated in this event.
The fellowship was opened by the hosts, Christian Surya (IFGF Men Surabaya am) and Andrew Hartono (IFGF Men Global Coordinator). Then continued with testimonies from 2 IFGF members.
First up was Hendra Makmur, a local business owner. He stated that maturity is not defined by a number. Our age does not directly make us mature. There are some 60 years olds whose actions and behaviour are similar to a 16 year old while some 16 year olds might have mature thoughts and behaviours. The difference is due to the responsibility a man upholds in his words, actions and thoughts. Hendra also shared that parents should, first of all, strive for a close relationship with their children before creating rules for the children.
Next was Gandi Hidayat, who shared his experience while working in an uncommon industry for Christians, which is in a brewery. Before accepting the position, Gandi looked for advice from wise counsellors on whether a Christian can work in such a company. While initially he was planning to work for only 1-2 years, but currently he’s been working in the said company for 18 years. The question often asked to him is how is it possible for him to stay ‘clean’. On this, Gandi said that he dislikes night clubs and if he’s cornered, he will answer that he has no money. However the truth is, he dislikes alcoholic drinks due to his allergy. This is the main reason why he can stay committed to his faith regardless of the company he works for.
After the sharing session, the IFGF Men Global Fellowship continued on to the main session with Ps. Sam Hartanto. When we talk about Grey Area in men’s life, we should always refer to the foundation which is the Biblical truth. We should remember that grey areas are not limited to men, but also women. In reality, none of us is truly black or white as God is the only ‘white’. The good news is, God has planted good seeds in each of us, whether we’re Christians or not, which enable us to produce good things. And if we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord, these seeds will produce abundant fruits which can be enjoyed by others.
Although our life is not purely white, it doesn’t mean we should linger in darkness. Rather, we should walk away from the darkness, as written in Psalm 23, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…” Don’t compare yourself with others because each one of us has our own grey areas. Learn to live genuinely. It is better to look unwell while striving to be better than pretending to look well, as it is harder to reshape someone who is pretending. As 1 Peter 2:9 said, we are the royal priesthood. Let’s strive to be one.
After Ps. Sam Hartanto finished his sharing, Ps. Raymond (Senior Pastor of IFGF Surabaya) thanked him for the message on this event. Summing up on the testimonies and the message, Ps. Raymond emphasized the importance of living right in order to leave a legacy for the next generation. As a community, we are called to build one another. 1 Corinthians 10:23 stated that all things are good but not all things are beneficial and constructive. Therefore it is important for us, men, to be planted in the right community where we can support and build each other as we walk away from our grey areas.
To close the fellowship, the hosts led the participants in a Q&A session and a closing prayer. May every man who joined this fellowship be able to distinguish the truth and to continue their growth in Christ.
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.
– 1 Corinthians 10:23 –
