VISIT TO IFGF SINTANG AND 18TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Before the end of 2023, Pastor Erna Iskandar as the Vice President (VP) of Region 12, once again conducted a working visit to IFGF Sintang, located in the West Kalimantan province, from December 16 to 18, 2023. The purpose of this visit was to participate in the 18th anniversary celebration of IFGF Sintang and also to celebrate Christmas with the congregation on December 17, 2023. IFGF Sintang is led by Pastor Ridwan Tony Pane and his wife, Pastor Henny Aritonang. Currently, the congregation at IFGF Sintang consists of approximately 350 people.
Over the past 18 years, IFGF Sintang has established one satellite church, namely IFGF Tebelian, which has a total of 118 members, including 69 adult members, 27 youth members (TYC), and 22 children.
Additionally, IFGF Sintang has also established a school called TK Graha Mulia (Graha Mulia Kindergarten) in the Sintang Regency. Eight years ago, TK Graha Mulia in the Sintang Regency began with 15 students in 2 classrooms, and now it has expanded to 7 classrooms with 60 students. They have also opened a branch of the TK school in the Tebelian district. Up to this year, 7 batches of students have graduated from TK Graha Mulia.
In the past 3 years, IFGF Sintang has also initiated and established Graha Mulia Elementary School (SD). Currently, there are around 21 students in SD Graha Mulia, divided into 3 classes (Grade 1-3). SD Graha Mulia now has a permanent building with 6 classrooms.
Ps. Ridwan Pane, as the senior pastor of IFGF Sintang, continues to be active in his role as the director of a hospital in Sintang city. He continues to plant churches, including the Tebelian satellite church, and reaches out to the local community through education and community service, making IFGF Sintang a blessing to the city of Sintang and its surroundings.
“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Jeremiah 29:7 NIV
