The Loma Linda Indonesian Church marked 25 years of progress during a weekend of guest speakers and music events March 26-28. The Honorable Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia, Handriyo Kusumo Priyo, based in Los Angeles, addressed the congregation during the Sunday morning anniversary program.
George Atiga and R. Ernest Castillo brought greetings from the Pacific Union Conference. Representing the Southeastern California Conference, Brian Neal, director of the commitment department and associate youth director, opened the celebration with a vesper service on Friday evening. Rudy Bermudez, vice-president for Asian ministries, spoke briefly on Sunday.
Jonathan and Kathleen Kuntaraf, associate director of Sabbath school/personal ministries and associate director of health ministries, respectively, from the General Conference, spoke at the worship service about “The Church—The Past, The Present and The Future.” A Sabbath afternoon musical extravaganza featured more than 40 individuals and groups.
The main 25th anniversary program began Sunday morning as many Church representatives and friends spoke briefly to congratulate the church at this milestone. A music program highlighting the talents of members, their children, and friends entertained guests under a big tent pitched on the lawn next to the multipurpose building where the congregation is meeting. Guests were provided a boxed lunch as they enjoyed the music.
The congregation is in the process of raising funds for a new sanctuary. Ground breaking is anticipated in 2005 and completion in 2007. “We are looking forward to building a beautiful sanctuary to represent the greatness and majesty of God and His blessing to the Indonesian people in this country. We expect this facility will provide shelter and a refuge of love, faith and care,” commented Albert Pardede, who became the senior pastor in 2002. Clifford Lim is the assistant pastor who works with the young people.
“Among the Indonesians, being predominantly Muslims, it is not easy to bring people to Christ,” commented Eddie Mangunsong, former pastor. “But this group has grown from a membership of 40 to 650 in 25 years. God is good to this church, the largest Indonesian congregation outside of Indonesia.”
Brief History of the Loma Linda Indonesian Church
1980 – Begin meeting in Grand Terrace at a Lutheran Church from origins in Montclair, Calif., Sept. 30, 1978.
1982 – First evangelistic meeting results in eight baptisms.
1985 – Organize as a company. Eddie Mangunsong is first pastor.
1987 – Purchase option for five acres on California Street. Paid off in1990.
1989 – Organize as the Loma Linda Indonesian Church.
1993 – Amos Simorangkir becomes co-pastor with Mangunsong, who is elected Asian/Pacific vice president at the Southeastern California Conference.
1994 – Phase I of church building, a 5,000 square foot multipurpose building, including classrooms and library, begins in March and ends in December. Opening ceremony 1995.
2004 – Church marks 25th anniversary.
