On Sabbath, Dec. 9, Pastor Julyamin Hutauruk was ordained to the gospel ministry. Pastors from the seven Indonesian churches in Southeastern California Conference were on hand to support their colleague and friend.

Dr. Kwang Rim Chough, SCC Asian Pacific Region director, also acknowledged the presence of the widows of Hutauruk’s two previous pastor-mentors. “While it is my privilege to introduce the candidate,” Chough said, “we cannot pass over those who helped train him: Elder Paul Sitampul and Julyamin’s uncle, Elder Dumas Tambunan."

Hutauruk graduated from the Azusa Pacific University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In 1999, the Hutauruks moved from California to Andrews University, where both enrolled in graduate studies—Julyamin pursuing an M.Div. degree. Shortly after beginning his studies, he received a call and sponsorship from the Southern California Conference.

“I had been wanting to be a servant of God since I was young," said Hutauruk in response to the ministerial charge. "When I see how God led me to the fulfillment of my dream and has worked in my life, I realize I could never have imagined how He would lead.”