LAI and GKI Serang Hold Parenting Seminar
The Indonesian Bible Society (LAI), together with the Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) Serang, marked a historic moment by organising a parenting seminar entitled “Home Sweet Altar: Building a Family that Prays and is Rooted” on Saturday, 19 September 2026, as well as the inauguration of the LAI Banten Support Mobilisation Working Group (KKPD) on Sunday, 20 September 2026. These two events, which took place at GKI Serang in Banten, represent an important step in strengthening Christian family ministry whilst expanding partnerships and support for LAI’s ministry in the Banten region and surrounding areas.
The Parenting Seminar, featuring Rev. Ir. Yoel Muwun Indrasmoro, S.Th. as the speaker, was attended by 173 participants present in person in the worship hall at GKI Serang, and 350 participants who followed the broadcast online via , bringing the total number of participants from both channels to 523. This event encouraged Christian families to once again place prayer and the Word of God as the cornerstone of family life.
Through the theme “Home Sweet Altar”, participants are encouraged to understand that the family is not merely a place to live together, but also a space to grow in faith, establish a habit of prayer, and instil the values of God’s Word in children from an early age. The family is expected to be the primary place for every member to come to know God’s love and experience spiritual growth.
The enthusiasm of participants, whether attending in person or online, demonstrates the importance of Christian family nurturing amidst life’s various challenges. This seminar also served as a space for learning and reflection for parents and families to build a family life firmly rooted in the Word of God.
Inauguration of the LAI Banten Regional Executive Committee: A New Step Towards Expanding Partnerships
This spirit of togetherness continued on Sunday, 20 September 2026, with the inauguration of the executive committee of the LAI Banten Support Mobilisation Working Group (KKPD) of LAI Banten during the Second General Service at 09.30 WIB at GKI Serang.
The establishment of the LAI Banten KKPD is a strategic step to strengthen the partnership network between churches and Christian communities in supporting LAI’s ministry. Through cross-denominational collaboration, the KKPD is expected to act as a link between LAI and the churches in Banten, whilst also encouraging the congregation’s involvement in supporting the provision and distribution of Bibles to those in need.
The composition of the executive committee and members of the KKPD LAI Banten is as follows.
Advisors
1. Rev. Benny Halim, S.Th., M.Si. — GKI Serang
2. Rev. Emeritus Santoni Ong, M.Th. — GKI Gading Serpong
3. Rev. Pieter Faraknimella, S.Th. — GBI Modernland
4. Rev. Dr Albert H. Pandiangan, S.H., M.H., D.Min. — GBI Eliezer Serang
5. Rom. Yohanes Suradi, Pr. — Christ the King Catholic Church, Serang
6. Rev. Dr Youke L. Singal, M.Th. — LPPD Banten/STT Moriah
Executive Committee (KSB)
1. Chair: Sunarto, S.KM., M.Kes. — GKI Serang
2. First Secretary: Wahyuningtyas Dwi Astuti, S.E. — GKI Serang
3. Second Secretary: Daniel Sochinafao Christian — LAI/GKI Cawang
4. Treasurer: Ruthmiaty Zefanya — GKI Serang
Members and Regional Coordinators
1. Rev. Bondan Suyatno — GSJA RBK Serang (Member)
2. Rev. Dr Steven Poli — GPdI Taman Cilegon Indah (Member/Coordinator for the West Banten Region)
3. Nelly Silitonga — GKO Tangerang (Regional Coordinator for East Banten/Greater Tangerang)
4. Rev. Andi Sebayang — JKI Taman Kopassus (Member)
5. Rev. Firmansyah — Teluk Naga Church of Christ (Member)
The presence of church ministers and representatives from various denominations on this governing body reflects the ecumenical spirit, namely inter-church cooperation to bring about a wider impact on the service to the congregation and the community.
Opening Up Spaces for Collaboration in Biblical Ministry
In addition to the seminar and ordination ceremony, GKI Serang has also given LAI the opportunity to introduce its services through a brief presentation during the Sunday service, to set up an information and concert ticket sales stall, and to organise a Bible exhibition on the church premises. These outreach activities are scheduled to run until Sunday, 25 October 2026.
This step forms part of LAI’s efforts to bring Bible ministry closer to the congregation, introduce various fundraising programmes, and encourage more people to take part in bringing God’s Word to all generations.
The initial impetus at GKI Serang in 19–20 September 2026 marked not only a partnership in church activities, but also the first milestone in strengthening LAI’s ministry in Banten through family support and the establishment of a network of partners to mobilise support.
Through the seminar “Home Sweet Altar” and the inauguration of the Banten LAI KKPD, LAI, together with GKI Serang, hopes that more and more families will grow in prayer and the Word of God, and that more churches and Christians will become actively involved in supporting Bible ministry.
This spirit is in line with LAI’s vision, “God’s Word Reaches All Generations,” as well as its commitment to translating, publishing and presenting God’s Word in partnership with all.(sochi)
