The GKI J.A. Van Balen Windesi Congregation hosted the Second Quarter Coordination and Evaluation Meeting of GKI in the Land of Papua, Region XII, which was officially opened on Friday, July 11, 2025. The event was attended by the Classis Executives (BPK) and Church Treasury Supervisory Boards (BPPG) from the six classes that form Region XII, namely: Bintuni Classis, Ransiki Classis, Hatam Oransbari Classis, Rumberpon Classis, Windesi Classis, Wondama Classis.

Opening Ceremony Sequence

The event began with the welcoming of special guests, including the Regent and Deputy Regent of Teluk Wondama, along with representatives from local government offices (OPDs). They were warmly received with traditional Papuan dances performed by children and youth of the congregation, dressed in beautiful and symbolic indigenous attire. This artistic presentation not only honored the guests but also symbolized the harmonious relationship between church, government, and indigenous culture.

The program continued with an opening worship service led by a Candidate Preacher from Windesi Classis, who invited all participants to center their hearts in prayer and thanksgiving, grounding the meeting in spiritual reflection.

Following the worship, the Chair of the Organizing Committee delivered a report outlining the technical preparations, the support from 15 congregations in Windesi Classis, and the purpose of the meeting — to strengthen church governance and responsible ministry through meaningful coordination.

This was followed by key remarks, beginning with:

  • Rev. Rosalie Wamafma, M.Mis, representative of the GKI Synod Executive for Region XII, who highlighted the importance of this meeting in fulfilling the church’s constitutional responsibility to supervise doctrine, financial stewardship, and ministry coordination from the congregation to the classis level. She emphasized the need for data-driven evaluations, as 154 congregations would be reviewed during this forum. Rev. Wamafma also reminded participants that Region XII was formed during the 18th Synod Assembly in Waropen (2022), and now spans three regencies: Teluk Wondama, Teluk Bintuni, and South Manokwari.

She expressed deep appreciation for the government’s continuous support and encouraged all participants to embody the five-year GKI theme:

"The love of Christ drives the church's self-reliance, bringing forth justice, peace, and well-being."
"God will not begin if we do not begin. God blesses those who work diligently," she emphasized.

  • The Regent of Teluk Wondama also gave remarks, expressing full support for the coordination meeting. He stressed the importance of evaluation in strengthening the church's growth, even amid the various social challenges faced. The Regent called for continued collaboration between church and government, acknowledging the church as a valuable partner in social and moral development. As a tangible form of support, the local government donated IDR 30 million to assist the event.

In a gesture of appreciation, the forum honored the Regent by entrusting him to officially open the Region XII Coordination and Evaluation Meeting. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and enthusiasm, marking a strong beginning for the days of evaluation and strategic planning ahead.

A Moment of Meaning

The festive opening, combined with the presence of church, government, and cultural leaders, illustrated the spirit of unity and shared commitment in service. Through this forum, it is hoped that every decision and evaluation will guide the church toward greater order, transparency, and impact.

In closing, Rev. Rosalie Wamafma extended her deepest appreciation to the Windesi Classis Executives, the 15 supporting congregations, the local organizing committee, and especially the GKI J.A. Van Balen Windesi Congregation for their dedication and hospitality.

"All that we do is an offering to glorify God and strengthen the ministry of the church, especially in Region XII of GKI in the Land of Papua," she concluded, quoting from Golden Flute Hymnal No. 1, verse 6:
“I love you, my land, whose fruits repay my diligence and labor.”