Manado, Indonesia—UPF-Indonesia, together with a local pastor and his wife, organized a seminar and marriage rededication and Blessing ceremony on November 21 and 22, 2015, respectively, at the pastors’ church, located in a village on the outskirts of Manado city in North Sulawesi province. Although 88% of Indonesia’s 235 million people are Muslims, most of the people (nearly 70%) living in this part of the country are Christian.
The seminar focused on family education from a Biblical perspective. Forty-three people participated in the program, most of them members of the Pentecostal Church of Indonesia in Wusa, Manado (GPdl), and a few from other Christian denominations. Many of the participants were inspired by the lectures and gave positive reflections (which follow this report).
On the second day, a marriage rededication and Blessing ceremony was held, which approximately 100 people attended. Young adults took a Pure Love Pledge, promising to keep purity before marriage, and the nine married couples that participated in the ceremony reaffirmed their marriage vows of love and fidelity.
After the ceremony, Pastor Alfrits Tilung and his wife were appointed as Ambassadors for Peace.
Reflections from participants:
“I am very happy about today’s seminar and am grateful that it truly stimulates our awareness of building a true family.”
Ernes Kaunang
“I hope that this kind of seminar will be conducted again and that many more people [can] come so that they [can come] closer to God’s heart.”
Meyti Sajangbati
“This seminar is very, very good for my individual self and also for families. [UPF is] doing great [work], so please keep it up.”
Ketty Ticoalu