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News Item: 2000 Jan 29 - Br. Purnawan Comments
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| 2000 Jan 29 - Br. Purnawan Comments | 10 Mar 2002 |
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Comments from Brother Hendra Purnawan Here is a brief report on a special conference with President Hinckley in Jakarta: The conference was held on January 28, 2000 at Wisma Manggala Wanabakti (Forest Ministry complex) auditorium in Central Jakarta. Prayer meeting started at 13:30 PM which attended by President and Sister Gordon B. Hinckley, President and Sister Boyd K. Packer, President and Sister Subandriyo (Indonesia Jakarta mission president), President and Sister Bob Hasibuan (first mission counselor), President and Sister Fred Basset (second mission counselor), President and Sister Pangestura Kentjana Putra (Jakarta Indonesia district president), President and Sister Suwito (Surakarta Indonesia president), President and Sister Eddy Prayetno (Surabaya Indonesia district president), and President and Sister Agus Kusumarmanto (committee chairman). The conference started ten minutes earlier than scheduled time. It is presided by President Gordon B. Hinckley and conducted by President Subandriyo. The choir was directed by Sister Dianne Prichett. The choir presented several number of hymns, such as The Spirit of God, Called to Serve (authored by Elder Randy Morris, 1977), Abide With Me, Come Unto Jesus, etc. While President Hinckley entered the hall, all members stood up and waved the white handkerchief to the Prophet and he replied the members with the same way. The spirit was so strong at that time. Many members were with tears as they could see their prophet stood in front of them. Sister Subandriyo and followed by President Subandriyo bore their testimonies and thanked all for members attendance to see the Prophet. Sister Packer shared her speech about family and followed by President Packer's speech about members who should defend the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church. After the choir and congregation sang Come Come Ye Saints, Sister Hinckley appreciated the reverence attitude by the Primary children who sit in front of her. She told us that the little children make her to be better person as she learns from them. All the little children there reminded her of her grandchildren. Before President Hinckley gave his speech, their daughter shared her testimony about the blessing of having the gospel of Jesus Christ. When she did little shopping in Jakarta someone approached her and asking her if she is from Utah. Finally she knew that the one who asked her was Sister Simmons, the wife of the Jakarta English Speaking Branch. President Hinckley announced that the total attendance is 1800's which is the greatest LDS gathering ever had in Indonesia. He recalled years ago he visited Jakarta and held a meeting in a house, only few people were there. But now he could see the growth of the Church. The Prophet appreciate members' effort as they were to travel for about eighteen hours to Jakarta. He understands about the difficult situation in the country and pray that the difficulties will pass soon. President Hinckley also encouraged the member to pray always for our country president, President Wahid, and he gave blessing to the country and its people, he blessed the afflicted and the sorrows in Indonesia. President Hinckley also informed the members that he had dinner with President Wahid at the palace. President Wahid is a great man and he is trying to make the country better. He also asked the members to pay their tithing fully so that more blessing will come upon our lives. He shared a story that just happened in the morning as he got breakfast together with the government officials, one of the officials told President Hinckley that if the Church changed its law of tithing to be only one percent to pay to the Church he would join our Church. But the Church can not change God's law. The members were asked to read the Bible about Jesus' story, third Nephi in the Book of Mormon, Section 110 in the Doctrine and Covenants, and the vision of Moses in the Pearl of Great Price at home, and then teach His teachings to our children. Finally he left the blessings so that the Church will grow faster. The members were filled by the Spirit and committed to do President Hinckley's requests. As the Prophet departed members again stood up and waved the handkerchiefs. God bless our Prophet ! He will be presiding another conference in Singapore on January 30, 2000 as part of his Asia and Pacific tour. Among the members there were several returning missionaries from United States who served a mission in Indonesia in 1970's. They are Elder Lambrechtsen (Frans), Elder Jones (Wayne), Sister Dean (Marcia) and Sister Kelly (Janette). The members made personal brief reunion right after this special conference. Members' smiles filled all the lobby. The members returned to their respective cities by buses on the same day and bring home the Prophet's blessing. Some additional information, few hours before the conference started there was a demonstration in the building complex as the Forest Ministry employees protested their ministerial policies, but it ended soon. Jakarta hit by flooding in several areas as the heavy and long rain poured down two days before the Prophet's visit. Throughout conference day and one day before no rain at all, the sky was bright. Hope this information is useful for you all. Brother Hendra Purnawan |
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