Jakarta – Christmas in IFGF GISI KA was held on 13 December 2009 with the theme “One Million Christmases”. There were 2700 people attending the service. This year’s Christmas celebration was opened with a guessing game of songs and costumes that represent the different areas/provinces/races in Indonesia. This event was unique in that the MC’s, who were from several of the churches in KA, wore special costumes from Padang. In addition, there were GOL dancers and HPM’s praise and worship team to perform that night; and a Children’s Choir “Voice of Angel” consisting of Ambonese children who are talented in singing and playing music. They are victims of the Ambonese riot that were brought over to Jakarta by a burdened mother. Now they not only go to school but also glorify the Lord with their beautiful voices. Singer Eka Deli was also there to sing for the glory of God.

In this celebration, special guests Gus Nuril and his wife came to sing Silent Night. Also present were DR. Gunarto (STT Abdiel Lecturer) and a representative from the GKPB (Gereja Kristen Protestan di Bali) church.

Pastor Jimmy Oentoro delivered the message of a Christmas Dream that night. Gus Nuril also came to the altar to share about the Word and his testimony which really blessed KA congregations.

Riau – A warm and beautiful Christmas was celebrated in Riau on December 16 with the theme “Power in Unity”. It was the first time that all 13 churches in Riau island gathered their 500 congregation members together to rejoice at this special moment. The strong message by Pdt. Bungsu Darmawan brought upon a reminder to all that they were preparing a new generation that was unshakable.

Pakistan – The Pakistani churches celebrated Christmas over a period of weeks. In Islamabad, it started with the children’s ministry drama and speech competitions on December 16. Then by December 22, an Agape Dinner was held, continued a Carol and Candle Light service on December 24. And not only that, on Christmas Day, December 25, a worship meeting was held in the church hall to celebrate once again the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. In Multan, celebrations began on December 15 with a whole night prayer meeting. A Christmas Lunch on December 20 for the church was then followed by a Campfire, Christmas Party, and Christmas Prayer on the 23^rd up to the 25^th.

Qatar – Christmas in Qatar was lots of fun! Not only was it filled with prizes for competitions and special presentations, people also had to come in national dresses or costumes. It was a time for remembering the goodness of Christ and feeling the togetherness of the big family of IFGF GISI Qatar.

Jabodetabek – In Tangerang, a special retreat was held for the Mandarin church on 18-19 December 2009. It was a wonderful time because 64 Mandarin-speaking people gathered, and among them were 11 dancers for the Chinese Lion Dance (the Barongsai). It all started in 2008 on Mission Day when the Mandarin Church decided to borrow the Lion Dancers’ drum for their booth. Henry, instructor of the dance group, was won for Christ the following year in February. And this year he brought 10 of his students to the retreat. 7 of the 10 received Christ as Savior. What a wonderful gift to receive this Christmas!

Palangkaraya – IFGF GISI Palangkaraya celebrated its first Christmas this December 16, 2009. It was one year ago that the church was first started, all with the faith of the church planting team in Central Kalimantan. With 200 people attending the Christmas service, it was really a testimony of God’s faithfulness. Since the church first started, it has grown into this large congregation, a counseling ministry through a regular spot at the local radio station, and a ministry at the local prison. And during the Christmas celebration, more souls were added into this family of Christ as Pastor Gideon from IFGF GISI Samarinda challenged newcomers to make a commitment to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. It was a special night indeed when the church witnessed the blowing of the 1^st Anniversary Cake candles by Pdp. Sunny Kusuma, Senior Pastor of IFGF GISI Palangkaraya.