A
letter from Bishop Jim Stuck to the leadership of the HKBP, our companion synod
in Indonesia, on behalf of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod:
Dear
Ephorus Napitupulu, Pastor Siregar, and Pastor Simanjuntak,
Horas!
During this very difficult time for the people of Indonesia and the members
of the HKBP, we want you to know that the leaders and people of the Indiana-Kentucky
Synod have been praying for you daily and we stand firmly with you as companions
in Christ. In his letter written the day after the tsunami struck, our friend
Ephorus Napitupulu reminded us of the Apostle Paul's words, "Rejoice with
those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
We mourn with our sisters and brothers of the HKBP, we shed tears with you, and
with you, we look for the fulfillment of God?s promise of full and abundant life
for the people of the HKBP in the weeks to come.
As one expression of
our companionship we have established the Indiana-Kentucky Synod office as a "posko"
for the relief work you are doing. We have encouraged our members and congregations
to both pray and give generously on your behalf, sending funds to our office so
we can send them to you for your Kasih relief effort. We call it the "HKBP
Love Offering," and it began in the congregations of the Indiana-Kentucky
Synod on Sunday January 2, as it did in congregations of the HKBP. Already we
have received contributions and promises from individuals, congregations, even
children, totaling over $4000.00 (USD). From what we hear, there is much more
on the way. God's people in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod are reaching out to support
you in compassionate and generous ways! Early next week we will wire the first
installment of this love offering and we will notify you when we do so.
In
correspondence with the people of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, we have told them
of the "salib kasih" that stands tall at the spot where Ludwig Nommenson
knelt in prayerful commitment to sharing the gospel and his own life with the
Batak people. We have told them that it stands across the valley from where the
HKBP headquarters now are, illuminated at night so it can be seen for miles. This
cross of love "the cross of Christ" stands tall over the people of the
HKBP, shining with Christmas and Epiphany light, leading you through the night
toward the promised dawn of abundant life. This cross also stands as a symbol
of our commitment to you as we accompany you in fervent prayer and with generous
hearts, today and through the long days ahead.
May God grant you, our
sisters and brothers in Christ, strength, courage, hope, faith, and healing in
the days ahead.
Peace be with you,
Rev. Dr. James Stuck
Bishop
Rev.
Dr. Bill Gafkjen
Assistant to the Bishop
Director of Campus Ministry, Candidacy,
Global Mission, and Synod Assembly Planning
Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA
911
E 86th St., Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46240
USA
Phone: 317-253-3522
Fax:
317-254-5666
