The GKPI has its origin in the 1950s. It arose from a secession from the Gereja Kemah Injil Indonesia, one of the CAMA churches in Indonesia. The founders of the church, who belonged to the Dayak people, felt the Gospel should have a greater impact on the living conditions of the Dayak, especially their health situation and agricultural methods. As Indonesians from outside Kalimantan joined the church, it lost its exclusive character as a rural church for the Dayak. The GKPI Tarakan has one secondary school and a clinic where traditional medicines are promoted. It publishes a tri-monthly magazine,Wagi.The church considers May 30, 1959, as its birth date.
|