Christmas Celebration with Yayasan Pelita Harapan

On Wednesday, December 10, 2014, Yayasan Pelita Harapan?s family celebrated Christmas together. The celebration was attended by nearly 2000 participants from all units of Yayasan Pelita Harapan consisting of Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH), Sekolah Pelita Harapan (SPH), Sekolah Dian Harapan (SDH) and Sekolah Lentera Harapan (SLH) in Jakarta and surrounding areas.

Christmas celebration is an expression of God?s love, and as a response, through this Christmas, the entire unit of YPH was invited to glorify God through their services respectively. Although the event was not attended by all units of YPH scattered throughout Indonesia, but every unit in the area sent their Christmas greetings through a video which was played and watched by the whole audience in this event.

Jonathan L. Parapak, Rector of UPH, delivering his speech in the Christmas worship

Dr. (Hon) Jonathan L. Parapak, as the Leader of YPH sent his greetings through a speech to the whole big family of YPH and also the leaders of Lippo Group who were invited. He stated that there are nearly 3,000 people who are called by God to serve as lecturers, teachers and staffs in all units of Pelita Harapan. Pelita Harapan?s services have directly touched nearly 30,000 people.     “Only by the grace of God we are permitted to serve. And imagine if those 30,000 people each touch and bless another 10 people, then this service could have an impact on 300,000 people. Therefore, on behalf of YPH, I invite each of us to praise God,” he said.

Jonathan reminded that the most important thing in the service of educational institutions in YPH environment was to emphasize the primacy of Christ. He also explained the general services which have already been performed by YPH in Indonesia?s educational world.

“YPH aims to improve the quality of education in the various regions to the very remote areas such as in Mamit, Papua. This all requires the cooperation and support from teachers who have been educated at Teachers College of UPH. With the presence of YPH, we can bring transformation to the society. This is the vision of YPH, that the underprivileged children could receive education, not merely simple education but a qualified Christian education. In the context of Christmas celebration, this is the real meaning of Christmas which is to commemorate the birth of Christ that brought peace in the midst of a sinful men, peace with God and a blessing. Let’s continue this message through education,” said Jonathan.

Jonathan ended his speech with the hope that this Christmas could be a blessing to us all. Merry Christmas, the most important and historic day. Happy serving and devoting for Him whose birth we commemorate today. (rh)

  Christmas dinner