MY MOTHER’S VOW

Rev Shobastian
Pastor, GAPPI Getsemani, Batam

I was born into a Christian family, and I thank the Lord for saving both my father and mother—especially my mother, who was a Muslim. My father was born into a Christian family. They were Chinese, but from my great-grandfather’s generation, they intermarried with the local Nias people and became Christians. However, when my parents married, my father initially converted to Islam.

I praise the Lord for His wonderful work in bringing my mother to faith in Him. She felt troubled, knowing that my father was unhappy after his conversion and never prayed in the Muslim way. In His marvellous providence, God led my mother to a pastor, whom she asked about Jesus. After receiving an explanation, she decided to believe in Him and sought baptism. My Muslim grandparents were angry and even disowned her, but she kept her faith. She brought us, her children, to church and taught us about Jesus. She also served in Sunday School, teaching other children about Him.

I am a son of my mother’s vow. Having given birth to three daughters, my parents found it difficult to accept the possibility of having another. They desperately wanted a son. So, when my mother discovered she was pregnant with me, they were fearful that I might be another daughter.

In her young faith, my mother initially made a terrible decision. Not wanting to disappoint my father again, she secretly went to a doctor who provided her with medicine to induce an abortion. She later confessed to me that she had taken it five times at a very high dose, yet miraculously, I survived.

Frustrated, my mother sought out another doctor. This time, the doctor advised her, “Go and pray first. If, after praying, you still want to abort the child, come back to me.” These words led my mother to repentance. After sincerely praying to the Lord, she felt peace and became submissive to His will. During her prayer, she made three vows: first, if God gave her a son, she would invite all our relatives to their home for a thanksgiving service; second, she would nurture her son in the knowledge of Jesus; and third, she would send him to Bible College and dedicate him to serving the Lord as a pastor for the rest of his life.

By God’s grace, I was born—their long-awaited son—in good health. My mother feared that the medicine she had taken might cause health issues, but God protected me. After my birth, she immediately organised a thanksgiving service in our home and invited a pastor to pray for me. At the right time, she brought me to church to be baptised and nurtured me in the knowledge of Christ.

From a young age, my mother frequently told me this story, always emphasising her final vow—that I would one day become a pastor. At that time, I resisted the idea. I thought being a pastor was difficult, and I dreamed of becoming a professional footballer instead. I loved football and trained hard. In primary school, I played with secondary school students; in secondary school, I played with high school students; and in high school, I competed with adults in regional tournaments.

Yet, deep in my heart, a small desire to serve God lingered. I remember two specific occasions when I unexpectedly confessed my desire to be a pastor. The first was in primary school when my teacher surprised me with the question, “What is your purpose in life?” Unprepared, I instinctively answered, “I want to be a pastor.” This response left a deep impression on me, and I never forgot it. The second time was in secondary school during our Christmas celebration. The pastor made an altar call, inviting those who wanted to serve the Lord as pastors. Without thinking, I walked to the front. Afterward, I wondered why I had done it, as it had been a spontaneous decision. This moment also left a lasting impact on my heart.

Nevertheless, I continued to resist my calling. By the end of high school, I had no desire to apply to a national university. While my friends were busy preparing for entrance exams, I had already decided that after graduation, I would go to Medan and try out for the Medan Football Club (PSMS Medan). Around this time, I met a charismatic pastor, the older brother of a close friend. I was fascinated by him, especially when I witnessed him casting out demons. I even considered studying at the Bible College he had attended if my mother insisted on sending me to one.

The day of the graduation announcement arrived. As per school tradition, parents were invited to collect the results. My mother returned home with the news that I had graduated with good marks, ranking fourth highest in my school. She was overjoyed. When she handed me the letter, she said something unexpected—she was giving me the freedom to choose my own path. She told me that if God had truly called me, I would go to Bible College; if not, I was free to pursue anything I wanted. She assured me that she trusted my decision.

I was surprised and happy. Now, I could plan my journey to Medan. That afternoon, I went to play football as usual. However, that night, I could not sleep. The story of Jonah suddenly came to my mind with unusual clarity. I became terrified that if I ran from God’s calling, He would send a great fish to discipline me. I imagined that I might break my leg while playing football. This thought troubled me deeply, and I struggled to sleep.

Finally, I surrendered in prayer. I asked God that if He had truly called me, He would give me peace so I could sleep. I also prayed that if, in the morning, my first thought was about going to church to inquire about Bible College, I would take it as a sign of His will. After praying, I slept peacefully. When I woke up, I felt refreshed, as if I had experienced deep rest. The first thought that entered my mind was that I needed to go to church and ask about Bible College.

At that time, I was working as a salesman while waiting for the graduation announcement. That morning, I asked my mother what time the church office would open. She told me that Aunty Mae, a church staff member, would be there at 10 am. I asked my mother to arrange a meeting with her around noon so I could inquire about Bible College. My mother was confused but did as I requested.

When I arrived at the church, the staff informed me about two options: Salem Theological School in Java and Calvary Batam Bible College, a newly established college. They encouraged me to go to Batam because a lecturer from there would soon visit our church to introduce the school. I took the registration form home, filled it out, and completed all the necessary documents. Shortly afterwards, along with eight other students—including Murni, who is now my wife—I left Nias for Batam. I thank the Lord for enabling me to respond to His calling immediately after high school without experiencing discipline for running away from Him.

Another reason for thanksgiving is that God prevented me from attending a charismatic Bible College. As I mentioned earlier, I had been drawn to a charismatic pastor and had even told him that if I pursued theological studies, I might attend his alma mater. I asked him to inform me when the registration forms arrived. However, in God’s perfect timing, just days after I had registered for Calvary Batam Bible College, the pastor called to say that his college’s registration forms had finally arrived. Unaware of God’s greater plan, I simply told him that it was too late since I was already heading to Batam. God, in His wisdom, had led me with His mighty hand.

I thank the Lord for guiding me in my theological studies. I spent one year at Calvary Batam Bible College, and in 2012, God opened the door for me to study at Far Eastern Bible College (FEBC). After six years of studies, I graduated with an MDiv in 2018—entirely by God’s grace. After graduation, I began serving full-time in GAPPI Batam. Then, the Lord led me to start a missions outreach in Aviari. Not long after, He called me to serve in GAPPI Getsemani, where I am now a preacher.

Through all these experiences, I have witnessed the mighty hand of God leading me. His call on my life has been undeniable. What a privilege it is to serve Him. To God be all the glory!

ORDINATION SERVICE AND MESSAGE

Report by Martin Siregar

I thank the Lord for the opportunity to attend the ordination service of brother Shobastian at GAPPI Batam on 9 March 2025.

My father—Rev Haposan Siregar—was the ordination speaker, and he preached on “The Practical Theology of the Apostle Paul” from 1 Corinthians 15:58.

He warned the congregation to be watchful of false teachings. He stressed the importance of biblical teaching and doctrine. He reminded the congregation that the Bible is perfect and without error, as it comes from God and is preserved by Him, according to His Word. If we believe that God never makes mistakes and is always truthful, then His Word is likewise never mistaken and always true.

Rev Siregar also spoke about the seven characteristics of falsehood that he learned from FEBC, naming them one by one. He warned the congregation, especially the leadership, not to invite anyone who teaches wrong doctrine that could destroy the church.

We should be unmovable in our faith, to labour faithfully, to look forward to the heavenly reward that the Lord has promised us.

True Lifers at Shobastian’s Ordination, GAPPI Batam, 9 March 2025