10/08/2024 Indonesia (International Christian Concern) – In October 2006 in central Indonesia, Pastor Irianto Kongkoli and his family were going about their day as usual. He, his wife, and their young daughter were running an errand at their local hardware store when tragedy struck.
Two masked men on a motorbike ambushed the family and shot Pastor Irianto in the head. He died at the hospital.
Prior to his death, Pastor Irianto was a pillar in his community, shepherding his church and speaking up on behalf of the voiceless in Central Sulawesi. Shortly before his murder, the pastor assumed the role of the head of the Protestant Church in Central Sulawesi. He also grew more vocal in denouncing authorities who ignored incidents of violence.
Naturally, as his reputation grew, so did the target on his back.
As we look back on Pastor Irianto’s legacy, the imprint he left on his community is undeniable. Among his various ministry outlets, he partnered with another pastor to lead crisis centers for survivors of violence, regardless of their background. His selfless leadership touched the hearts of many who found themselves in painful situations with nowhere else to turn.
A Muslim refugee from one of these centers once said of the Christians who worked there, “Even though we differ in religion, their hearts were extraordinary.”
Nearly two decades after his passing, Pastor Irianto’s legacy lives on. He faithfully served Christ to the very end and made it his mission to serve “the least of these” in many ways.
It is our hope that this mission will continue to be passed on from one generation to the next in Indonesia and beyond. If so, by the grace of God, the lost will be saved, the hungry will be fed, and the vulnerable will be protected.
To read more stories like this, sign up for ICC’s free monthly magazine.
The post A Legacy of Serving ‘The Least of These’ appeared first on International Christian Concern.
