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special report By Dr. James Riady
Founder Yayasan Pendidikan Pelita Harapan
A Faithful Servant of Jesus Christ He was born in Semarang and became Dr. Johannes Oentoro, Ph.D. He was a gifted musician who loved music and the Arts. He was a visionary leader and builder of both people and institutions. He was responsible for the starting and the growth of churches, schools, universities and hospitals; the most basic, yet the most important, foundations of society.
Dr. Johannes Oentoro
This edition of the “Light magazine” is dedicated to the theme of “Redemptive Service”. Our cofounder, Dr. Johannes Oentoro exemplified this truth as he lived his life as a disciple of Jesus Christ dedicated to redemptive service.
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N Wednesday, April 27th 2011, at 9.15pm in Siloam Hospital Lippo Village, Dr. Johannes Oentoro finished his journey of fifty nine years on earth, having fought the good fight. He passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Saviour, glorified with a new body, to live with his Lord forever. He was the beloved husband of Santi Oentoro; wonderful father of Lala and Erick, Annette and Andrew; loving grandfather of Michella; much loved son of Hilda Oentoro; eldest brother of Ennyke, Tony, Hanna, Jimmy and their families.
He was the object of God’s saving grace and favour who was in the mind and heart of Jesus Christ as He was crucified, died, was buried and raised. He was reborn having been known by God, predestined by Him and at a point of time in his life, called by Him. Dr. Johannes’ response was, “We want to be a blessing for this nation,” which became a vision that inspired many to be co-laborers in the ministry of Christian Education through Yayasan Pendidikan Pelita Harapan. Eighteen years have passed since we set sail on this journey to bless Indonesia through holistic education. I am grateful and honored to have witnessed many important milestones, achievements and also to go through the many ups and downs, together with him, as the vision became reality. He held many positions of responsibility. He was the founder and first rector of UPH; the first Head of SPH; the Head of Siloam Hospitals. It is his obedience to answer the Lord’s calling in Education where he leaves his greatest legacy birthing UPH, SPH, SDH and SLH in Nias, Mentawai, Lampung, Tangerang, Surabaya, Kupang, Manado, Makassar, Ambon, and all the way to Papua providing access and opportunity for Education to many children from different layers of society in Indonesia and giving hope to those who may never have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
His unwavering commitment to Education was always grounded in Biblical principles and has blessed thousands. He believed that knowledge alone is not
enough. Knowledge must be guided by faith in God to produce servant-leaders. His perseverance has brought many breakthroughs for Indonesia. SPH Lippo Village was the first school in our country to emphasize holistic and God-centered education. It was the first school with an international standard IB program. UPH was the first Indonesian global university to produce leaders and world-class professionals. He was a man with a heart for God, for His people and for His church. For the Kingdom of God his obedience has resulted in many lives being changed having heard and responded to the Gospel. He truly was a hero in so many ways. He was a hero in that he lived a Godly life but like all of us, had a constant struggle in trying to please, love and serve Him. He responded genuinely and openly to the Gospel mandate to go and make disciples through Education, Health, the Economy, Music, the Arts and Civic society. He was a hero who leaves behind for his family, friends, co-workers, brothers and sisters in Christ and this wonderful nation, an exemplary life of responding to God. I personally bid him goodbye and salute him as my friend. My memories of being with him are definitely something I will always cherish. There is no doubt Pak Jo was well-loved by many. He will forever be missed but we know we will meet him again in heaven in God’s appointed time. Let us be thankful that our paths crossed and for all the special moments we shared. The challenge is for us to continue his legacy. I pray that with God’s grace, together we will continue to make a significant impact and allow God to transform our nation through education. Let us take up his example to be redemptive servants as disciples of Jesus Christ.