May 18, 2009 issue
Joyful Easter at Philadelphia church
By Felly VeliciaPHILADELPHIA — “We should celebrate Easter more than we celebrate Christmas,” said Pastor Heraldo Siahaan of Philadelphia Praise Center on Easter Sunday, April 12.
Pastor Heraldo Siahaan leads Philadelphia Praise Center in worship on Easter. — Photo by James Davis Rideout
The congregation, which belongs to Franconia Conference of Mennonite Church USA, responded with enthusiasm.
Worshipers joined hands as they prayed for each other. Dances broke out as people lifted their hands to sing and praise God.
Indonesian gospel singer Wawan Yap brought special music, and then the next generation took over the stage. Youth ages 12-15 played instruments and led worship songs as children ages 4-8 danced to glorify the Lord.
Philadelphia Praise Center is a multilingual congregation whose members speak Indonesian, English and Spanish. Teenagers represent 70 percent of its membership. This young church has a vision to reach out and build connections with churches all over the world. Teens are encouraged to be history makers — leaders, not just followers.
Guests from all over Philadelphia joined in the joy of the Easter service. Although they were not members of Philadelphia Praise Center, maybe not even believers, God touched their hearts.
“We sensed the presence of the Lord among us,” youth leader Bobby Wibowo said.
Philadelphia is often considered a place of violence and drugs. But this Sunday gathering felt peaceful as the message of Easter broke through and worshipers sensed the promise of God’s renewal.
“Easter is time of restoration,” Wibowo said. “When we receive Jesus who died for us, he gives us a new life.”
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