KARIMUN -- To support religious activities and strengthen the social life of communities in its operational areas, PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk provided assistance to support the construction of a Prayer House for the Wesley Congregation of the Indonesian Methodist Church (GMI) in Karimun Regency.
The Prayer House, located on Gang Sahata, Sukamaju Village, Sungai Pasir Subdistrict, Karimun Regency, is a facility that the congregation has long been looking forward to.
For approximately three years, the Wesley congregation has been using a rented facility to conduct various religious activities.
Chairman of the Construction Committee for the GMI Wesley Congregation Prayer House in Karimun Regency, Vebrian Amos B Sinaga, said construction of the Prayer House has currently reached approximately 25 percent completion.
“The construction of the Prayer House is currently about 25 percent complete,” Vebrian said on Tuesday (August 11, 2026).
He explained that one of the main challenges in constructing the Prayer House is limited funding. Construction is being carried out gradually, relying on contributions from the congregation as well as support from various parties.
According to him, the Prayer House is greatly needed as it will not only serve as a place of worship, but also as a space for the congregation to conduct various social and community development activities.
“The services that will be carried out at the Prayer House include prayer services, ministry of the Word, and acts of service and compassion,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ramsida, Treasurer of the GMI Wesley Congregation Prayer House Construction Committee, said that construction has begun, including work to raise and prepare the land. The location was chosen because it is close to the church and is expected to provide a more suitable facility for the congregation.
“We have just started filling and preparing the land because the location is quite close to the church. So far, we have been renting a place for congregation activities. That is why we are working to make this Prayer House a reality,” Ramsida said.
She said the construction is being funded through various sources, including contributions from the congregation and fundraising activities. However, assistance from PT TIMAH has been very meaningful in helping accelerate the construction process.
“In addition to the assistance from PT TIMAH, we also raise funds through bazaars and contributions from the congregation. We are grateful because this assistance is substantial and has greatly helped the construction of the Prayer House,” she said.
Ramsida explained that various religious and congregation development activities have continued to take place despite having to use a rented facility. With their own Prayer House, the congregation hopes these activities can be carried out more freely and sustainably.
Once completed, the Prayer House will be used for various activities, including regular worship services, children's development programs, social activities, education, and the arts. One of the planned activities is music lessons for children from the surrounding community and congregation.
For the Wesley congregation, PT TIMAH's support is not only seen as physical assistance for the construction, but also as a form of care that encourages them to realize their long-awaited Prayer House.
She said the assistance has brought joy and a sense of blessing to the congregation, which has long hoped to have its own Prayer House.
“The congregation that has been longing for its own Prayer House feels blessed and joyful. Thanks to PT TIMAH's assistance, the construction can move forward more quickly,” she said.
She hopes the construction of the Prayer House will continue until completion so that it can soon be used by the entire congregation for worship and various ministry activities.
“We hope that in the future, this Prayer House will become a place for ministry and bring goodness to the congregation and the surrounding community. We also hope that this spirit of support and mutual assistance will continue,” she said. (*)
