Sheep without a Shepherd

Photo by Rolf Schmidbauer on Unsplash

Mark's account also shows Jesus' tender care for men and women who were not part of His normal band of followers. Heeding Christ's call to get away and rest, the disciples try to find a place to recuperate, but the renown of their and Jesus' ministry makes it impossible. There are too many people, and there is no refuge from the crowds (vv. 32–34). Seeing this, Jesus has compassion on the crowds, for the people are "like sheep without a shepherd," and so He begins to tend the flock of men, women, and children by teaching them.

Those who have seen sheep in person know that without a shepherd, sheep move about aimlessly, wandering here and there, getting lost, and generally paying little heed to the dangers around them. This is the spiritual state of the people in today's passage, and we see that in Jesus' actions to teach the people. The care they need is first and foremost guidance in truth by the Son of God.

Coram Deo

Dr. R.C. Sproul writes in his commentary Mark, "When Jesus set out to feed His sheep, He taught them." As the Good Shepherd, Jesus fulfills His vocation by instructing us in divine truth. All those who would shepherd His people as pastors and teachers must do the same. May our teachers feed us the solid food of God's Word, and let us sit under only those who are committed to the truth of Scripture.

This article was first published in Tabletalk, the Bible study magazine of Ligonier Ministries. Find out more at TabletalkMagazine.com or try it free for three months today at TryTabletalk.com.

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Batam, Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Happy 22nd Anniversary to GAPPI Filadelfia Church

What comes to our minds whenever we celebrate our church anniversary? Surely, we remember the unforgettable history of how God has led us.

Every time we celebrate our church anniversary, we are reminded of the journey through which our church was established. We remember how we struggled to plant and pioneer this church in 2004 in a shophouse at Bandar Mas. Starting with only a handful of people, we faithfully sowed while trusting God for the harvest.

By God's grace, Filadelfia Children's Home was established in 2008, followed by Filadelfia Gracia School in 2011, which now has 155 kindergarten and elementary school students. In 2012, the church building was relocated to Jalan Karanggetan. Then, in 2018, Filadelfia Guest House was established, and in 2024, the church building was expanded. None of these milestones would have been possible without leaders who carried a clear vision and mission.

The song performed by Olyvia, "Make Me Purer", is one of my favorite songs. Whenever I listen to it, tears often fill my eyes as I remember the hardships and the journey of ministry. It has not been easy to remain faithful in ministry for 22 years. In fact, if i count from the time i graduated from Far Eastern Bible College (FEBC) in Singapore, i have now been serving the Lord for nearly 30 years.

Just as olives must be pressed, grapes must be crushed, and myrrh must be carefully processed before their fragrance and value are revealed, so too has our church grown through many refining processes. We thank God for our board members, full time workers, and congregation who have willingly worked hard, sacrificed, served God's people, and sought to live lives that are pleasing to Him.

The third verse of the song says:

"I will give thanks and praise; how sweet it is. Though I must weep, it is sweeter still."

Although there have been many difficulties, there has been been even greater joy because we have witnessed the fruit of God's work. Like the olive tree, which continues to bear fruit even in old age and remains unshaken through storms, may we also remain faithful. Olive trees can survive for thousands of years in various conditions, and they generously produce around 200 kilograms of olives each year. Their fruit is always

useful and beneficial, especially for health. Likewise, dear GAPPI Filadelfia family, let us become like olive trees, continually bearing fruit for the glory of God.

Ministry is never about ourselves—it is about God, who has done far more for us than we could ever do for Him. Let us have a true passion for God. May our desire not only be to

serve Him, but also to love Him with all our heart.

Next year, in 2027, our church will welcome Evangelist Dedi Santo and prepare his ordination as the pastor of GAPPI Filadelfia Church. Let us continue to pray for and support Evangelist Dedi, knowing that serving as a full-time minister of the Gospel is not an easy calling.

May we be united in spirit and purpose—of the same mind, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one purpose—as God's Word teaches us in Philippians 2:2. The baton of ministry must be passed on to the younger generation until the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The pioneers have laid a strong foundation; now let us faithfully continue building upon it.

Thank you to the entire GAPPI Filadelfia congregation for your unity and faithfulness. Let us continue to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

May God bless us all.

With love,

Ev. Ang