On July 20, 2019, Stephen Tong, the famous Chinese-born Indonesian evangelist, gave his life testimony in Hong Kong to inspire Chinese Christians to devote their lives to God.
The 79-year-old pastor who founded one of the largest Reformed megachurches in Indonesia recalled on his ministry that has lasted for more than six decades. In the evangelistic rallies and meetings led by Tong, more than 520,000 people responded to the calling of being a pastor.
At the world-class venue, Asiaworld-Expo Runway 11, Tong said the testimony would be different because he would share new things this time. His father was born in Fujian and worked as a successful businessman. His Indonesian mother was his father's second wife and gave birth to ten children. His mother, who practiced ancestral worship, converted to Christianity because her eldest son was healed through an old woman's prayer.
When he was 12, he made a covenant with God that he would be his servant all throughout his life. Three years later, he changed to believe in communism and socialism, regarding Christianity as an unenlightened belief. In the chaotic world, he had many doubts and sought for the real truth. When he was 15, he asked God to answer his questions. His prayer was answered, after which he promised to answer others' questions for the rest of his life.
Born in Fujian, China, he began to serve as a preacher at 17 and founded Stephen Tong Evangelistic Ministries International (STEMI) with Jahja Ling. In 1989, he established the Reformed Evangelical Church of Indonesia. His lifetime has been devoted to the Reformed Evangelical Movement.
Saying that he was used by the everlasting God, Tong confessed that there was no error or loss in serving the Lord, though sometimes God gave him big trials. Tong said that he planned to preach in 200 cities across the world within the next five years.
He urged young people to walk on the path of faith because God was faithful. The evangelist called on all participants who wish to devote their whole lives to be witnesses of the Lord to stand up.
Tong later introduced his four children, three of whom are women, on the stage. His second daughter, Tong Wenling, conducted several symphony pieces.
The next evening, Tong, who is little known for his musician identity, conducted a sacred music & symphony concert performed by Jakarta Simfonia Orchestra & Jakarta Oratorio Society. Famous pieces, including Swan Lake Waltz, Egmont Overture, Ewiger, Mächtiger, Gütiger Gott, His Yoke Is Easy and Hallelujah, were performed.
The year 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of his preaching in Hong Kong. He has travelled to Hong Kong 812 times and led Bible studies during most of those times.
