The Jedutuhun Salvation Ministry is a community dedicated to the praise and worship of the Lord. It is named after the Old Testament figure of Jedutuhun: a Levite, and one of the musical masters appointed by King David to sing inspired songs of thanksgiving and praise to the accompaniment of lyres, harps and cymbals during liturgical services. (1 Chronicles, 25) His descendants were likewise assigned to sing and play musical instruments for liturgical services. In Makassar, our Jedutuhun ministry was born out of a desire to be of service to the archdiocese: through praise and worship with the accompaniment of musical instruments.
In the beginning, there was a group of dedicated young men and women from Surabaya, in East Java. They called themselves the Heman Salvation Ministry, and they were led by a very dedicated Catholic couple named Mr. and Mrs. Hanjaya. They came to Makassar (in southern Sulawesi) to lead a Catholic Spiritual revival for the community. Some youth from the parish of Christ the King, Andalas (in South Sulawesi), who were members of the charismatic movement, were inspired by the example of the very dedicated and active young men and women from Surabaya. So much so, that they asked them for help in forming their own group. The young people of Surabaya then came to Makassar every week for several months, to teach and direct the young people of Christ the King. The new group was formed and gathered regularly at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ade Bisono, a couple who was active in the parish prayer community of the Charismatic Movement. I was chosen as their moderator. That handful of young and interested people in January of 2005, grew into what is some 200 members today.
The name Jedutuhun Salvation Ministry (JSM) was chosen, with the aim of ministering to the people of God through praise and worship. After the first few months of activities the group decided to write a constitution, which was later approved and signed by Archbishop Msgr. John Liku-Ada. During one of his meetings with the community, the Archbishop expressed his hope that the JSM spread its wings to the people of the whole archdiocese, especially inviting young people to join the community.
Today the community has 20 groups, each comprised of nine to ten members. Each group is guided and directed by a responsible and dedicated leader or couple. In all, the community consists of about 200 members: they are young, middle-aged and old, married and unmarried, students and working professionals. All are urged to pray, to read the Bible, and to meditate before their daily work. Every week the groups gather in their respective areas, usually within their parishes, for bible study and sharing, praise and worship. They are also encouraged to regularly receive the sacraments—especially the Eucharist, at least once a week aside from Sunday. Every month they visit the sick, either in-home or at the hospital, where they pray and sing for healing. They also visit orphanages, and provide donations consisting of rice, noodles, and other basic necessities. Every year, on the occasion of their foundation anniversary, they organize a Thanksgiving Mass during which the induction of new candidates is held, and a Catholic Spiritual Revival in the city of Makassar is organized.
To mark the recent 10th Anniversary of the Foundation of Jeduthun Salvation Ministry (JSM), its program committee decided to hold some special activities. First was a Thanksgiving Mass held on January 12th in Makassar. From January 16-19th there was a community service for the parish of St. Paul in Rantetayo, Tana Toraja, and a Catholic Spiritual Revival in the nearby parish of Makale, Tana Toraja.
On the evening of January 12th, the entire 200+ community membership, as well as parishioners and other guests, gathered at the Church of Mother Mary in Sudiang, Makassar. All were present for the beautiful Thanksgiving Mass that I, as the JSM moderator, presided over with assistance of Fr. John Turing, parish priest. During the Mass, I expounded on the theme chosen by the ministry for this year: “Be Light. Let Your Light Shine Among the People.” The central message was to urge all those present to be a light in the manner of Jesus, the Light. Everyone present was commissioned to let the light of Christ shine among their brothers and sisters, through their life’s witness as Christians and as members of the community of JSM. Also during this Mass thirteen candidates, after a year of orientation to the community, were officially inducted and added as members of the community, while 50 officers and leaders renewed their commitments. The lively JSM choir, in their usual upbeat manner, added much joy to the liturgy.
Then on the 16th of January, three busloads of members and officers of the community made an overnight trip to the parish of Rantetayo, in Tana Toraja: 185 miles to the north of Makassar. As early as 9am on the 17th, the parish priest, Fr. Gerry, and the lay-leaders eagerly awaited our arrival. As soon as we disembarked to face the sun-filled morning, parishioners enthusiastically greeted us, with a very warm welcome and a much-appreciated snack. There was then a welcome speech from the parish council president, and another short speech from Mr. Benny Josal, the JSM community chairperson, explaining the purpose of the JSM visit. The JSM community was fortunate enough to have obtained donations for this parish, and they happily presented them: 500 hymnals, 500 bibles, and ten life-sized sacred statues. We then divided ourselves into several groups, to visit the villages and socialize with the people.
On Sunday, January 18th, we headed about 30 minutes east, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Makale. There we participated in the morning Mass and, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, about 500 parishioners flocked to fill the church for the Catholic Spiritual Revival. The Revival began with songs of praise and worship to the accompaniment of musical instruments. This was followed by personal accounts: JSM individuals who relayed their life stories and the ways in which the good Lord has called upon them to serve Him through praise, worship, and songs of thanksgiving. They shared also how the JSM community has made a difference for them. After their witnessing, Fr. Franz Liman, cicm, stood to deliver his lively and passionate homily on the theme: “Be Light… Let Your Light Shine Among the People.” After that, a Prayer for Healing was offered, during which hundreds of participants came forward to be prayed over by several priests and lay leaders of the JSM. It was 7pm when I had the privilege to conclude the service with a closing prayer and blessing.
As the community of JSM celebrates their 10th Anniversary of Foundation this year, we congratulate their dedication and accomplishments, as well applaud the tememndous support they give to others. It is hoped that they will continue to grow in their love for the Lord through the spiritual exercises as envisioned in their constitution, and that they will also continue to serve as an inspiration for others.
Fr. Ernesto Amigleo, cicm
Makassar, Indonesia
Fr. Ernesto Amigleo, cicm is a Philippine native who joined Missionhurst-CICM in 1963, and was ordained in 1968. He has been working in Indonesia for 30 years and is presently the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Makassar, while still doing parish work in Makassar.
