BACKGROUND

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:1-6)

In The Mango Tree Church, a history of the Protestant Christian Church in Bali (GKPB), author Douglas McKenzie wrote:

From a small seed planted in the rich Bali soil, the mango grows into a massive, productive tree. The Church likens itself to this tree and aims to be a vital, spiritual presence in the life of the community, productive in all branches of its work. (Former) Bishop I. Wayan Mastra has a special reason for choosing the mango tree as a symbol. He explains that although the mango tree is highly visible, it adapts itself in a way that blends in with its rich, green, tropical environment. It provides welcome shade in a hot climate and produces refreshing fruit. Dr. Mastra identifies the mango tree with Revelation 21-22 where the writer sees a ‘New Jerusalem’ coming into being and containing the throne of God. From this spiritual center, comes a river of ‘living water’, like the steams that flow from Bali’s sacred mountains.

Dr. Mastra’s vision is to see the Christian Church in Bali become a spiritual centre for the life of the Balinese people. From this spiritual center he sees streams of living water flowing---satisfying streams of God’s mercy, love and grace. Like the tree in Revelation, he sees the Church perpetually bearing fruit to satisfy the deepest hunger of those who search for life’s meaning.

The Executive Board of the GKPB are:

Chairman: Bishop

Rev. Nyoman Agustinus, M.Th

General Secretary:

Rev. Dr. Wayan Damayana M.Si., MM

Treasurer:

Rev. Si Bagus Herman M.Th