On 30 December 2025, in Sorong City, families gathered with a quiet excitement that was both humble and heartfelt. Small children clutched their parents’ hands as community leaders, church members, and city officials stood in prayerful anticipation. At the heart of the event was the laying of the first stone for a new Sunday School building at GKI Shalom Church in Klademak, an important milestone in the spiritual and community life of Papua Barat Daya’s (Southwest Papua) capital.
The project is not an ordinary building initiative. For residents of Sorong and far beyond, it represents an investment in the faith formation and moral development of the city’s youngest generation. As parents and church workers watched, Mayor Lambert Jitmau placed the first ceremonial stone with care, symbolizing not only the start of construction but also the start of something much deeper: the strengthening of Christian education for children in a region where faith and daily life are deeply intertwined.
Officials emphasized that the new Sunday School aims to foster learning, laughter, friendship, and spiritual growth. It’s a place where kids absorb stories of optimism, grasp the importance of kindness, and establish ethical principles that will guide them throughout their lives. In a world filled with competing distractions, the renewed Sunday School offers a sanctuary for spiritual growth.
From Old to New: The Importance of Renewal
GKI Shalom’s Sunday School has been a cherished fixture within the church for a long time. Each week, children would come together to explore the Bible, sing hymns, and engage in activities that enriched their comprehension of Christian values. However, the building itself had seen better days. Limited space, an aging structure, and the inability to accommodate an increasing number of children were problems that church leaders and parents could no longer overlook.
The Sorong City Government responded by lending its support to the church and its members. Understanding the importance of faith and character development in the community, the government offered to help renovate the Sunday School building. Working with church leaders and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, plans were put in place to construct a new facility, one that would accommodate contemporary needs and future expansion.
Mayor Lambert Jitmau spoke of the government’s involvement with genuine feeling. He pointed out that while public funds are frequently allocated to roads, utilities, and economic development, fostering environments where young people can cultivate their faith is just as vital. The mayor stressed that spiritual education shapes character, and a strong character is the foundation of social cohesion and civic duty. Thus, the new Sunday School building represented more than just a physical space; it was an investment in the community.
Two Stories Under One Roof: Vision for the New Building
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Mayor Jitmau emphasized a key element of the new building’s design. He envisioned a two-story Sunday School, a structure designed to accommodate a variety of activities all in one place. This extra space will allow for more classes, youth programs, and community events.
This two-story concept demonstrates a forward-thinking perspective, considering more than just the present. Children of all ages will benefit from classrooms tailored to their specific needs. Younger kids will have secure, vibrant areas where they can engage with stories and their faith through interactive experiences.
Older kids and teens will find rooms designed for discussion, contemplation, and group activities. These spaces will help them understand the Bible better and see how faith principles apply in everyday life.
Church leaders were pleased with this plan. Though well-loved, the old building had its limitations. It could only handle one class at a time, and there wasn’t enough room for teachers to prepare or for children’s ministry supplies. The new design, with its second floor, will provide flexibility, easier access, and spaces for different kinds of learning and socializing.
For the GKI Shalom congregation, this new design shows that their spiritual growth and their children’s faith development are important to both church and community leaders.
A Community Gathering Point
The ceremony itself was a true gathering of the community. Parents, kids, church staff, and local leaders all chimed in, sharing their own Sunday School experiences. Some recalled the early days, when classes were held in plain rooms with whatever furniture they could find. Others reminisced about the weeks spent getting ready for special occasions, the teachers who went the extra mile to help kids grasp tricky lessons, and the joy and music that filled the rooms every Sunday.
One parent shared how her child’s enthusiasm for Sunday School had blossomed, evolving from a simple weekly event into a fundamental part of who the child was. “She looks forward to Sunday School more than anything,” the mother explained. “It teaches her kindness, patience, and how to think about others.”
The new building, a tangible embodiment of these principles, is a welcome addition.
Church volunteers echoed this sentiment. Many had dedicated years to the church, teaching, planning, and supervising children during services. They believed the new building would enhance the learning experience and acknowledge their contributions. Improved facilities translate to simpler preparation, more effective teaching aids, and an atmosphere that demonstrates respect for those who volunteer their time to support spiritual education.
Government and Religious Cooperation on Display
The attendance of officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs at the event highlighted the collaboration between religious organizations and the government.
The Head of the Sorong City Ministry of Religious Affairs underscored that backing initiatives like this demonstrates the government’s dedication to fostering religious unity and moral progress within the community. He pointed out that in a place as culturally and spiritually rich as Papua Barat Daya, supporting faith-based education fosters a collective sense of direction and ethical foundation for every family.
This collaborative approach was evident in how local government officials discussed the Sunday School project. They didn’t present it as a standalone church endeavor, but rather as an integral part of Sorong City’s overall community life. Faith education, in their perspective, runs alongside formal schooling. Both are essential in cultivating well-rounded individuals who make positive contributions to society.
Government participation also brought a sense of responsibility and foresight.
Officials emphasized that public backing for the project would meet safety, accessibility, and longevity requirements. The building’s purpose extends beyond Sunday School; it’s intended for youth retreats, teacher training, and community education, all aimed at instilling values like respect, resilience, and service.
Children are the project’s core. The renewed emphasis on Sunday School stems from the understanding that spiritual growth starts young and flourishes through active participation. In Papua Barat Daya, where community bonds are strong and cultural heritage is paramount, children’s faith education fosters a sense of identity and belonging.
Teachers described how Sunday School lessons frequently link biblical principles to daily experiences.
Children absorb lessons of kindness, forgiveness, and familial duty through lived experiences, not just abstract ideas. These teachings equip them to face difficulties, appreciate different viewpoints, and become empathetic adults.
The new building will facilitate this by providing classrooms designed for engagement, not just lectures. Lessons can be more hands-on, and teachers can incorporate a range of resources, from visual aids to collaborative projects, that were simply unfeasible in the previous building.
Building for Tomorrow
Sorong City’s investment in the new Sunday School building at GKI Shalom demonstrates a commitment to the future. The children who begin their faith education in those classrooms today will eventually grow into adults, parents, and community leaders.
The building, then, is a thread in a tapestry that stretches well beyond the confines of a single day each week.
Local officials have indicated that, though the project doesn’t necessitate special legislation, it will demand sustained oversight. Public backing will persist through collaboration with the church and other involved parties, ensuring the building’s upkeep, full use, and incorporation into wider community initiatives.
From a policy standpoint, this support also resonates with national goals of bolstering moral education and fostering social unity throughout Indonesia’s varied landscapes. West Papua, with its distinct cultural identity, offers a setting where joint ventures between government and religious organizations can demonstrate the interplay of spiritual growth and civic engagement.
In short, the renovation of the Sunday School building at GKI Shalom in Sorong City represents more than just a construction endeavour.
It’s a testament to shared aspirations, a sense of duty, and a dedication to guiding the young. This project, built on careful preparation, strategic backing from the government, and the active participation of church leaders and families, is an investment in human potential, offering spiritual, social, and communal benefits.
For the children who will eventually enter, the new Sunday School building will be a haven for learning, personal development, friendships, and spiritual growth. Parents will find solace in the support it offers for their children’s moral and spiritual journeys. For the community, it will serve as a constant reminder that education, both academic and spiritual, is vital for a thriving society.
In Sorong City, the foundation stone, laid in December 2025, signifies far more than just the beginning of construction. It represents a foundation built on faith, integrity, and a hopeful vision for the future.