Muria story, The

By Lawrence M. Yoder

Book Description

This compelling historical account traces the remarkable spiritual journey of the Muria Christian Churches of Indonesia, revealing how faith transcends cultural boundaries and creates lasting transformation. Lawrence M. Yoder chronicles the extraordinary story of a church movement that began with one man's sincere search for baptism and evolved into a thriving multi-ethnic community spanning Indonesia's vast archipelago.

The narrative centers on Tee Siem Tat, a Chinese Indonesian businessman whose spiritual awakening in 1920 sparked a movement that would eventually reach across diverse ethnic communities. When Tee and his fellow believers sought baptism, they connected with Russian Mennonite missionaries working through the Dutch Mennonite Mission, leading to the first baptisms in December 1920 and official church registration by 1926.

What makes this story particularly inspiring is how the church transformed over four decades from an exclusively Chinese Indonesian congregation into a vibrant multicultural fellowship. The pivotal decision to call a Javanese minister from a neighboring Mennonite church opened doors to sharing their faith with Javanese people and eventually other ethnic groups throughout Indonesia.

Today, this church community has established congregations across Central, West and East Java, Bali, northern and southern Sumatra, Kalimantan, and several smaller islands. This detailed 386-page history offers valuable insights into how authentic spiritual movements grow organically across cultural divides, demonstrating the universal appeal of genuine faith and community.