GKPI, Church for the Radiation of the Gospel

The origins of the Church for the Propagation of the Gospel (GKPI) can be traced back to the split of its members from the American-inspired "Church of the Gospel Tent" in 1959. These believed that the Christian faith is holistic, encompasses all aspects of life and includes social justice. The relationship with Mission 21 began in 1964 (at that time with the Basel Mission). The partnership supports GKPI in its quest for independence. 

The GKPI works in an area that is larger than Switzerland but has a population of only around 200,000. They is predominantly made up of members of the ethnic group of the Dayak together. Most of the approximately 20,000 church members live in rural areas and have a very modest income. Its parishes are located along the Sesayap, Sembakung and Sebuku rivers in the north of East Kalimantan province and in the Kerayan highlands and are sometimes only accessible by boat and small aircraft. They are looked after by over 50 pastors. The employees of the church only receive a low wage and cultivate their own fields for self-sufficiency. Mission 21 finances part of the church's administrative and wage costs. With its holistic approach, the GKPI supports the population in the areas of education, health and agriculture in addition to pastoral care, Livelihood security and women's empowerment. With the support of Mission 21, projects such as income generation for women, training scholarships for young people affected by poverty from remote villages, awareness-raising on the topic of violence in partnerships and organizational development are made possible.