Rev. Dr. Stephen Tong (Founder of IREC)
Rev. Dr. Stephen Tong has a vision for churches to be built up and directed toward true theology and genuine evangelical zeal. With this strong vision, he began the Reformed Evangelical Movement in Indonesia by organizing the Seminar Pembinaan Iman Kristen (Christian Faith Foundation Seminar) to pioneer Reformed doctrine.
A movement is distinct from an organization; it is a flaming fire and spiritual enthusiasm that kindles people into becoming powerful influences for other individuals to witness, to confess, to progress, and ultimately to carry out the important task of changing history. This movement consists of two aspects. First, a return to theological understanding that is based on the revelations from God in the Scriptures, which was pioneered by the Reformers, especially from the Calvinist school and its successors. With this strict principle, Christians will be equipped and strengthened by the teachings truly contained within Scripture to face the challenges of every age. Secondly, the kindling of a fiery zeal for evangelization; to mobilize Christians to directly proclaim the Gospel: the good news for humanity; the power of salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ for the forgiveness of sin and peace between mankind and God to create a new life that glorifies God, is a witness for Christ, and proclaims the Gospel. Therefore, this movement means the church must be rooted in the Word of God, and must bear fruit in this world.
Throughout more than 70 years of ministry, Rev. Dr. Stephen Tong has introduced Christ to over 33 million souls. With a foundation in Reformed theology and evangelical passion, he has preached the Gospel across Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, and South America. In 2006, Rev. Dr. Stephen Tong preached the Gospel to hundreds of people in Tokyo, Japan, a nation where many have never heard the Gospel. This became a personal burden for him. Guided by the two aspects of the Reformed Evangelical Movement, Scripture-based theology and a passion for proclaiming the Gospel to all people, in 2019, Rev. Dr. Stephen Tong sent Rev. Erianto Chai and his family to Japan to introduce the saving power of Christ to the people of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Rev. Erianto Chai, M.Eng., M.Th.
After completing his masters in Tokyo, Rev. Erianto responded to his calling to become a servant of God. He first completed his Master of Theology at the International Reformed Evangelical Seminary in Jakarta.
Adhering to the doctrine that aligns with the Word of God, Rev. Erianto leads the MRII (Mimbar Reformed Injili Internasional or International Reformed Evangelical Pulpit) Tokyo congregation. His desire for Christianity to influence the worldview of Japanese society has brought the MRII Tokyo congregation to grow as a community and be called to proclaim the gospel.
Currently, Rev. Erianto is pursuing doctoral studies in theology with his dissertation theme focusing on Christianity in Asia.
Vicar Verawati Halim, B.Hum., M.Th.
With her husband, Rev. Erianto, she has completed her Master of Theology at International Reformed Evangelical Seminary in Jakarta.
Currently, Vic. Vera assists Rev. Erianto in leading the congregation of MRII Tokyo, especially in the children’s and women’s ministries.
Vic. Vera and Rev. Erianto have been blessed with 3 children: Ethan Locke, Clavin Locke, and Eunice Locke.