Ten years ago, in a quiet corner of North Sumatra, a seed was planted- a vision that people with disabilities would no longer be hidden or excluded, but welcomed, valued, and empowered in the life of their communities. On 28 May 2015, Gereja Kristen Protestan Simalungun (GKPS) launched a community-based rehabilitation program known as RBM […]

Ten years ago, in a quiet corner of North Sumatra, a seed was planted- a vision that people with disabilities would no longer be hidden or excluded, but welcomed, valued, and empowered in the life of their communities. On 28 May 2015, Gereja Kristen Protestan Simalungun (GKPS) launched a community-based rehabilitation program known as RBM GKPS, based at GKPS Pematang Raya 1903. Today, that vision has grown into a living, breathing movement of inclusion, now formalised as Yayasan Idop Ni Uhur.

The RBM ministry is not simply a social initiative, it is an expression of the Gospel lived out in community. At the heart of the Christian message is the conviction that all people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), redeemed through Christ, and called into mutual love and service. Jesus did not ignore or exclude those on the margins — He touched the untouchable, saw the unseen, and lifted the voices of the vulnerable.

RBM invites the church to walk in these footsteps. When we accompany people with disabilities, we are not performing charity- we are living out our baptismal calling to love, serve, and stand with our neighbours in solidarity and joy.

RBM GKPS now walks alongside over 500 people with disabilities through a network of 24 service posts across rural Simalungun. Each week, these posts host gatherings that include people with disabilities, elderly community members, and volunteers- ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Here, they learn together, grow together, and celebrate the dignity of every individual. It is in this shared life that Christ is most present.

Many of the people we serve cannot access formal schooling. Most schools are in the city, and none yet meet the unique needs of children with disabilities in our villages. In response, we created a non-formal education program, gathering children and their families weekly to read, write, count, and explore. Our economic programs equip adults with practical skills, from making souvenirs and snacks, to running small home-based businesses and helping families to provide and plan for the future.

We believe rehabilitation must be holistic. A child with a disability cannot thrive if their family lives in poverty or isolation. RBM therefore empowers whole families. Before joining us, many parents felt alone, ashamed, and invisible. Today, they belong to a community that sees them, values them, and walks with them.

The heart of RBM’s mission is transformation — not just in the lives of people with disabilities, but in the mindset of society. Too often, people with disabilities are viewed as burdens. But the Gospel reminds us that the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable (1 Corinthians 12:22). Disability is not a weakness — it is part of God’s beautiful human diversity.

RBM GKPS works to educate our churches, schools, and villages that people with disabilities are just as entitled to participate, contribute, and flourish. We want a society where children with special needs can dream of becoming teachers, leaders, and artists, and where those dreams are nurtured, not dismissed.

Our volunteers are a living testament to this change. Over 200 strong and growing, they receive no salary, yet serve faithfully year after year. Their motivation comes from the relationships they’ve built — bonds formed through shared joy and sorrow, celebration and challenge. Many say that being touched by the lives of the children they mentor is their greatest reward.

This year, RBM GKPS celebrates a decade of love in action under the theme ‘I am inclusion.’ We marked the milestone with pre-anniversary events in three key regions. These gatherings featured devotionals, exhibitions, and joyful competitions, from making nitak (Simalungun rice cake) to showcasing arts and sports and thus highlighting the potential and creativity of children with disabilities.

The highlight of our celebrations took place at the Hall of Rev. Jenus Purba Siboro in Bulupange, attended by over 900 people, including 350 people with disabilities. We began with a vibrant parade, led by the GKPS 1 Pematang Raya School marching band, moving from GKPS Kongsilaita Sondiraya to the Simalungun Regent’s office- a public call for government support, including the passing of a regional law (PERDA) on disability rights.

In Bulupange, the day continued with worship, community meals, and music from artists Gebby Saragih and Erikzen Tondang, celebrating our unity in diversity.

The church is called to be a sign of God’s kingdom — where all are welcome, all are valued, and no one is left behind. RBM reminds us that the body of Christ is incomplete unless every member is seen and included. May the church continue to lead the way in building inclusive, disability-friendly communities, not just in word, but in worship, service, and love.

RBM GKPS believes in a future where every village is disability-friendly, where every person, regardless of ability, can contribute to community development. Our motto is simple but powerful: ‘Together we can.’

We may not be able to help everyone, but we believe everyone can help someone. When we open our hearts and minds to walk with people with disabilities, we build communities that reflect the image of God- inclusive, compassionate, and whole.

If you would like to consider the opportunity to serve as a volunteer in mission, serving in practical ways, teaching English, teaching in the seminaries and institutions of our partner churches, or in local churches, you are invited to phone LCA International Mission on (08) 8267 7317 or email lcaim@lca.org.au. For more information, go to https://www.lcamission.org.au/join-gods-mission/volunteer/

Read more stories about volunteering at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/join-gods-mission/volunteers/