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The 2024 NHM Gosowong Employees’ Christmas Celebration was a heartwarming event that combined joy with simplicity. Held on December 4, 2024, the celebration embraced the theme “Rise and Shine” (Isaiah 60:1) to inspire NHM employees with renewed hope for the coming year. Taking place at the Gosowong Ecumenical Fellowship Church within the NHM Gosowong Gold Mine complex, the event fostered a meaningful sense of togetherness among all employees.

The celebration began with a vibrant opening performance by the Eliora Voice choir from Jailolo. Their rendition of Angel’s Carol set a serene and reflective tone for the service. The atmosphere deepened with an emotional musical testimony by Martha Larenggam, who performed Hanya Lilin Kecil (Just a Small Candle). Her soulful voice resonated deeply, touching the hearts of all present.

NHM’s General Manager of Production and Planning, Kiki Kosmara, delivered a welcoming address on behalf of the company’s management. In his remarks, Kiki encouraged employees to pray and work toward the company’s revival and return to its former glory. He said, “This year’s Christmas theme is highly relevant to the challenges we are currently facing. Let us come together in prayer and effort so that NHM can rise and shine once more.”

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The service also welcomed pastors from various churches surrounding the mining area, symbolizing unity and support among local congregations. Performances by the Eliora Voice choir and the Solafide vocal group enriched the celebration, filling the venue with songs of praise that inspired and uplifted attendees. The highlight of the event was the candle-lighting ceremony, led by Pastor Daniel Pandji, preceded by the choir’s melodic harmonies that elevated the spiritual ambiance.

In his Christmas sermon, Pastor Daniel Pandji shared a message of hope and purpose, encouraging everyone to rise and shine as beacons of light to others. He emphasized that celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ should inspire us to reflect His love, kindness, and sacrifice in our daily lives.“Jesus said that we are the light of the world. Therefore, our lives must radiate light through every action we take for others. As inscribed above the church entrance: ‘Blessed to Be a Blessing.’ Truly, we have been blessed by God so that we may bless others,” Pastor Daniel shared.

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The event concluded with heartfelt remarks from Christmas committee chairperson Novi Lasut. She expressed gratitude to all attendees and acknowledged the committee’s hard work in organizing the service. “Despite the limitations and challenges we faced, I am deeply grateful to Jesus Christ that this year’s Christmas service could be held solemnly and joyfully. This proves that the spirit of togetherness and new hope persists, even amid difficulties,” she said.

Novi also highlighted the diaconal outreach conducted during the Christmas season to bless surrounding mining communities. Coordinated by Mrs. Reymelda Tahamata, the outreach distributed 50 packages of basic necessities to underprivileged families in North Kao and Kao Bay, including widows, widowers, and orphans.

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“Praise the Lord! This initiative allowed us to extend blessings to others, embodying the true spirit of Christmas,” Novi added.

The service was filled with solemnity and joy, accompanied by music led by Yolanda Kojongian and her team, who enhanced the congregation’s spiritual experience throughout the event.

As the service drew to a close, Yolanda shared her hope that the congregation would gather again for next year’s Christmas celebration. “Let us continue to pray for a brighter future and carry the spirit of hope and togetherness forward,” she said.