Kita mengambil bagian dalam tugas hidup dan perutusan Yesus Kristus, yang menghampakan diriNya dan menjadi seorang hamba, taat sampai mati, bahkan sampai mati di salib (lih. Fil 2:7-8). Kita yakin, bahwa karya apostolis kita mendapat berkat dari Allah bukan hanya dalam gembiraan dan keberhasilan, melainkan juga dalam kesukaran dan kekecewaan. (Konstitusi SVD 121)

DO YOU WANT TO FIND AN INTERNATIONAL SPIRITUAL ATMOSPHERE IN BATAM? There is no need to across the straight to Singapore to find such that amazing experience. Just drive or hire a taxi to Bukit Indah Sukajadi, Batam. Behind the Kepri Mall, at the foothill of wild life reservoir, at the edge of a green golf course, you will find a small church in Javanese architecture, called Bible Centre. This church is owned and run by missionaries of the Society of the Divine Word (Societas Verbi Divini). For years the international atmosphere has existed and enriched the church life in Batam. People from many different nations, mainly Filipinos, Indians, Singaporean, Vietnamese, Chinese, European, or local Indonesians, are mixed together.

Every Sunday, 10.00 am, English Mass takes place in this compound. Eventually it is not the only English Mass in Batam, but very well known among expatriates and foreign visitors and sailors. Coordinated and performed by mostly Filipinos, this Sunday Worship proves to be very dynamic and alive due to its vibrant music. The variety of nationalities is also an enriching element within this community. Once in a while, some distinctive music of India, Korea, Mandarin or Vietnamese colour the liturgy. Many Indonesian also contribute to the beauty of the liturgy with many different services, such as lectors, commentators, psalmists, ushers, usherettes, musicians, etc.

The ministry of praise and worship covers all liturgical celebrations. Its network consists of music ambassadors and voice ensemble, sacristan, decorators, etc. All elements of the congregation contribute to the celebration in such a way that may lead people to experience the loving presence of the Lord. In special occasions, such as Holy Week, all liturgies are specially designed to adopt the principal guide line by the Universal Church and community practices that are based on different traditions of different nations. The primary goal is to create an atmosphere of brotherhood that bridges many differences. Probably the notion of living the harmony of unity in diversity is very much alive in this community. Isn't it eventually the reason why Jesus gave his life to the salvation of human races, so they are able to live in harmony?