Say It In Truth

Truth as written in the Word of God, is the basis of journalistic life. It was mentioned by Rev. Japarlin Marbun, whwn he in time gave a reflection on the Media Conference opening worship at House of Bethel, Jakarta (12-13/4).


He quotes scripture Isaiah 45:18-19 "For thus saith the LORD, who created the heavens, - He is God - who formed the earth and make it ... .... Not once I told Jacob to seek me in vain! I the LORD speak the truth, I declare what is right.

"A media can be developed, if told straight and true. Christian Media is different from the general media, "said Pastor Japarlin. He were taking the term "Bad News is Good News", for the general media. He indicated, there are currently media likes to proclaim the fall, the failure of another party. According to him, that kind of news is more interesting than the achievement (success) of a person.

Ps.Japarlin asserted, spiritual media before a news release should pay attention to three things namely as follows : the First, is it true what would I preach?. That is, does it fit with reality?. Do not let the media make a correction because there is an error in the article.

Second, Do I have proper coverage?. Pastor Japarlin criticize Christians media who attack the church. True spiritual media also must meet criteria such as timing, goals and objectives. Thirdly, Is the news useful for the crowds?.

According to him, the more media the church, it can give color to the church. However, he lamented, Christian media have not networked to the fullest. "If the media networking, then it will facilitate the work and extend the existence of a medium," he said.

Furthermore, regarding this Media Conference, General Secretary of Bethel Indonesia Church (GBI) Synod, Ps.Ferry Haurissa said, this event is the first conference. Basically, the event is based on decision of MPL III (annual general assembly).

This conference, according to Ferry has a crucial role in building GBI. "GBI has tremendous power in the media and this needs to be raised in this conference," he said.

The influence of mass media to shape opinions. On the basis of that, officials of GBI Ps. Pudjo STA asserts, GBI had the right to broadcast news about the church. After worship, Ps. Japarlin opened Media Conference officially. The next session was "Enforcement Problems of Journalism Ethics and the Press Law" presented by Atma Kusumah Astraatmaja (Former Chairman of the Press Council).

Then, Ps. Aditya from Surabaya explain about the condition of the latest information technology developments. In addition, he demonstrated the teleconference (communication distance) using internet.The committee made a data base for creating the network media in GBI.