On November 26, 2025, on Thanksgiving Eve, Rev. Dr. Anton Tarigan gave a special lecture at WEC Immanuel Chapel. Rev. Tarigan is a prominent evangelical leader from Indonesia whose ministry spans pastoral leadership, national movements, and global evangelical collaboration. He is the Founder and Senior Pastor of the Tower of Praise Church, where he has served since establishing the church in 2003. Since 2015, he has also served as a Board Member of the Fellowship of Indonesia Evangelical Church, contributing to the strengthening and coordination of evangelical ministries, along with various other leadership roles.
Rev. Tarigan shared his testimony with warmth and humor. He grew up in a Muslim family and came to know Jesus at the age of thirty. He reflected that if he had known the Lord earlier, he could have done more for God’s kingdom. He encouraged young people to cherish the time they have and use it to serve the Lord faithfully. “Seeing you young people today fills me with admiration,” he said, “you have the opportunity to do great things for Jesus.”
The sermon focused on 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Rev. Tarigan emphasized three key principles for living a life with an attitude of gratitude.
First, God gives us the ability to be thankful in all circumstances. No matter the challenges or weaknesses we face, God equips us with the strength to stand firm and courageous in any situation. Even young people, who may lack experience or be underestimated, are empowered by God to bear life’s responsibilities.
Second, everything we experience is part of God’s good purpose. We have no reason to complain; instead, we should cultivate a grateful heart. Rev. Tarigan illustrated this by comparing God’s guidance to parental discipline: even if we do not like it at first, it is ultimately for our benefit. Through this, we understand that God’s plans are always good, faithful, and trustworthy.
Third, we should remain humble and obedient. Life may have ups and downs, but we should not complain. God is always good and deserving of our trust and worship, in every season.
To illustrate gratitude, Rev. Tarigan shared a story about a farmer who diligently went to the market to provide for his family but had a bad experience on one rainy day, where his bike slipped on mud and his bananas were ruined. He initially complained and felt disappointed. Later, he learned that the bus he regularly boarded had an accident that same morning, leaving no survivors. Only then did he realize the accident had protected him. Later, a newcomer to the village sought the spoiled bananas for livestock, allowing the farmer to benefit from what he initially saw as loss, which also reminded the farmer that God provides even in unexpected ways. Rev. Tarigan highlighted that this story shows gratitude is not just for favorable circumstances, but also in life’s challenges.
Rev. Tarigan also shared five practical ways to cultivate a heart of gratitude:
1: Avoid comparing yourself with others, for God created each of us uniquely.
2: Focus on what you have, rather than what you lack.
3: Submit to God’s will instead of insisting that He follow our plans.
4: Find true satisfaction in Christ, recognizing that the most valuable gift we have is Jesus Himself.
5: Focus on eternal life and live as citizens of God’s kingdom, understanding that gratitude is not limited to earthly blessings.
He reminded congregations to seek spiritual fulfillment rather than just satisfying bodily desires, quoting Philippians 3:8: “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” True gratitude comes from knowing Jesus as the center of our lives, acknowledging His sacrifice for us, and embracing the hope of eternal life.
Finally, Rev. Tarigan led the congregation in prayer, asking God to cultivate genuine gratitude in their hearts. He encouraged them to be thankful not only in favorable circumstances but also in trials, trusting in God’s goodness at all times. The service concluded in an atmosphere of heartfelt worship and reflection, leaving the congregation inspired to live lives of sincere gratitude.