Back to the Bible International
Meet Frans Silalahi, Director-Indonesia
Frans Silalahi

Frans Silalahi is the director of KAMI (Light of the Truth), Back to the Bible's Indonesian ministry. Frans lives in Banten, Indonesia, with his wife, Riana, and three children.

Full name and meaning:
Frans Hisar Mangatur Silalahi
Frans comes from my Grandfather, Franciscus. Hisar means "healthy" because I was born premature. Mangatur means "leader" because I am the oldest son in my family. Silalahi is my family name.
Family information:
My wife's name is Riana, and I call her Ana. I met her in senior high school. We have one daughter, Priscilla Theresia, and two sons Peter Joshua and Paul Andrew.
How you came to know the Lord:
I came to know the Lord when I was 9 years old. It happened in Sunday school when I saw a vision that I was preaching the gospel to the multitude. Since that time I surrendered my life to the Lord.
Ministry background:
When I was a student at the university, I was involved with mission outreach. Our goal was to share the gospel with one person for one week. After I graduated, I joined FEBC and they appointed me as missionary to the Philippines in 1995-1997. After returning to Indonesia we set up a radio station and I was program director. In 2001 I produced radio Bible teaching for Back to the Bible, and in 2003 we set up the office for Back to the Bible in Jakarta.
What year did you start with Back to the Bible and how have your responsibilities changed?
In April of 2001, when I was working with FEBC, I produced radio Bible teaching for Back to the Bible. Because of the rapid growth of this ministry, Back to the Bible decided to set up an office in Indonesia, and since May 1, 2003 I have been the Bible teacher and Director for Back to the Bible Indonesia.
How the Bible has changed your life:
I have read my Bible since I was a kid. When I was in senior high school, one of my teachers said, "If you want to be a success, read your Bible first, before you read your text books." I did it, and I accomplished to study my Bible before I graduated as an agricultural engineer. I had confidence to serve the Lord, and I enrolled in Theological seminary.
Favorite Bible passage:
2 Timothy 2:1-2
Favorite Bible story:
My favorite Bible story is Paul because of his bravery and eagerness to preach the Gospel. He was also a good teacher and he knew so well about the Bible. He was faithful unto death.
Greatest struggle growing up:
I was born premature and not in good health. I could not catch up with my study in elementary school until the third grade. In the third grade I did receive Jesus, and I had a new perspective. Since then I have always had a top three rank in my class.
About the people of Indonesia:
The people in my country are family-oriented. They are friendly as long as you do not talk about religion. Most of them live in poverty, starving for food, and many children suffer from lack of food, malnutrition and sickness.
The one place in Indonesia you would take a visitor:
Indonesia miniature, Toba Lake and Bali.
What makes you the most proud of Indonesia?
Indonesia is the largest Islamic country/population, however, we as Christians still can survive.

Fun Facts

Interesting or funny fact about you:
When I was a kid I was lame, but by God's grace I can walk normally. My face looks a lot older than my age.
Other places you have lived besides Indonesia:
Philippines, 1995-1997, as a missionary
Hobbies:
Badminton, chess
If you had a random day off, what would you do for the day?
Play with my kids or visit people who are sick.
Favorite food:
Chinese food
Least favorite food:
Uncooked food (like sushi)
Favorite book (besides the Bible):
The Making of a Leader by Robert Clinton

Read current e-mail updates from Indonesia

Support the Indonesian Office