Remembering Andar Ismail: A Prolific Christian Writer Who Made Theology Simple
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Loading... - Genji Cheng
- 10 Sep 2024
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Andar Ismail, a celebrated Christian writer and pastor, passed away at the age of 84 on August 25, 2024, due to congestive heart failure. Renowned for his ability to make theology accessible, Ismail authored the popular Selamat series—33 books, each with 33 short stories, reflecting the 33 years of Jesus’ life on earth. His work blended Bible exposition, personal reflections, church history, and humor into a style he termed gado-gado (hodgepodge), making his books relatable to both lay Christians and people of other faiths.
Ismail’s impact extended beyond his writing. He served as pastor of the Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) Samanhudi in Jakarta for 40 years and taught theology at the Jakarta Theological Seminary. Despite facing personal struggles growing up in a poor family, his love for storytelling, nurtured by his mother and early experiences in Sunday school, led him to become a prominent voice in Indonesian Christian literature. His books sold tens of thousands of copies, a rare achievement in Indonesia, where reading habits are typically low.
Ismail's legacy continues through his theological insights, his efforts to bridge Christian teachings with everyday life, and his lifelong passion for storytelling that made the Christian faith accessible and engaging.
