Sion Dormitory was established as a follow-up to the development of Yayasan Sion Salatiga's programs in education and the Family and Child Welfare Project, formerly known as PROPEKA. With the existence of elementary schools and PROPEKA, many children of GKJTU congregation members living on the slopes of Mount Merbabu who had completed their elementary education wanted to continue on to junior high school.
However, the considerable distance between their homes on the slopes of Mount Merbabu and Salatiga was an obstacle to their desire to continue their education at the junior high school level. Faced with this situation, the Sion Foundation sought a solution so that these children could continue their education. Despite its limitations, the Sion Foundation board accommodated the children who wanted to continue their education, even if it meant placing them in the homes of church members. However, this solution was only temporary. For the long term, the Sion Foundation began to consider establishing an orphanage for these children. It was a great and noble determination on the part of the administrators at that time, with the belief that God would surely help. This belief was ultimately realized with the establishment of the Sion dormitory on November 10, 1977, which later changed its name to LKSA Sion Salatiga in accordance with government regulations.
Based on this background, Sion Dormitory then formulated its objectives, namely “Bringing God's Kingdom to earth by equipping foster children to become mature, independent, and faithful individuals.”
The service objectives of Sion Dormitory are as follows:
- Children of GKJTU congregation members who are less fortunate in terms of energy and funds;
- Children of GKJTU congregation members who live far from Getasan and Salatiga (from other cities);
- Members of other churches who are in need due to certain reasons, such as living far from school or having limited energy and funds;
- The wider community who, although not Christian, are considered less fortunate.
To achieve these goals, in addition to providing shelter and basic necessities, Sion Dormitory also organizes various activities for the children in its care. The following are some of these activities:
- Spiritual activities include daily morning and evening devotions, Bible study, worship through vocal groups and musical instruments, as well as tambourines during church services, and participating in church activities and visiting GKJTU congregations outside Salatiga.
- Supporting educational activities such as independent and group study at the Sion Dormitory.
- Leadership training activities by forming dormitory administrators (chairperson, secretary, treasurer, and sections), leading Bible study, and becoming a liturgist in evening worship services.
- Physical and mental independence training activities, namely organizing and carrying out practical work (daily duty) to clean the dormitory environment, planting vegetables, and baking cakes.
- Community life activities, such as participating in community service with residents in the neighborhood and being actively involved in community activities (Indonesian Independence Day) as committee members and performers.
- Physical and mental training activities, such as morning exercise (healthy walk), retreats, and outdoor worship services.
- Arts and culture development activities, such as independent music practice (guitar) in the dormitory and group vocal practice.
Through this ministry, many children have completed their education thanks to God's support. Sion Dormitory believes that God's presence will always be there in line with the noble purpose for which this institution was founded. This is evident in the support given to Sion Dormitory by various elements of society, namely parents in particular, the government, which provides incidental assistance, social institutions in Indonesia, members of the GKJTU Salatiga and other churches at home and abroad, as well as other donors both at home and abroad.
Sion Dormitory is always grateful for all of this. However, as time goes by, Sion Dormitory's operational needs are also increasing. The rising cost of basic necessities for children and the need for maintenance and repair of facilities that are aging make this inevitable. Therefore, in order to continue Sion Dormitory's ministry, we invite readers who are moved to take part in Sion Dormitory's ministry by providing support through prayer, funds, spreading information about Sion Dormitory, and other forms of support. Even the smallest amount of assistance given to Sion Dormitory will be very beneficial for the continuity of this institution.