Opening of Cirebon Bible Week 2025

Cirebon Bible Week 2025 was officially opened on Thursday, April 24, 2025, and will last until April 26 at BPK Penabur Cirebon. That afternoon, the atmosphere around the school library felt different. From a distance, the strains of contemporary praise songs could be heard, a sign that the opening service was being prepared.

At exactly 17.00 WIB, the service began in the school library. Although the place was simple and only accompanied by one keyboard, the atmosphere of the service felt warm and full of joy. Everyone present seemed enthusiastic to follow the event.

The meditation was delivered by Rev. Samuel, who delivered a profound message about Christianity. He emphasized that Christianity is not just a religion or personal search, but a story about God who first sought humans. Christ is present as an intermediary, as a real manifestation of God's love and reconciliation efforts. "This is the spirit that should live in this Bible Week," he said. He also invited the congregation so that this activity does not stop here—not just a momentum, but becomes a movement, a real movement.

The next speech was delivered by the Chairman of the Committee, Rev. Daniel Apai. With a friendly style and high spirits, he expressed his gratitude to all parties who had supported this event. One interesting highlight was the support from the sponsors of the drawing competition. “Imagine! Tomorrow there will be a drawing competition, just pay 10,000 and go home with new drawing tools and colored pencils!” he said enthusiastically. He closed his speech with a sentence that stole the attention, “Hopefully with this activity, many children will love the Bible even more! Because children love the Bible, we all love the Bible, love God, so we go to heaven!”

Rev. Anwar Tjen, Ph.D. from the Indonesian Bible Society (LAI) also gave a speech. He said that activities like this are a real manifestation of cooperation between LAI and churches in serving the people. He also emphasized the importance of relevance in conveying God's word. “The accountability for translation is not to this world, but to God. If this Bible is wrong, everyone will be lost!” he said firmly.