Around 1938, shortly before World War II broke out, several national Bible societies had met and agreed to form a joint fellowship to make the ministry of translating and spreading the Good News throughout the world more rapid and effective. But World War II broke out, and the plan to establish a world Bible society was put on hold.

On May 6, 1946, in the midst of the chaotic aftermath of World War II, delegates from 13 Bible societies from various countries gathered in Sussex, England. Almost all of the delegates had experienced the bitterness of the war, and some had even been in captivity for years. However, it was not complaints that they showed at the great meeting, but rather a shared determination to form a unity in Christ. They were united by a determination to “meet the world’s need for the word of God.” They believed that the presence of God’s word among humanity would bring restoration, renewal and strengthening to the people. On the last day of the meeting, May 9, 1946, the constitution of the United Bible Societies (UBS) was agreed upon and the last day of the conference also marked the founding date of UBS.

On Friday, May 9, 2025, the Indonesian Bible Society (LAI), like Bible societies around the world, celebrated the anniversary of UBS and expressed gratitude for the presence of UBS which has been a blessing to many people in various parts of the world, especially in the service of presenting the word of God to all generations.

The service was attended by the extended LAI family and also the extended family of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) whose offices are adjacent. Starting her sermon, the Chairperson of LAI, Rev. Dr. Henriette Hutabarat Lebang said that May is a special month, not only for LAI which celebrates UBS Prayer Day, but also for PGI. May is celebrated as the Ecumenical Month, along with the birth of PGI on May 25, 1950. This year PGI is celebrating its 75th anniversary which will be celebrated specially in various regions.

Furthermore, Rev. Erry Lebang said that LAI and PGI have had a close relationship. Long before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, the two institutions routinely held joint worship services every month. Even if we refer to the initial moment of LAI's birth on February 9, 1954, PGI (at that time the Indonesian Church Council-DGI) also helped it, based on archives stored at PGI which state, the need to establish a national Bible institution tasked with serving the needs of churches in Indonesia for the word of God and later this institution will be attempted to be independent in translating and distributing the Bible. In the early days of its establishment, LAI was still supported by the Dutch Bible Institute (NBG) in terms of Bible translation personnel. The first General Chairperson of LAI was also the first General Chairperson of DGI, Prof. Dr. Todung Sutan Gunung Mulia.

The theme of the UBS Prayer Day celebration in Indonesia is in line with the LAI 2025 work theme, namely Biblical Spirituality, which is taken from Proverbs 8. In a world that is changing rapidly and full of uncertainty, the Bible as a testimony of God's word is like a well that never dries up as a source of inspiration and guidance to live honestly and righteously amidst various tempting worldly choices.

Proverbs 8, which is the basis of the theme, illustrates that life is always full of choices. And true wisdom is only in God. Wisdom is described as a woman who cries out incessantly, reminding us not to choose the wrong path. Wherever we are, whether at home, in church, at work, we are reminded to continue to seek God, the Source of Wisdom. Wisdom will guide us to the truth and remind us amidst the many voices of lies, untruth and injustice.

For both LAI and PGI, Rev. Erry reminded both institutions to continue to strive to ask for God's wisdom, which means striving to carry out God's will at all times and not just occasionally. Hopefully, both LAI and PGI will continue to be trusted by God to be channels of His blessings for the church, God's people and the entire Indonesian nation.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of LAI, Dr. Sigit Triyono in his presentation on the current UBS ministry said that currently UBS has 156 national Bible institutions throughout the world. The main role of UBS is to be a facilitator for its members (through the Global Mission Team), so that UBS members can carry out their mandate in the fields of Translation, Publishing, Distribution, Engagement, Advocacy and Testimony through the Bible. As a fellowship owned together, UBS ministry funding comes from member dues and donations.

As a non-profit ministry institution, UBS is inseparable from various challenges. First, digitalization in various aspects of life requires UBS members to adapt quickly and also make the digital world a new opportunity in ministry. Second, various crises that have hit the world have impacted almost all UBS members. Third, UBS service funding is highly dependent on member dues and donations which have decreased in the last ten years.

Despite the challenges that must be faced, UBS and its members, at the last general assembly in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, made a joint statement to focus their ministry throughout 2023-2027 on: Bible Translation, Distribution of Printed Bibles, Bible Engagement, Ministry to Diaspora Communities, Concern for the Preservation and Integrity of Creation, Digital Transformation, and Missional Sustainability (Mission).

Happy 79th Anniversary of the United Bible Societies (UBS). May you remain faithful in carrying out His calling, realizing the vision of Bible for Everyone.