Jakarta - The Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI) successfully held a fundraising event titled "Symphony of Hope" on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The event, which combined the beauty of orchestral music with the rich culture of the archipelago, was held with one noble goal: to raise funds to bring 20,000 Bibles to brothers and sisters in remote areas of the archipelago who long for the presence of God's word.

Through this event, LAI reaffirms its commitment to ensure everyone in Indonesia has the opportunity to read and meditate on God's word. The donations collected will be fully channeled to distribute Bibles to various remote areas with limited economic levels and transportation access.

Before the event began, LAI Chairperson, Rev. Henriette (Erry) Tabita Hutabarat Lebang, took the stage to deliver opening remarks. She expressed her gratitude to see the enthusiasm of the audience who eagerly helped LAI's ministry so that all Christians in Indonesia can read the word of God. She thanked the partners and sponsors who had made this event possible and the Satu Dalam Kasih (SDK) fund raised. Rev. Erry also expressed his gratitude for the hard work and care of the Symphony of Hope committee who came from various churches in Jakarta. This was followed by an opening prayer by the Chairman of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), Rev. Jacklevyn Frits Manuputty.

Two Master of Ceremony (MC) Meidy Harimisa and Sabilsa D. Latuihamalo performed compactly and guided the event with passion, keeping the audience entertained and the atmosphere lively. The entire series of musical performances were accompanied by the Augmented Orchestra led by Heidi Kabul, accompanying all the performers through magnificent and lively arrangements.

Students from Bethel Seminary Indonesia opened the show with a series of mesmerizing archipelago dances. These dances depicted the beautiful diversity of cultures from various regions in the archipelago, such as Papua, Batak, East Nusa Tenggara, and Java, and were accompanied by the Augmented Orchestra presenting the hymn KJ 337 - How Ungrateful We Are.
After that, the stage was enlivened by inspirational musical performances. Pelangi Kasih & Angel Voice performed the song When You Believe, followed by Mawar Saron Choir who sang He is Jesus the True God. Next came Penabur Little Voice Choir on stage with God Will Take Care of You, and the first part was closed by Jubilate Choir's performance of A Psalm for Help.

A short break, Rev. Bambang H. Widjaja, Pastor of the New Testament Christian Church (GKPB) Bandung and also the Trustee of the LAI Foundation delivered a short sermon based on the Bible reading from the Acts of the Apostles: The word of God spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased; also a large number of priests committed themselves and believed. (Acts 6:7)

With joy, he shared how LAI since its inception has dedicated itself to translating and spreading the Word of God to all God's people in Indonesia. Rev. Bambang invited the audience to support LAI's ministry through 3D: Prayer, Power and Funds with the belief that God's word will sooner or later change the lives of everyone who receives and reads it. With the support of everyone, he believes that God's word will spread to all corners of the archipelago, many people will believe in God and many people's lives will be transformed.

After the sermon, I Gede Alvaro Benbarzilai performed two hymns: "People Need The Lord" and "God's Good Chapter". Afterward, Michael Panjaitan performed two songs "Jesus It Is You" and "I Trust Your Promise". The atmosphere was even more festive when I Gede Alvaro Benbarzilai and Michael Panjaitan performed together to the song "Bless Our Country". Without realizing it, the entire audience was swept away and sang along.

Then the Augmented Orchestra presented two hymns from the Song of Oneness: Your Word I Hold Always and In spite of Myself, and a new song from Heidi Kabul (Augmented Orchestra Conductor), inspired by LAI's One In Love journey that brings Good News to many people in remote areas of the archipelago and Isaiah 52:7, titled Till the Whole Earth.

Closing the series of events Rev. Anwar Tjen, Head of LAI's Translation Department led the closing prayer and then all Symphony of Hope performers took the stage to sing How Great Thou Art. As the audience left the performance hall, all the organizers gathered and offered a prayer of thanksgiving. All the hard work of preparing the Symphony of Hope was blessed by God with the smooth running of the event and the support of the congregation that flowed even after the end of the event.

May the hard work of the entire committee, the support of partners and the support of God's people from various churches answer the prayers and hopes of many people who have been waiting for years for the presence of the Good News. All glory be to God.