One Journey in Love 1 –September 5, 2025

The island of Sumbawa, with its unique natural charm of stunning coastlines that frame the road, dry hills that present a distinctive panorama, and small villages scattered along the landscape, has witnessed a meaningful journey. This journey was undertaken by the Satu Dalam Kasih team, consisting of Mikha Sepdiani (LAI), Yohanes Samuel (LAI), Rev. Marety Halundaka (Chairperson of GMIT Sumbawa Klasis), and Mr. Richard. Satu Dalam Kasih is a noble initiative that carries out the mission of delivering the Word of God to remote areas that are rarely touched. We are not just bringing Bibles, but also sowing hope and comfort to congregations who have long yearned for the presence of Scripture in the midst of their families.

On this journey of One in Love, various types of Bibles are included: TB2 Bibles, Children's Bibles with attractive illustrations, uppercase Bibles that make it easier for elderly readers, study Bibles to help Pastors in their daily ministry, and comic Bibles specially designed to appeal to the younger generation. The existence of these Bibles answers the deep longing of the congregation, as expressed by Rev. Grace Ariani Nope from GMIT Baithani Sumbawa. She said, "There is no spiritual reading shop here." This condition is even more pronounced because many congregants work as manual laborers, corn farmers, drivers, or lime makers. The limitations often require them to take turns using one Bible during worship. In order to have just one copy of the Bible, they have to take a grueling road trip for tens of hours at great expense to Lombok, even to other islands. However, thanks to the sincere support of the Friends of the Bible, they can now have the Word of God for themselves, a gift that enables them to learn and imitate Christ more personally and deeply.

From Baithani Sumbawa, the journey continued to GPDI Sion Labuan Badas. There, an atmosphere of gratitude enveloped the team's welcome. The pastor and the entire congregation, from children to the elderly, received each Bible with great joy. The pastor of the congregation expressed, "These printed Bibles encourage us to use the Bible in every worship service." The congregation listened carefully to the team's explanation that afternoon, filling the simple yet meaningful place of worship with sincere gratitude for every Word received.

The second day, the team continued the expedition by traveling 146 km to GMIT Batu Hijau in Maluk. The journey, which took about half an hour, was not only challenging, but also presented a mesmerizing natural landscape: a vast blue sea and eye-catching hills, and a beautiful coastline. Upon arrival at Batu Hijau, the team was greeted with bright smiles and expectant faces from the congregation. The pastor of the congregation offered heartfelt prayers, asking that the Word of God that comes through the outpouring of love from the people in the city might be a source of strength and comfort to those who faithfully serve in the small mining village, a place where the challenges of life are often so real.

The spiritual journey continued northward, 183 km, to Maronge. At GPDI Maranatha, Rev. Jonathan Mendrofa gave a heartfelt description of the condition of his congregation. They live in remote hamlets with no electricity, and most of them work odd jobs, facing economic uncertainty every day. "It's hard to find Christian books here," said Pastor Jonathan, revealing the harsh reality they face. Therefore, the Bibles brought by the Satu Dalam Kasih team were a real answer to their deep need. After the visit at Maranatha, the group continued their journey to distribute Bibles at GPDI Rahmani Empang and GPDI Betlehem Napa. Along the way, the dry and arid hills of West Nusa Tenggara witnessed a mission that knows no distance and no barriers, in order to spread the light of the Word to God's people who have longed for it.

The third day of the mission concluded in Dompu. At GMIT Syalom Dompu, Rev. Rocky Sam Yostan Miha Balo and the congregation, as well as representatives of GPDI Filadelfia and GPDI Eklesia Doropeti received each Bible with gratitude and joy. Many parents also seemed enthusiastic about the large font Bibles that made it easier for them to read the Word. "What we receive is a blessing. We can't repay it other than with prayer and reading the Word," said Rev. Rocky, reflecting on his deep gratitude. The sight of the children sitting close together, each proudly holding their new Bibles, illustrated how precious this gift was to them.

The next morning, the team's spirits were not dampened. We drove to Donggo, a hillside area. There, stands GMIT Imanuel Nggerukopa, a simple church building with brick walls and a tin roof, but a strong faith. Rev. Samron welcomes the congregation who have gathered, enjoying the cool mountain breeze. Surrounding them, rice paddies and vast grasslands yellowed by the dry season provide a serene backdrop for the moment of Bible distribution. The faces of the congregation shone brightly, radiating happiness and relief, for now the Word of God was in their hands, ready to be read and pondered.

The One in Love team's final trip was to Bima, 64 kilometers from Dompu. At GMIT Bethel Bima, the congregation gathered in an atmosphere of togetherness in household worship. Among them, Oma Martha, a figure who had participated in the Bima language Bible translation team with LAI in the past, received her new Bible with great emotion and joy. "These words strengthen us to be more diligent in reading and teaching children from an early age," the pastor said in his testimony delivered to the team and congregation, implying a commitment to pass on the legacy of faith to the next generation. The song "Oh Ruma, Dendepu Langgaku" (Oh Lord, Lead My Steps) flowed softly, filling the church room at night with meaningful melodies, serving as a warm and soul-stirring closing prayer.

During five days of dedication, the Satu Dalam Kasih team has successfully reached diverse and challenging service points, ranging from Sumbawa, Labuan Badas, Maluk, Maronge, Empang, Napa, Dompu, Donggo, to Bima. Every place we visited showed the same longing, a universal desire: for the Word of God to be present and flourish in the midst of every family, in the school environment, and in every little field of life. The shared Bibles are not just books; they are tangible evidence of God's love manifested through the support and kindness of the many parties involved.

This trip was a powerful reminder that access to God's Word in remote parts of the country still faces significant challenges. The hundreds of kilometers that must be traveled, the winding roads that are often difficult to traverse, and the economic limitations that shackle most communities, do not in the least diminish the joy that shines from the faces of the congregation when they receive the Bible. They understand wholeheartedly that every copy of the Bible they now hold in their hands is a priceless gift. A gift that can strengthen their faith in the midst of the storms of life and bring new hope that never dies.

Through the One in Love program, Lembaga Alkitab Indonesia sincerely invites all of us to continue to provide support, whether in the form of prayers, energy, or donations. This support is crucial so that every family in remote areas of the country, such as those in Sumbawa to Bima, can read the Word of God freely, without obstacles, and without hesitation. Every contribution, no matter how small, will keep this noble mission moving forward, bringing the Bible to places that have long awaited it, spreading the light of the Word to every corner of the earth. Seeing the faces of the congregation holding the Bible proudly makes this trip feel like more than just a task. It's a reminder that God's love is evident through the Word carried to every corner of the earth." (yosaba)