The Indonesian Biblical Institute (LAI) once again carried out the One in Love ministry as a form of commitment to bring the Word of God to all people. On October 14 & 18, the LAI team distributed Bibles to congregations and schools in the South Malang area. The LAI team traveled from Jakarta to Surabaya, then continued their journey to Malang by train. From Malang City, the journey continued by road for approximately two hours to Turen, South Malang.

 

Through the support of partners in the Satu Dalam Kasih (SDK) program, the LAI Team brings Bibles and passages to God's people in rural areas that are relatively difficult to reach due to limited transportation and economic access.

In the implementation of this program, Bible distribution was done in several sub-districts such as Turen, Ampelgading, Sitiarjo, and Dampit. A total of 9,767 copies of the Bible and its parts were distributed to 50 churches and 15 schools. The details of the distribution included 4,059 TB-2 Bibles, 2,771 children's Bibles, 46 Study Edition Bibles, 120 elderly Bibles, and 2,771 comic Bibles.

 

In each visit, the LAI Team also provides an explanation of the New Translation of the Bible, 2nd Edition (TB-2). This explanation is important as an education that TB-2 is not a revision of the meaning of the Word of God, but rather a refreshing of the language so that the message of the Bible can be understood more clearly by today's readers.

 

The people of South Malang welcomed the arrival of this Bible with great joy. Rev. Zefanya Riyanto of GPdI Alfa Omega Sitiarjo expressed how much this visit meant to the rural congregations. "Our region consists of 44 churches, all in rural areas where roads are narrow and difficult to reach. Many congregations do not have Bibles due to economic limitations. Therefore, when SDK came, the congregation was very enthusiastic. They were overjoyed to receive the new Bibles and immediately wanted to learn more about God's word,

 

Pastor Zevanya also added his thanks to the donors who made this ministry possible. "We are very grateful to Sahabat Alkitab. May this support continue so that other remote areas can feel what we feel in South Malang," he said.

 

A similar impression was also conveyed by Pastor Ferry Novita Sukerdi from GKJW Turen. He witnessed how children to the elderly received the Bible with great joy. “We saw the enthusiasm of the congregation when receiving the TB-2 Bible. Even the children and the elderly felt God's blessings flowing to them. We who are far away from the Bible sales place feel very cared for," he said.

 

Pdt. Ferry also added his thanks in Javanese as an expression of closeness to the locals:

“Matur nuwun sanget. May God grant smoothness and blessings in every pambag éan of One Bible in Love. (Thank you very much. May God give blessings and smoothness in every Bible distribution activity through the One In Love program).

 

The LAI team that directly served in the field were Hana Ferrennany Budianto (LAI Surabaya Representative Staff), Tirza Pertiwi Harminto (Communications Department Staff), and Perlando Panjaitan (Partner Services Staff). Throughout the trip in South Malang, the team was accompanied by Rev. Ferry, Rev. Sevanya Riyanto, and volunteers from the church congregation who helped with the distribution to the service points.

 

Despite the winding and uphill road trip, every process was done with passion to bring the Good News. Although it took two hours to reach the distribution point, our hearts were full of enthusiasm. We want to make sure the Word of God reaches the people," said one of the team members.

 

The LAI 2025 One in Love Program in South Malang District is not just a Bible distribution, but a tangible manifestation of Christ's love reaching people in remote areas of the country. The congregation and pastors continue to express their gratitude and pray that LAI and its partners will continue to be empowered to reach more and more souls across Indonesia.

 

The arrival of Bibles to remote areas is a sign that God never forgets His people. May every Bible received be able to illuminate the hearts of God's people in South Malang, lead them to growth in faith, and bring them closer to the Word of God. (tirza)