Opening of Tobelo 2024 Bible Week

 

The spirit of oikoumene was felt during Bible Week in Tobelo at the University of Halmahera complex, North Maluku. This activity went smoothly thanks to the support of many parties: North Halmahera Regional Government (Pemda), Fellowship of Indonesian Churches (PGIW) North Maluku Region, PGLII, PGPI, Santa Maria Tobelo Parish, and University of Halmahera (Uniera).

The Bible Week in Tobelo at the University of Halmahera complex, North Maluku.

 

Exactly nine o'clock in the morning local time this activity was opened with a Cakalele dance that welcomed a line of invited guests including the Regional Secretary (Sekda) of North Halmahera, PGIW North Maluku, LAI Secretary General and representatives of churches. Furthermore, the opening service which took place in the Uniera hall began with praise from the New Testament Christian Church (GKPB) and the Valveles Angelous Voice Choir. The preacher, Rev. Anton Piga, S.Th., M.Si from GMIH, in his sermon based on Psalm 60:1-4, with the theme God does great deeds explained that in life in the midst of the world every believer is given the ability to do great deeds, because God is always with us and gives great strength to us. Bible Week 2024, which runs from July 31 to August 2, 2024, should be a great momentum for Christians in North Halmahera Regency and surrounding areas. This activity invites all of us to be brave and willing to be His witnesses in our daily lives.

Chairman of the Tobelo 2024 Bible Week Committee, Rev. Jonias Tasane, M.A, M.Th (GKPMI) in his short speech expressed gratitude to God because for the first time Bible Week activities could be held in Tobelo.  He invited all Christians in Tobelo to continue to move forward and work together in carrying out and welcoming this activity.

 

 

Representing the Daily Workers Assembly (MPH) of PGIW North Maluku, Mrs. Dra. Adriana Baura, stated that LAI is a pillar of ecumenism in Indonesia. PGIW North Maluku joyfully welcomes this activity, which proves the spirit of church oneness is increasingly evident and this activity can be a good medium for fostering the faith of the community.

LAI General Secretary, Dr. Sigit Triyono, expressed his gratitude for all parties involved in this activity. As a church logistics agency and belonging to all churches in Indonesia, this year LAI celebrated  LAI's 70th anniversary in several regions of Indonesia, including: Balikpapan, Mentawai, Bengkulu, Mataram, and most recently in Tobelo. Next Bible Week will be held in Medan and Biak. Pak Sigit invites people to be more diligent in reading the Holy Scriptures, because everyone needs guidance and guidelines in living every day in the midst of the world.

 

The Regent of North Halmahera, represented by the Regional Secretary, Drs Erasmus Joseph Papilaya, MTP, stated that the government greatly appreciates the presence of LAI and the partnership that LAI has built with various parties in North Halmahera so that Bible Week can be held well. He invited all present to support this activity and mobilize the community to come and see the Bible objects and participate in the seminars and competitions held throughout the activity.

 

Concluding his remarks, he reminded us to support together the vision  of LAI's calling to bring the Bible to all people, because the gospel is news of joy, the saving power of God, and the light of life. The true gospel must be manifested in our daily lives as students, workers, pastors, housewives and whatever our respective callings and responsibilities may be.

Afterwards, the Secretary accompanied by the LAI General Secretary, Church Representatives and the Committee struck a gong which symbolically signaled that Tobelo Bible Week 2024 had officially opened. May the Bible Week and its various activities bring blessings and joy to the people of God in Tobelo and its surroundings. Biblical greetings to all.