Still in the series of its 70th anniversary, the Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI) held another Bible Week. This time, the Bible Week took place for four days (June 9-12, 2024) in Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara, precisely at GBI Mataram ROCK Ministry.
Responding to the questions, "How can I visit the LAI Museum?", "How can I get a TB2 Bible?", "How much does it cost to have LAI products shipped out of town?", LAI answered the longing of God's people by opening the Museum of Biblical Objects Exhibition stand and the LAI Product Exhibition to make it easier for them to get to know LAI, especially the word of God. In the Museum Exhibition, visitors do not just look at the objects on display, but also get direct explanations from the Museum guide. From the Museum Exhibition, visitors can shop for LAI products at prices up to 50 percent off. Various sizes of New Translation 2 (TB2) Bibles are available, as well as children's and adult reading books.
Not only that, Bible Week is also filled with seminar activities. The first and second day seminars were presented by Rev. Anwar Tjen, Ph.D. on "Why the Bible Was Revised?" and "The Names of God". The material was presented by Rev. Anwar Tjen so nicely because these two topics turned out to be still a hot issue in Christian circles. Then on the third day, the material on "Knowing the Church Streams in Indonesia" was delivered straightforwardly by Rev. Dr. Andreas Himawan (STT Amanat Agung). Participants ranged from laity, STT students, academics, pastors and church ministers, totaling approximately 180 people. Enthusiasm and curiosity about the topics discussed were seen when the question session was opened, they scrambled to ask questions but due to limited time not all questions could be answered.
Bible Week was not just for adults, children also participated through competitions that were held. Coloring and drawing competitions for kindergarten A to grade 6 students, Bible verse memorization competitions for grade 1 to 3 students, and Bible quiz competitions for junior high and high school students. Interestingly, it was not only the children who were eager to participate in each competition, but also the parents. This was evident from the competition room which was filled with moms and dads who faithfully supported their children.
Beginning Bible Week with a worship service, it was also closed with a worship service. In the closing worship service, the Secretary of the LAI 70th Anniversary Committee, Mr. Alpha Martyanta, expressed his hope that the Bible Week activities can inspire God's people in implementing God's word in their daily lives, especially in the life of service. He also expressed his gratitude for the participation of all parties who helped make the implementation of the Bible Week in Mataram city a success.
Not only experience and knowledge, participants of the 2024 Mataram Bible Week also brought home interesting prizes provided by the committee, because at the end of each seminar and in the closing service door prizes were announced. Of course, joy was also felt by the winners of the competition because the prizes were waiting in front of their eyes. Congratulations to the winners and do not be discouraged for those who have not won the race. See you at the next LAI event. The next LAI Bible Week 2024 will be held in Tobelo, North Halmahera, North Maluku. [zvp]
