LAI Ministry Visit to Ambon, Maluku
Ambon is not just a stopover point on the ministry map. In a city that holds a history of faith, encounters, and wounds as well as hope, the Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI) reaffirms its calling: presenting the living Word of God through relationships, dialogue, and cooperation across churches and institutions.
The visit of the LAI board and Makassar Representative Staff took place over three days, January 31 to February 2, 2026. This series of agendas became a meeting space between past stories, present commitments, and future service plans.
Sharing Stories, Sowing Visions
Friday morning, January 31, 2026, around 10:00 a.m. WIT, the Synod Office Hall of the Maluku Protestant Church (GPM) witnessed a warm encounter. About 15 people gathered in a relaxed and familiar atmosphere to share about the ministry of LAI. Present at the meeting were Dr. Sigit Triyono, General Secretary of LAI; Rev. Dr. Margaretha Maria Hendriks Ririmasse as LAI Trustee; Diana Rampan, Head of LAI Makassar Representative; and Indriyani Reski, Partnership Building Staff.
Also present were Rev. Agus Hetharion from the Department of Information Development and National Politics of the GPM Synod, Rev. Cornelis Huwae as Chairman of the Caritas Christian Foundation, and congregational representatives from GPM, GBIS, and GBI.
In the sharing, Dr. Sigit Triyono invited the participants to look back at the history of LAI, the long journey of Bible translation in the archipelago, the mandate of LAI's ministry, and various programs run with partners. He emphasized that Bible ministry is not merely a matter of book distribution, but rather building a shared awareness that the Word of God needs to be cared for through the involvement of churches and people.
Inauguration of KKPD: From Worship to Movement Together
The next day, Sunday, February 1, 2026, the service continued in the middle of the morning worship service of the Bethania GPM congregation, at 09.00 WIT. In the service, the inauguration of the LAI Mitra Maluku Support Working Group (KKPD) was held. The inauguration was conducted by the General Secretary of LAI and confirmed by Rev. Mauren Ferdiandus.
This moment symbolizes that raising support is not mere administrative work, but part of the call of faith that is lived out in church fellowship. After the inauguration, a discussion with the newly appointed KKPD board was held. The conversation discussed work plans throughout 2026, with a spirit of collaboration and awareness of the context of service in Maluku.
Strengthening the Cooperation of Church and State
On Monday, February 2, 2026, the agenda focused on strengthening institutional networks. Dr. Sigit Triyono, Diana Rampan, and Indriyani Reski held an audience with the Daily Management Assembly (MPH) of the GPM Synod. This meeting reaffirmed the points of cooperation that have been contained in the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MPH of the GPM Synod expressed its commitment to support and carry out the work of the LAI ministry. Representing the MPH of the GPM Synod were Rev. Ricardo A. Rikumahu and Elder Phil M. Latumaerissa.
The series of visits was closed with an audience with the Maluku Province Ministry of Religious Affairs Office, specifically with the Christian Religious Affairs Division. During this meeting, LAI explained the scope of its ministry and discussed the possibility of cooperation in procuring Bibles for government-facilitated schools. The Bimas Kristen of Maluku Province welcomed and was open to the proposal. Attending the meeting were representatives of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Maluku, Jermias Maruanaya and Carl H. Thenu.
Embracing Hope Together
This visit affirmed that LAI's ministry grows through vibrant relationships in worship spaces, discussion spaces, and policy spaces. From Ambon, the message was echoed again: God's Word works when churches, institutions, and the state are willing to walk together, weaving hope for generations to come.
