The spirit of togetherness and the call of faith were strongly felt in the Inauguration and Confirmation of the Advisors and Management of the Support Raising Working Group (KKPD) of the Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI) Mitra Merauke South Papua, which took place on Tuesday, 4 February 2026, at GPKAI Jemaat Maranatha, Merauke. This event is an important momentum for churches in South Papua to reaffirm their shared commitment in presenting God's word to all generations.
The inauguration service began with a service of God's word delivered by Pdt. Leonardo Wairara, S.Th. In his sermon, he invited the congregation and the KKPD board to realise the challenges of faith in the midst of changing times. He alluded to the reality of the "strawberry generation", a generation that seems strong and full of potential, but is easily fragile and brittle when facing the pressures of life.
“ Every age has its own giants. If in David's time the giant was the sword and spear, today the giant is social media, information flow, and changing values," said Pastor Leonardo. He emphasised that the church must not remain silent, but must dare to adapt without losing the identity of faith.
Referring to Joshua 24:14–15, Pastor Leonardo also emphasised that the call to be faithful to God must cross generations and cultural backgrounds. "The Word of God is present for all generations. Our challenge is not only the customs of our ancestors, but also the "gods of this age" of convenience, technology, and instant lifestyle. That's where the church and LAI are called to be present," he stressed.
In his sermon, Rev Wairara also outlined three challenges of faith faced by believers today with reference to Joshua's message. First, "the god across the Euphrates River", which he interpreted as the beliefs and customary ties of the ancestors before knowing the gospel, which still often shackle the lives of the people. Secondly, the "god of Egypt", which is the old pattern of life passed down from generation to generation, such as slavery to sin, divorce, debauchery, and habits that keep people away from the will of God. Thirdly, the "god of the Amorites", which describes the challenges of modern times: the temptations of technology, instant lifestyles, online gambling and loans, and the rapid flow of information.
“ In the midst of all that, ” he stressed, “ God's people are called to make a conscious choice, as Joshua said: me and my household, we will serve the Lord, ” as a basis for intergenerational faithfulness in service and support for the work of God's word
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The inauguration of the LAI Mitra Merauke MPA is a concrete manifestation of that call. In his speech, LAI General Secretary, Dr Sigit Triyono, expressed his appreciation to GPKAI Jemaat Maranatha for opening a space for service, as well as to the inaugurated KKPD advisors and administrators for their willingness to serve with LAI.
"LAI, which is 72 years old this year, cannot walk alone in carrying out the mandate of translating, publishing, disseminating the Bible, and making the Bible a guide for people's lives," said the LAI General Secretary. "Therefore, the presence of KKPD Mitra Merauke is a strategic partner to carry out this mandate together," he added.
Pak Sigit also reminded that the duties and responsibilities of KKPD have been clearly regulated in the LAI Partner Handbook and the LAI Management Decree. As a spiritual provision, the LAI General Secretary invited all administrators to live out 1 Peter 5:10 as a guide in service, while emphasising LAI's distinctive greeting, “ Bible for All”.
Support for the presence of the LAI Mitra Merauke MPA also came from local churches. Pdt. Hetty G. Lumowa, S.Th., representing the fellowship of Protestant churches in Merauke, expressed the hope that all church denominations in South Papua can unite in supporting the ministry of LAI.
“We strongly support the presence of the LAI Mitra Merauke MPA. This is a joint call for the good news to touch all levels of society, from various tribes in Merauke Regency and South Papua," he said. He emphasised that the support of the churches is not merely institutional support, but part of the call of faith to glorify God's name through His word.
The inauguration of the LAI Mitra Merauke South Papua Regional Commission, affirms a new hope. The church, the people, and LAI are of one mind to keep the "lamp of the word" not extinguished, but continues to burn and illuminate the lives of the people in the midst of the challenges of the times. From Merauke, the spirit is kindled: together, God's word is presented for all generations.
