Closure of PBA Siberut, Mentawai Islands

One year with the people of Siberut, Mentawai Islands has flown by. That's what the PBA field staff, tutors and Siberut PBA learners say. The programme that started in April 2023 finally finished in May 2024. Saturday, 25 May 2024 at the Mentawai Protestant Christian Church Muara Siberut Resort the programme was officially closed by the General Secretary of the Indonesian Bible Institute, Dr. Sigit Triyono. The closing of the Siberut PBA Programme was also attended by church leaders who collaborated with LAI in the implementation of the programme.

The closing began with an opening service served by Rev Hasan Saguntung, M.A as the Praeses of GKPM Siberut. Then, followed by several remarks, consisting of: Ephorus GKPM, Rev. Binsar Parlindungan Sababalat, S. Th, Romo Agustinus Agus Suwondo, SSCC, as the Vicep of Mentawai, who was appointed to represent the Bishop of Padang and ended with the speech of the Bishop of Padang, Mgr. Vitus Rubianto Solichin, SX, who gave his speech through video. In his speech, the Bishop of Padang called for the tutors and learners to continue to join hands so that the skills learnt are not forgotten but can be further developed for the study of the Holy Scriptures. The learners from Rogdok village also enlivened the event by performing hymns and dances. The sweet testimonies of the learners who can read and write are also a proof that this PBA Programme has brought many blessings to the people of Siberut.

LAI PBA Programme Manager, Neila Mamahit, was also present and gave a report on the results of the Siberut PBA programme. According to her report, PBA Siberut was the highest achieving of all the PBA programmes conducted so far. The pass rate reached 84% overall with a total of 1,322 learners. As a token of appreciation to the learners, tutors and regional coordinators, LAI provided Bibles, Good News Picture and Study Edition Bibles to further enhance their enthusiasm in honing their Bible reading skills and to encourage them to be willing and able to be involved in various ecclesiastical activities.

The Siberut PBA programme has ended, but this is just the first step for the learners who have been struggling to be free from illiteracy. Let us continue to pray and support them so that everything they have learnt is not forgotten but continues to bear fruit, multiply and be passed on to their children and grandchildren. For the next generation to experience the beauty of being free from illiteracy and for God's people in Siberut to be enabled to become diligent and faithful readers of the Scriptures, leading them to know Jesus Christ, the true Lord and Saviour. It all starts when they can read the Bible personally. Bible greetings to all. (aped)