“I was infected with the HIV AIDS virus since 2009, fifteen years ago, and now I am declared healthy and the virus content in my body is undetectable, ” said a man (51 years old) senior companion “HKBP AIDS Ministry ” (HAM) with a smile. He further recounted a life journey that was once full of physical suffering due to the virus attack, as well as psychological torment due to the stigmatisation of everyone around him. At one point, he even attempted suicide due to his frustration. But God helped in an unexpected way, through His appearance that turned her frustration into a spirit to fight and be healthy again.
The short story above came to me while representing the Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI) to attend and provide input in the preparation of the Strategic Plan (Renstra) of the human rights institution, on 21-22 May 2024 in Siborongborong, North Tapanuli, North Sumatra.During the two-day process, we learnt how noble and relevant life values derived from the Bible have been practised by human rights organisations in caring for many people living with HIV AIDS (PLWHA).
One example: "WE ARE ONE" is the theological guideline of human rights organisations derived from 1 Cor. 12:26 (TB2): "If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honoured, all the members rejoice.
The values that human rights as an institution exhibits in: (1) carrying out its mission, (2) making decisions, and (3) acting, as well as by HAM leaders, staff and employees in: (1) performing their duties, (2) making decisions, (3) providing services, (4) acting, and (5) interacting, also come from the Bible.
There are three values established in the forum for the preparation of the HAM Strategic Plan, namely:
- Serving: an expression of love for God and neighbour.
- Confidentiality: to be responsible, to guarantee, and to maintain confidentiality.
- Equal: treating all of creation as the image of God.
LAI in a procession with the extended family of the United Bible Societies (UBS) has several priority agendas for the next four years, one of which is: Creation Care. Through the above concern for PLWHA, it further strengthens the various programmes that LAI has carried out in implementing this priority agenda, with synergistic partnerships with the church.
LAI cannot carry out its mission and programmes alone. Partnerships with the church and various parties are a necessity. It is not only about continuing the global movement of climate care that must be consistently continued, but moreover, all of God's creation must be cared for, taken care of and cared for properly (Creation Care) based on the Bible. One of LAI's programmes that has been initiated since 1996 in various parts of Indonesia, namely the New Bible Reader Programme (PBA), which is an effort to make people literate so they can read the Bible, also provides additional benefits that are closely related to Creation Care.
After Siborongborong, on 24-28 May 2024 I represented the LAI Board to officially close the PBA implementation in Siberut, Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra. This was followed by the distribution of Bibles and certificates to those who had graduated and were able to read Bible verses in Taileleu village, then to Peipei hamlet and Bolotok hamlet, Southwest Siberut sub-district.
To get to the three locations, from Muara Siberut we had to sail the open sea. The high waves were enough to make us wet along with all the passengers of a traditional open wooden boat measuring 11 metres long and 110 cm wide with an 80 PK engine, which was filled with 29 people and luggage. Even then, we only reached Taillelu village, and then we had to follow the river to Bolotok village by Pompong (a small traditional wooden boat, with a small engine with a maximum of 5 passengers including the captain, plus each person's luggage).
LAI throughout the implementation of PBA on Siberut Island since the end of April 2023 for 12 months, always synergised with local partners (leaders of several churches and church residents who partly became Tutors). Also synergised with national partners (especially Jakarta and others) and international (UBS) who were directly involved in monitoring and evaluating the course of the programme.
Direct interaction with the national partners who came to the location to meet the learners, fostered additional concern. They were concerned and moved to help with the urgent and important needs of life for God's people in remote areas where conditions are very poor.
The condition of the people is poor due to limited village infrastructure (there is not even a toilet for defecation where we stayed in Bolotok village). The economy is dependent on natural crops. Roads for vehicles are not yet available, school services are only elementary school and civil servant teachers often do not come. If someone is sick, they have to take a pompong to the sub-district village for a small fee. There is no electricity, telephone signal, let alone internet.
LAI's New Readers of the Bible programme focuses on: Enabling people who are still illiterate to read the Bible, live it, and make it a guideline for daily life, must be supported by the fulfilment of real daily needs. This is where the relevance of Creation Care, caring for the life of God's creation holistically, becomes a necessity through various real assistance in various forms.
The LAIBA for 1322 learners in Siberut Island in 2024 has ended, but the care for God's creation people who are still very poor, underdeveloped, and limited in many villages of Siberut Island, Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra Province, really needs our real help. Likewise, concern for PLWHA through various assistance, especially to the HKBP AIDS Ministry (HAM) Siborongborong, North Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra Province is very meaningful. (ST 29.5.2024).
