The Indonesian Institute of the Bible (LAI) in collaboration with the Surabaya Partner Support Working Group (KKPD) on 4 May 2024 held a concert themed "Symphony of Love for My Country". The concert featured the GKI Youth Orchestra as the main performer, and was enlivened by a combination of choirs including PS. Agape, Eliata Choir, Alouisia Choir, Efrata Choir and PS. Xaris with a total of 125 choir participants. KKPD Surabaya held this concert at the Auditorium of Petra 1 Christian High School in Surabaya and was well received with 1,300 tickets sold.

"Symphony of Love for My Country" was held to support the One in Love (SDK) Programme in order to procure Bibles for God's people in various parts of the archipelago who have difficulty obtaining Bibles due to economic and geographical constraints. Mr Junaidi, as Chairperson of the Committee, said that in addition to bridging the need for Bibles for our brothers and sisters in remote areas, this concert is a means for us to praise God while enjoying the beautiful music performed by the guest stars.

The concert, which has been prepared since February 2024, was also wrapped in a short worship service led by Ev. Joy Manik who invited the audience to realise the importance of the Bible in the lives of Christians. Rev. Dr Henriette Hutabarat-Lebang also took the time to attend and give a speech to the audience. Starting her speech, Rev. Dr Henriette Hutabarat Lebang expressed her gratitude to the committee and all supporting partners who have worked hard to prepare this event. She also explained that God's people need to support the One in Love Programme because there are still many people in various parts of the archipelago who long for the Good News, but have not been touched. In the future, Pastor Henriette asserted, LAI together with all its partners will continue to strive to realise the vision of the Word of God present to all people in a language that can be understood and understood in various media and innovations that suit the needs of God's people.

The enthusiasm of the audience was felt throughout the concert. The audience who came from various church backgrounds and various cities in Surabaya and surrounding areas sang along with the guest stars and ended with a very lively applause. 

The concert then closed with the song "Hallelujah: For The Lord God Omnipotent Reigneth" by inviting the entire audience to stand and sing it together.Hallelujah.

Thanks be to God, all the struggles and hard work of the committee in preparing this concert were blessed by God tremendously so that this concert could take place smoothly without any obstacles.

The Symphony of Love for My Country concert is indeed over. However, the music and melodious voices played in the concert may continue to be a reminder that God will never leave us and invite us all to join hands to spread the Good News from Surabaya and its surroundings to the ends of the earth. Biblical greetings to all. (ap)