Thanksgiving for the 70th Anniversary of the Indonesian Bible Institute.

Saturday, 12 February 2024, the Indonesian Bible Institute held a thanksgiving service to commemorate its 70th anniversary in Indonesia. The event was held at GPIB Immanuel Gambir, Central Jakarta on Monday afternoon at 4pm.

In this celebration, the staff, management, and foundation organs of the Indonesian Bible Institute were present. Long-time partners of LAI were also invited to attend the thanksgiving service. Accompanied by the sound of centuries-old Orgel music combined with the melodious voices of the cantor and praise bearers, the sunny afternoon was a joyous one. A trio of LAI employees and a choir of 70 head office and printing employees performed well, adding colour to the service, which was attended by approximately 200 congregants.

LAI itself had its birthday on 9 February. LAI has completed 70 years of translating, publishing, and distributing the Bible. Now, LAI is also in the process of developing digital services.

 

LAI's 70th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service was served by Rev Abraham Ruben Persang, M.Th. who used Psalm 126 as the foundation of his sermon. Psalm 126 is part of Israel's pilgrimage hymn which is part of the "Shir hama" (Song of Ascent) from Psalm 120-134. These psalms were always sung when the Israelites made pilgrimages to Jerusalem on the feasts of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. This psalm describes the return of the Israelites from exile without glamour or perfection. From this event, Pastor Persang bears witness that God has done great deeds, not only in words, but also in the life experiences of His people.

LAI's 70-year journey was also highlighted, seen as evidence of God's work through the prayers of all congregations and churches. Pastor Persang highlighted the challenges in the process of the new translation of the second edition, emphasising that this success is the result of God's work. Simply put, this sermon invites the congregation to give thanks for God's great deeds in history and to recognise that everything is His handiwork.

The event ended with the cutting of tumpeng, which concluded the procession of several important awards to LAI employees and retirees. Some of these awards include: Continuous Improvement Award or efficiency innovation in product service, Award for 25 years of service, as well as awards to LAI retirees who turned 70 years old this year.