Rantepao, October 2–5, 2025 — A spirit of togetherness was felt in Rantepao during the 2025 Toraja Bible Week, a series of educational activities featuring the Bible Museum Exhibition and LAI products. This event aimed to foster a deeper understanding of God's Word and Bible stories. It also fostered a spirit of literacy through a Digital Literacy Seminar and a spirit of nationalism among the Torajan community through a seminar entitled "Nationality." The four-day event was attended by congregants from various regions in Toraja, ranging from children and youth to adults. In keeping with LAI's overarching theme, "Bible Spirituality" (Proverbs 8), Bible Week is expected to provide a platform for deepening biblical understanding and developing personal potential as a foundation for a life of faith.
Bible Museum Exhibition and LAI Products
Activities ran from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM WITA. Visitors gained new experiences through objects from the Bible, such as the whip and nails used for Jesus' crucifixion; the Urim and Thummim; the Trumpet; and Bibles in regional languages. Interestingly, participants were given the opportunity to try blowing a trumpet. Most of them couldn't, as it turned out there was a special way to make the trumpet sound. Not only schoolchildren were interested in seeing the museum exhibits, but adults as well. Parents often came with their families so their children could see firsthand what they had only heard or read about in storybooks and Bibles. In addition to viewing the exhibition of biblical objects, visitors could also purchase LAI products, such as Bibles, Bible comics, Sunday School teaching materials, and much more, all at discounts of up to 50 percent.
Seminar: Enhancing the Insight and Love of the Nation of God's People
The series of activities began with an opening service, followed by the New Translation 2 (TB2) Congregation Seminar, which discussed how the Bible arrived in Indonesia and the importance of the TB2 Bible, translated into simpler language, so that all generations can better understand God's Word. The resource person was Rev. Anwar Tjen, Ph.D. It was enough to answer the congregation's questions about why the Bible needed to be updated.
The second day was a Digital Literacy Seminar with Reggy Leo. As a resource person, Reggy encouraged participants, especially young people, to use information technology wisely and intelligently to avoid being easily trapped by hoaxes widely spread on social media. Reggy not only presented the material but also encouraged participants to create content using the ALIN LAI app. Prizes were also available for participants with interesting content.
To foster the spirit of Indonesian youth, a National Seminar was also held, a reflective moment for the younger generation to be meaningful to society and the church. This seminar was expertly delivered by Mr. Ulbrits Siahaan.
Competitions: Expressing Faith in Creativity
In addition to the seminar, Toraja Bible Week also featured various creative competitions showcasing the talents and enthusiasm of participants of all ages.
The Flower Arrangement Competition symbolized the beauty of God's creation and perseverance in service. The flowers used were fresh flowers. This activity was attended by mothers who joyfully submitted their best works.
The Coloring Competition for kindergarten and elementary school children was a colorful and joyful event, instilling values of faith from an early age through art.
The Beautiful Psalm Reading Competition for junior high school students in Toraja demonstrated the participants' sincerity in conveying God's word with deep appreciation and expression.
High school students in Toraja also participated in the Toraja language storytelling competition based on "Kareba Melo Dibeloi." Since morning, dozens of students had gathered at the Rantepao Toraja Congregation Church in unique costumes and eye-catching make-up to showcase their talents. With so many excellent performances, the judges had a hard time choosing the winner. Ultimately, three winners were selected.
The men also enthusiastically participated in the "Sura'Madatu" reading competition. With their own unique styles and characteristics, they showcased their best performances.
Finally, the entire series of activities concluded with a communal thanksgiving service, accompanied by prayers and praise from various representatives of the congregation. Prizes were also awarded to the winners. In a joyful atmosphere, participants were encouraged to take home a new spirit: making God's word a lamp that guides their steps in their families, churches, and communities. The head of the organizing committee for this activity, Rev. Sufriadi Mei Suhendra felt grateful for being given the opportunity to be part of the Toraja Bible Week working team. He hopes that activities like this can bring people closer to the Bible.
Bible friends, stay tuned for the latest schedule for the next Bible Week, which will be held in Manado this November. Bible greetings to all! [ZVP]
