2025 Bible Prayer Month Service

"Nothing is more precious than wisdom and instruction," was the core message of the sermon from Rev. Edi Liverda, M.Sc.-Teol., of the Kalimantan Evangelical Church (GKE) at the 2025 Bible Prayer Month Service. The service, held at the Bible Center Building on September 15, 2025, carried the theme "Biblical Spirituality," taken from Proverbs 8, in line with LAI's 2025 work theme.

The atmosphere of the service was special because the liturgy was prepared with a distinctive Dayak cultural touch. The congregation was invited to sing in regional rhythms and languages, ranging from Nyanyan Ungkup (Ngaju Dayak language) to Tumet Leut Ungkup (Maayan Dayak language). One of the songs sung, "Intu Taharep Aim Tuhan" (Pujilah Tuhan Sang Raja), echoed with a melodious melody, expressing gratitude and praise to God.

The 2025 Bible Prayer Month also serves as a crucial opportunity to support the project of translating the Old Testament into the Ot Danum Dayak language. The New Testament has been available in this language since 1997, but the need for a complete translation remains acute.

The Ot Danum Dayak people are known as one of the oldest Dayak sub-tribes. They live in the interior of Kalimantan, particularly in Central Kalimantan and parts of West Kalimantan, inhabiting the upper reaches of rivers such as the Kahayan, Barito, Katingan, and Kapuas. Historically, they adhered to the Kaharingan faith, before the Gospel was introduced by missionaries and the Evangelical Christian Church (GKE) in the early 20th century. The presence of the Bible, along with educational and health services, has brought significant changes to their lives.

However, language remains a significant challenge. Many Ot Danum people are more fluent in their mother tongue than in Indonesian or other Dayak languages. God's Word delivered in a foreign language is often difficult for them to fully understand. Therefore, translating the Bible into the Ot Danum language holds profound significance.

The Word in their mother tongue not only facilitates understanding but also touches their hearts more deeply. With the Bible in Ot Danum, God's love and Christ's sacrifice are present in words familiar to their ears. This is not merely literacy, but a bridge of faith connecting God with His people.

In his sermon, Rev. Edi emphasized that true wisdom is not measured by wealth or power, but by a life rooted in the Word. He also reminded them that Bible translation must be accompanied by a renewal of life. The Word read should not be merely stored as symbols, but should become the basis for daily behavior.

The 2025 Bible Prayer Month service concluded with intercessory prayer, including a special prayer for the ministry of the Old Testament translation team into the Ot Danum language. One member of the translation team, the late Simbun Nussa—a prominent Ot Danum figure and GKE elder—recently passed away. This loss is deeply felt, but his passion for bringing God's word to his people is a legacy that will always be remembered and carried forward.

Through the Bible Prayer Month, God's people in Indonesia are reminded that the work of Bible translation is not just about language, but also about faith deeply rooted in one's own culture. For when the divine word is present in the language of the heart, faith grows and is sustained from generation to generation. (pp)