But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:14)
In carrying out its mission, LAI not only provides and distributes the Bible, but also helps Christians to engage with and better understand the Word of God. One such initiative is the New Bible Readers Programme (PBA), a Bible-based literacy programme. Data from the Central Statistics Agency shows that illiteracy rates in some regions of Indonesia remain quite high. Addressing this issue requires the support and cooperation of many parties.
The New Bible Readers Programme reflects LAI’s commitment to helping Christians acquire basic reading and writing skills. Without the ability to read the Bible, they cannot comprehend and understand the Word of God. This programme has been running since 1998, primarily in several regions of Indonesia with a predominantly Christian population, namely: Nabire, Papua; South Central Timor, NTT; Sintang, West Kalimantan; Banggai and the Banggai Islands, Central Sulawesi; Bengkulu; Mamasa, West Sulawesi; Mamuju and North Mamuju, West Sulawesi; Bintuni, West Papua; Nias, North Sumatra; Palu and Donggala, Central Sulawesi; Sanggau, West Kalimantan; and Southwest Sumba, NTT; Boven Digoel, Papua; and East Sumba, NTT.
In implementing the PBA programme in the field, LAI partners with local governments and local churches, both Protestant and Catholic, including in conducting surveys of congregation members and illiterate residents, as well as the provision of human resources (HR) for teaching staff (tutors). Through the PBA programme, LAI plays a part in fulfilling the state’s mandate to accelerate the nationwide eradication of illiteracy and to improve Indonesia’s Human Development Index.
For 2023, LAI’s New Bible Readers Programme (PBA) is being held in Siberut, Mentawai, West Sumatra. The Siberut PBA programme was officially launched on 29 April 2023 at the worship hall of the Mentawai Protestant Christian Church (GKPM) in Muara Siberut.
The target areas for the PBA programme in the Mentawai Islands Regency comprise three sub-districts: South Siberut, Central Siberut and South-West Siberut. The total number of prospective learners registered prior to the programme’s launch was approximately 1,400 people, spanning various age groups.
The geographical conditions of the Mentawai Islands—comprising remote islands and forests—present a particular challenge for LAI. Reaching these areas presents particular difficulties as they can only be accessed by sea or river. Most do not have road links connecting one village to another, so transport between villages and sub-districts requires taking a detour by sea or travelling along rivers in a “pompong” (a small boat carrying 5–6 people). Another challenge is the unpredictable sea conditions, which change frequently, often causing travel schedules to be suddenly altered or delayed.
For Bible friends who feel called to support the New Bible Readers programme in Siberut, Mentawai, you can make a donation via the Indonesian Bible Society’s bank account:
- BANK MANDIRI, GAMBIR BRANCH, IN THE NAME OF THE INDONESIAN BIBLE SOCIETY FOUNDATION, Account No. Account No. 119.008.0000126
- BCA BANK, MATRAMAN BRANCH, IN THE NAME OF THE INDONESIAN BIBLE SOCIETY FOUNDATION, Account No. 3423016261
- BRI BANK, KRAMAT RAYA BRANCH, IN THE NAME OF THE INDONESIAN BIBLE SOCIETY FOUNDATION, Account No. Account No. 033501000281304
- BNI BANK, KRAMAT RAYA BRANCH, Account Name: INDONESIAN BIBLE SOCIETY FOUNDATION, Account No. Account No. 0010534054
For further information, please contact us via the LAI WhatsApp (WA) number: 0811-1925-400 (Anggun)/ 0812-8003-8534 or via the link: http://www.alkitab.or.id/donasi/program
Please continue to pray for and support LAI’s ministry in spreading the Good News to every corner of the archipelago. May the Lord, the source of peace and prosperity, bless the lives and ministries of us all. Biblical greetings to all.
