Visit to Solotech University, DWM and GKMI Srumbung Gunung
Over four days from 21–24 June 2023, LAI, together with its partners—national children’s ministry workers and Sunday School teachers in Solo and the surrounding area—organised a major quadrennial event, the 2023 LAI National Children’s Jamboree. The pandemic, which lasted for around three years, had previously restricted LAI’s meetings with its partners—Sunday School teachers and Sunday School children—in various cities. Consequently, the LAI National Children’s Jamboree became the first major event for children following the Covid-19 pandemic. During the event, the General Secretary of LAI, Sigit Triyono, attended both the opening and closing ceremonies of the Jamboree.
In the midst of the Jamboree, on Thursday 22 June 2023, the LAI General Secretary, accompanied by the Head of the LAI Communications Department, Erna Yulianawati, and a member of the executive committee of the LAI Surakarta Partner KKPD, visited Surakarta Christian University of Technology (UKTS/ Solo Tech University). The LAI delegation was received by the leadership of UKTS: the rector, vice-rectors, lecturers and the board of the UKTS Foundation.
Following a period of exploratory discussions regarding communication and partnership, the two institutions agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). It is hoped that this MoC will foster a mutually empowering partnership between the two institutions, particularly in the dissemination and sharing of the Good News amongst the community.
On Friday, 23 June 2023, a visit was made to Semarang Regency to carry out two partnership visits. Firstly, a meeting was held with the leadership of Dreamlight World Media (DWM) in Ungaran. LAI and DWM have been collaborating for some time now on the development of digital applications implemented in several of LAI’s publications, such as Alkitabku and Gameboard Pahlawan Iman. Both are publications developed specifically for children and accompanied by digital applications designed to help children learn to love God’s Word through fresh and engaging new methods. Looking ahead, the General Secretary of LAI hopes that the two organisations will continue their collaboration in developing Bible publications and their components in formats that are well-received by the public, in line with the needs of God’s people from diverse backgrounds.
Secondly, the General Secretary, accompanied by the Head of LAI’s Communications Department, visited the Muria Indonesian Christian Church (GKMI) in Srubung Gunung, Poncoruso Village, Bawen Sub-district, Semarang Regency. At this church, for some time now, Sunday School children have been encouraged to get to know and love the Word of God using one of LAI’s publications specifically for children, namely: Good News for Children (KBUA). The Sunday School teachers have encouraged the children at this church to work together to complete reading the KBUA within a year, from Genesis to Revelation. KBUA itself is an LAI publication designed specifically for children aged 9–12; its content consists of Bible readings in language adapted to children’s age levels and is accompanied by hundreds of illustrations that help children understand the content of God’s Word.
LAI’s vision: ‘God’s Word Reaching All Generations’ cannot be achieved by LAI alone. LAI requires strong partners to realise this calling. On this basis, for several years now the LAI Executive Board has been actively reaching out and exploring opportunities for collaboration with churches, educational institutions, foundations, professional organisations, and individual partners. The aim is to foster mutual understanding and unity of purpose so that we may work together to fulfil the Great Commission of the Lord across the Indonesian archipelago. We are confident that when we serve together, God will grant us success. Biblical greetings to all.
