Praise and thanks be to God for His help in enabling the Thanksgiving Service and the launch of the New Translation of the Bible, 2nd edition, to take place in Palembang on 12 June 2023. The Thanksgiving Service was led by Rev. H.L. Siahaan, S.Th, M.Miss and was attended by several religious leaders, including the Head of Christian Affairs at the South Sumatra Provincial Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Rev. Bagus Panjaitan; representing the Catholic community, Father Simon Margono; and representing the pastors of the Palembang region, Rev. Jeffry. There were around 275 guests, comprising ministers from various denominations in the city of Palembang.

In his sermon, Rev. H.L. Siahaan stated that this Thanksgiving Service and the launch of the New Translation 2 of the Bible marked a historic day for Christians in the city of Palembang, as the LAI has brought together various groups, churches, mission foundations, Christian organisations and theological colleges across the provinces of North and South Sumatra. He also urged every servant of God to support the LAI’s ministry in re-proclaiming the New Translation 2 of the Bible to the congregation.  After the thanksgiving service concluded, the congregation was invited to listen to a reading from the New Translation of the Bible, 2nd edition, delivered by Rev. Anwar Tjen as Head of the Translation at LAI, and chaired by the General Secretary of PGIS, Rev. Tuberto Mariaman Sihombing. 

The presentation of the New Translation 2 of the Bible concluded with a question-and-answer session and a group photograph. LAI continues to hope that this Bible study event will have a positive impact on God’s servants, who will then return to their congregations to preach the Word of God and find inspiration for their lives from the New Translation of the Bible, 2nd Edition. Biblical greetings to all. (cm)