Manado, Thursday (26 March 2026) — The Indonesian Bible Society (LAI) held a thanksgiving service on Thursday morning to mark the completion of the renovation of the LAI Manado Representative Office. The event was a solemn occasion and was attended by around 100 guests from various government bodies, churches and ministry partners.

Among those present at the event were a representative of the Governor of North Sulawesi, the Head of the Library and Archives Department of the North Sulawesi Provincial Secretariat, the synod chairpersons (GMIST, KGPM, GMIM, KGBI), government partners, representatives from the Christian Religious Affairs Office, partners from theological colleges and Christian schools, partners involved in Bible translation and distribution, bookshops, KKPD partners, churches, the local community of Mahakeret, the renovation committee, retired LAI staff, the LAI General Secretary, and staff from the LAI Manado Representative Office.

The service was led by Pastor Franky Londa, MA, Chairman of the KGPM Executive Committee, and began with an ordination ceremony, followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by representatives of the North Sulawesi Provincial Government together with the General Secretary of the LAI. Following the signing, the service continued inside the newly renovated building. The sermon was based on John 1:14, with the theme “The Divine Word Inspires Digital Culture”.

Following the service, the programme continued with a welcome address from the General Secretary of LAI, as well as a message from the Governor of North Sulawesi, which was read out by the Head of the Library and Archives Department of the North Sulawesi Provincial Secretariat.

Historically, the LAI Manado Representative Office was first established in 1968, occupying one of the rooms in the Sentrum Building owned by GMIM in Manado. Thirty-three years later, in 2001, LAI successfully purchased a building at 82 Diponegoro Street, Mahakeret.

Over time, the ageing condition of the building necessitated renovation to ensure it remained fit for use as a Bible service centre. This office serves the regions of North Sulawesi, Gorontalo, Central Sulawesi and North Maluku.

This renovation is an expression of gratitude for God’s guidance and presence, as well as the support from various partners who continue to sustain LAI’s ministry in eastern Indonesia.

The thanksgiving event concluded with a shared lunch, but prior to this, the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between LAI and KGPM was signed.