This story comes from Rote Island, East Nusa Tenggara. For ten days, the ‘Satu Dalam Kasih’ (SDK) team from the Indonesian Bible Society (LAI) undertook a long journey to distribute Bibles in the South-West Rote region. A total of 48 churches were visited during this busy series of ministry activities. Despite the challenges of the journey, there was joy to be found in the enthusiastic welcome from the congregations. The children’s longing to own a Bible, as well as the happiness radiating from the faces of the elderly as they received the Word of God.

 

Upon first setting foot in South-West Rote, the team was greeted by sweltering heat. Throughout the journey, vast stretches of barren, arid plains were an unavoidable sight. The parched earth and the scorching sun illustrated the natural conditions that God’s people must face every day.

“It’s been hot and dry of late,” said a pastor’s wife who accompanied the team throughout the journey.

 

Amidst challenging natural conditions, the team pressed on to carry out their ministry. The series of activities began with an Opening Service for the Bible Distribution on Monday at GMIT Talitakumi Nggauk, ‘Soda Molek!’’ is a greeting of peace in the Rote language. The service was attended by the entire congregation, who gathered to jointly launch the Bible distribution ministry in the region.

 

From one church to the next, we witnessed the enthusiasm of the congregations as they welcomed the LAI team. Sunday School children, teenagers, young adults and even the elderly welcomed the distribution of Bibles with great joy. The longing to own a Bible was one of the things that left a lasting impression on us throughout the journey.

 

One particularly heart-warming moment took place at GMIT Oehandi. Whilst we were handing out Bibles, a child in a red-and-white uniform with a traditional Rote-patterned waistcoat ran over to the team. It turned out that the child also wanted to receive a Bible. He told us that after school, he had run straight to the church so that he could get a Bible too.

 

That simple story holds a profound meaning. Even after a tiring day at school, the child still found time to run to church. The look on his face and his little steps showed great enthusiasm and a deep longing for the Word of God. For us, that moment served as a reminder that the Bible holds great significance for those who long for the opportunity to own one.

 

An elderly man also appeared overjoyed to receive a Bible. With great joy, he testified that he diligently reads the Bible in the morning, afternoon and evening. His old Bible had now begun to show signs of wear. And now he was grateful to receive a new Bible. His testimony showed just how precious the Bible was to him. The joy experienced by this elderly resident left a lasting impression on us, reminding us just how precious the Good News from God is—the message of salvation that brings life. Whilst in the city many people have such easy access to the Word of God, they rarely read it. In the remote corners of the archipelago, many people are waiting for the Word of God that they can hold and read every day.

 

Not all Bible distribution journeys in South-West Rote have been easy. The challenges stem not only from the hot weather and the terrain that must be traversed, but also from access to a number of ministry areas.

 

On the second day, the team had to reach three islands: Nusamanuk, Landu, and Lohaen. To reach these areas, the team used a small boat carrying around ten people. The journey to the churches they were heading for required extra effort as the boat could not dock directly at the shore. If forced to do so, the boat risked running aground.

 

Consequently, we decided to disembark and continue our journey from the shallow-water coastline towards the church, which was two kilometres from where we had disembarked.  Although we had to continue our journey by land, we still endeavoured to carry out every planned ministry activity with enthusiasm.

 

Time passed until evening fell. After finishing the Bible distribution, we prepared to return. However, difficulties arose once more. The boat had to be moved to a different location so that the team could board more easily. This change meant the journey to the boat took longer. This time, the team had to walk about five kilometres to the boat’s location in the dark.

 

The dark road and the exhausting journey did not dampen the LAI team’s spirits. Throughout the journey, we walked side by side, keeping each other company, sharing stories and laughing. Amidst the limited lighting and our fatigue, our camaraderie served to strengthen our steps.

 

At last, in the distance, we could see the ship’s lights. The sight of those lights lifted our spirits. So, we ran towards the ship, filled with joy. After such a long journey, those lights guided us to the ship that would take us home once more.

 

During our ten days in South-West Rote, we learnt that ministry is not always easy. There was the sweltering heat, challenging terrain, sea crossings, and the need to keep moving even as darkness fell. Yet, amidst all these difficulties, we encountered joy in many forms: the warm welcome from the congregation, the enthusiasm on the children’s faces, and the expression of gratitude from an elderly person upon receiving a Bible.

 

From arid plains to remote islands accessible only by small boat, this journey exemplifies the spirit of bringing the Good News to God’s people in South-West Rote. Every church visited and every Bible distributed forms part of the effort to ensure that more people can possess and read God’s Word every day.

 

Thank you to our partners and Friends of the Bible in various places, who have faithfully prayed for and supported the work of the LAI. Your support has made it possible for the Word of God to reach and bring joy to God’s people in the farthest corners of the world. Even in the remote areas of South-West Rote. (tirza)