Tentena Bible Week:

Tabea! Coinciding with the Month of the Gospel, which is observed throughout October by the Central Sulawesi Christian Church (GKST), the Indonesian Bible Society (LAI), in collaboration with STT GKST, is once again organising Bible Week from 21–23 October 2026.

Rev. Naomi Tololiu as Chair of the Bible Week Organising Committee, warmly welcomed this event. Indeed, STT GKST had been eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to host the event. The enthusiasm and strong support from the STT GKST students were very much in evidence. From early in the morning, the student committee members had gathered to prepare for the opening service. At half past eight in the morning, the worship hall began to fill with invited guests, comprising students, lecturers, pastors and government officials. Due to the limited space in the hall, some invited guests had to take seats outside the hall under the tents that had been set up, but this did not dampen their joy at welcoming Bible Week.

In his sermon based on John 1:14, Rev. Djadaramo Tasiabe, M.Th. (Chairman of the GKST Synod) stated that developments in digital technology have enabled the Bible to permeate the very fabric of human life more rapidly. For this reason, digital behaviour must be guided by the light of God’s Word. He also highlighted the declining interest in reading amongst the current generation; for this reason, he urged the church to bring the stories of the Bible to life in the lives of the congregation.

The Poso Regency Government, represented by Alfred Suangga, Assistant for Administration and People’s Welfare at the Poso Regency Secretariat, was also present to convey a message from the Regent of Poso, who was unable to attend. “I greatly appreciate the Bible Week event because it teaches us that the Word of God must remain relevant amidst the changing times”, he said.

Among the various activities organised were a seminar for young people led by Mr Ulbrits Siahaan on the theme “Rooted in the Word, Ready to Face the Future”, a Bible seminar  with Rev. Anwar Tjen on the theme “God in Times of Disaster”, a digital literacy workshop entitled “Becoming Christ-Fluencer to Tell His Tale” with Reggy Leo, a museum exhibition and LAI publications, storytelling and Linga-linga competitions in the Pamona language, a Bible quiz, and colouring and drawing competitions for nursery and primary school children. [zvp]