Every year in September, the Indonesian Bible Society (LAI) and its partner churches in Indonesia celebrate Bible Prayer Month (BDA). This tradition was not started by LAI, but LAI continues a tradition of Christians worldwide that is hundreds, even thousands, of years old.
In ancient times, every year Jews, together with God-fearing non-Jews, would gather on the island of Pharos in the Mediterranean Sea to hold a celebration of thanksgiving for the availability of the Bible in a language they could understand. The Bible in question was the Septuagint, that is, the Greek Bible translated from the Hebrew Bible. Jews living in the diaspora at that time no longer understood Hebrew and had adopted Greek as their everyday language. Consequently, the availability of the Bible in a language they could understand was welcomed with great gratitude and great celebration.
Continuing the tradition that began on the island of Pharos, the Indonesian Bible Society (LAI) invites all Christians in Indonesia to worship and give thanks for the availability of the Bible in a language they can understand, which guides believers towards a new life in the Lord.
In preparation for Bible Prayer Month 2026, the Indonesian Bible Society (LAI) has adopted the ministry theme “The Divine Word Inspires Digital Culture” (John 1:14, TB-2). Through this theme, churches and God’s people are invited to recognise that the Word of God did not cease to work in the past, but continues to be present and active amidst the changing times, including the digital age in which we currently live.
The digital world, with all its opportunities and challenges, can become a space for witness, if it is imbued with Gospel values. Technology is not merely a means of communication, but a tool for proclamation, faith education, and the manifestation of God’s love. Therefore, the church is called not to shun technological developments, but to bring the light of Christ into them.
This theme also reminds us of the importance of inclusivity in the ministry of the Word. Amidst technological advances, the Church is called to ensure that everyone has access to the Bible in a language they can understand, including our brothers and sisters, our deaf friends.
Although often unseen, the number of deaf people in Indonesia is quite large. According to the Indonesian Sign Language Centre (Pusbisindo), there are more than 2.5 million deaf people in Indonesia. Hearing people often ask, “Why is a Bible in sign language necessary?” “Can’t deaf people read because they can see?”
These questions stem from a misunderstanding. Sign Language has a sentence structure and grammar that differ from written Indonesian. Many deaf people have to learn two languages simultaneously: Sign Language as their first language, and written Indonesian as their second.
Consequently, understanding written text is not always as straightforward as one might imagine. In this context, the availability of the Bible in Sign Language is vital so that our deaf friends can come to know and understand God more fully and deeply.
Until now, the focus of Bible translation organisations across the globe has been on neglected tribes who often live in remote, far-flung inland areas. However, they have been ‘unaware’ that right around them, close by, there are groups of people who also long for God’s Word in their own language—namely, deaf people who use the sign language they understand.
Recognising this fact, LAI will soon undertake the translation of the Bible into Sign Language. Of course, given the current state of Sign Language in Indonesia, this is a long-term project that will not be easy. Nevertheless, we must press ahead with it.
Following on from last year, when LAI translated the Bible Stories into Sign Language, from 2026 onwards LAI will be working on the translation of the New Testament into Sign Language, starting with the Gospel of Luke. Support from Friends of the Bible will enable our Deaf Friends to encounter God’s Word in a language they understand, to draw closer to Christ their Saviour, and to live a new life full of hope in the Lord.
Let us join together as God’s co-workers to proclaim His goodness to the world, and also amongst our Deaf Christian friends in Indonesia.
Note:
Churches and fellowships requiring links to the BDA 2026 Sunday Worship Order and the BDA 2026 Children’s and Youth Worship Guide may download them via the following links:
