The ministry journey of the Indonesian Bible Society (Lembaga Alkitab Indonesia - LAI) once again wrote a valuable story on the soil of Kalimantan. The LAI team departed from Jakarta for Banjarmasin, then continued their journey by small plane to Muara Teweh, followed by an approximately 100 km overland trip to Puruk Cahu, the capital of Murung Raya Regency, Central Kalimantan. In this area, which spans approximately 23,700 km, the LAI team delivered Bibles and portions thereof, supported by partners through the One in Love (Satu Dalam Kasih - SDK) program, to the Lord's people living in remote corners and villages that are often difficult to reach due to limited transportation access or financial constraints to own a Bible.
During the implementation of the program, which ran from October 6–13, 2025, Bible distribution was focused in several sub-districts, namely Sumber Barito, Permata Intan, Tanah Siang, and Tanah Siang Selatan, as well as several villages such as Saripoi, Dirung Bakung, Batu Makap, Dirung Lingkin, Tumbang Kunyi, and Tumbang Lahung. A total of 10,759 copies of Bibles and portions thereof were distributed to 48 churches and congregations under the Seribu Riam, Murung Raya, Tanah Siang, and Puruk Cahu church districts (klasis or resort). The breakdown included 4,713 New Translation Edition 2 Bibles (Alkitab Terjemahan Baru Edisi 2 - TB-2), 2,934 children's Bibles, 58 study Bibles, 120 Bibles for the elderly, and 2,934 Bible comics and children's spiritual reading materials.
This One in Love (Satu Dalam Kasih - SDK) program also served as a means of socialization and education regarding the New Translation Edition 2 Bible (TB-2). The LAI team explained to the ministers and congregation members that the introduction of the TB-2 Bible is not a change in the content of God's word, but rather an adjustment to the dynamics of the Indonesian language so that the message of the Bible is easier for people today to understand.
A warm and joyful welcome flowed from the Lord's people who had long awaited the presence of God's word. They were thankful that, through the attention of LAI's supporting partners, their personal longing to own a Bible was finally realized.
The LAI team who went directly to the field consisted of Caroline Rebecca Marlissa (Head of Support Mobilization Division, Communication and Partnership Department), Retla Wailan (Communication Department staff), and Daniel Lumamuly (Digital Services Department). During the ministry in Murung Raya, the LAI team was accompanied by Rev. Gutmar Untung, Chairman of PGIS Murung Raya, as well as local ministers who provided full support throughout the activity. The distribution of Bibles was delivered directly by the team to the local churches, as a form of moral responsibility to the partners who had entrusted their support to this program.
The journey taken was quite challenging. Ranging from winding, steep roads flanked by ravines, to a four-hour trip by speed boat navigating the Barito River. Nevertheless, all was undertaken with enthusiasm and joy to bring the Good News into the midst of the people.
The LAI One in Love (Satu Dalam Kasih) Program 2025 in Murung Raya Regency is not just an activity for distributing Bibles, but a tangible manifestation of Christ's love for people in remote parts of the country. Expressions of gratitude and prayers continue to flow from the congregations and ministers in Murung Raya for LAI and its supporting partners who have been channels of blessing. Their hope is that LAI will continue to be blessed and enabled to reach more souls throughout Indonesia. The presence of the Good News in remote areas is proof that God remembers all His people and never stops working to bring about goodness. May every Bible distributed illuminate the hearts of its recipients and lead them to a new life according to God's will. (rnl)
