"As long as there is Sabu sugar, we can live." 77-year-old Ama Rafael Djari, a son of Sabu who has long since left the island, explained to the LAI team. Ama Rafael represents the Do Hawu Community. Together with fellow Sabu tribesmen from various parts of the country, they pray, preach and fundraise to bring 3,000 copies of Good News Picture in Sabu language, Li Ped’iri Wo Ie, Nga Gaba for the children who inhabit the 460.47 km2 island. Sabu Rajua Regency itself was only established 15 years ago.
As far as the eye can see we see that most of the land is dry and only a few spots where there are springs or reservoirs with some greenery. Most of the people of Savu are Christian (99%), but there are also many followers of Jingi Tiu, the old belief of the Savu people before Christianity entered the region. Efforts to continue to proclaim the Word of God in the mother tongue are being made by LAI in collaboration with its partners.
Exactly 5 years ago LAI planned to translate and publish Good News Picturein the Sabu language. This plan was outlined by LAI in the book Support for Good News in Indonesia. This plan has moved the heart of Ama Rafael Djari, who then invited several other Sabu tribal brothers and sisters. The fact is that to this day there are still many Sabu people who do not know & Christ. In addition, children still use their mother tongue in their daily conversations. "When speaking in our mother tongue, we are fluent, but when reading, we stutter a little, because it is difficult to pronounce. So the publication of KBB in Sabu language is very helpful," said Pastor Hery Fredik, who serves as the Chairperson of the West Sabu Region GMIT Klasis. Facing global challenges with growing information technology, it is possible to erode the culture and good values of the Sabu Tribe, including the local language. Therefore, the publication of Li Ped’iri Wo Iehas two functions. The first is to introduce the values of Scripture to Sabu's children from an early age. By getting to know the stories of the Bible from an early age, children are encouraged to read the Bible diligently and make the Bible a source of inspiration and guidance in their daily lives. Secondly, by reading Li Ped’iri Wo Ie, Sabu's children are invited to love their own language and culture and read God's word in a language that is close to them everyday. By loving their culture and language, it is hoped that the Sabu language and culture will be preserved from generation to generation. Finally, the publication of Li Ped’iri Wo Ie also as a sign of loving care and appreciation to the citizens of Sabu Raijua.
“This is the basis of our faith calling, to be the salt and light of the world & and as a socio-cultural calling because we are indebted to the land of Sabu Raijua that has given birth and matured its citizens. Furthermore, we appeal to Sarai citizens who are scattered in several cities in Indonesia, then we coordinate with the Regional Government of Sabu Raijua to support the programme," said Ama Rafael.
Community Do Hawu Committee and LAI, for several years struggled together to gather support from the Sabu community scattered throughout East Nusa Tenggara or in various cities in the archipelago, as well as LAI partners from various churches.
The launch of KBB Sabu was held at the opening service of the General Assembly of the Synod of the Evangelical Church in Timor (GMIT) at the GMIT Centre Sabu Tengah building. In addition to KBB Sabu, several books were also launched that will bless church services, especially on the island of Sabu Raijua on 11 October 2023. The trial and launching event was attended by the Regent, Deputy Regent, Regional Secretary, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, delegates from Bimas Kristen, heads of neighbouring synods, leaders from GMIT partners, delegates from 52 Klasis in the GMIT synod with a total of around 1,000 to 1,200 people.
The theme of the GMIT trial this time is, "Do Justice, Love Faithfulness and Live Humbly Before God" (Micah 6:8). Through this theme, we want to remind GMIT that love for God is first of all to worship Him, but simultaneously we must become a church that does justice both social, economic and ecological justice. On the second day, LAI as a partner of the GMIT Synod delivered a greeting which in this case was delivered in the form of a video by the chairman of LAI and verbally by Mrs Erna Yulianawati, Head of the Department of Communication and Partnership Development of LAI.
After that, from 12-15 October the LAI Team greeted children and parents at several points in West Sabu, East Sabu and Raijua Island. Praise God everything went well. In addition to the 3,000 Sabu Bibles, we also delivered 2,000 children's Bibles, 900 youth Bibles, 100 Study Bibles and 2,000 new translation Bibles, 2nd edition. The positive welcome from God's people gave positive energy to the LAI team.
From the above experience, we hope that LAI will continue to conduct programmes like this, and strengthen partnerships with socio-cultural communities of various ethnicities, local governments, and of course churches as users of LAI publications.
Through the translation and publication of the Bible and spiritual readings in local languages, LAI helps maintain and preserve local languages and cultures in the archipelago.
Such is a glimpse into the experience of travelling on mission with LAI. Thank you so much to every partner and parishioner who prays for LAI's ministry every day, proclaims and donates to God's work through LAI. Thank you to LAI for your sincere service, especially in the midst of the people of Sabu Raijua.
Salam kasih.
Kupang 17.10.23.
Advisory & Committee of KBB Do Hawu.
Rafael Djari/ey.
