God’s Word, One Vision, One Mission

BSI Leaders’ Conference strengthens fellowship, leadership and commitment to the Bible cause

The BSI Leaders’ Conference, co-ordinated by the Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation Department was held on August 26 – 28, 2026 under the inspiring theme “God’s Word for Strengthening BSI Ministry,” brought together about 45 delegates from the North and Central India Auxiliaries such as – North West India, Gujarat, Allahabd, Jabalpur and Bombay for a meaningful time of fellowship, reflection, learning and vision-building. More than a conference, it became a space to listen to one another, celebrate God’s word and God’s work, discern together, and look ahead with renewed commitment to strengthening the BSI ministry.

 Strengthened by Leadership and Shared Wisdom

We place on record our heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo, General Secretary of the Bible Society of India for his valuable support, presence and his inspiring Valedictory Message. His encouragement strengthened our shared vision and commitment to the Bible cause. Our wholehearted thanks goes to Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi, who delivered the Keynote Address during the inaugural session.

Our sincere appreciation goes to our BSI Staff who served as Resource Persons – Mr. Paul Stephen, Sr. Director, Publishing & Distribution Department, Rev. K. John Vikram, Andhra Pradesh Auxiliary Secretary, and Rev. Jacob Antony Koodathinkal, Kerala Auxiliary Secretary, Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi, Director, Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation Department – for sharing their knowledge, experience, wisdom and vision. Their presentations focused on systematic approach and roles of ‘Leadership’, ‘Partnership’, ‘Spirituality of Giving’ and ‘Volunteer’ in God’s mission of making the Bible available, accessible and affordable for all till the end of the earth. Their presentations and interactions challenged and inspired the participants to reflect more deeply on their role in strengthening the ministry.

 “The Conference was not an end, but the beginning of a shared journey.”(feedback)

 Spiritual Strengthening Through Prayer, Praise and Worship

Each day of the Conference began with a time of prayer, praise and worship, creating a spiritually enriching atmosphere for all participants. The North West India Auxiliary led the first day, followed by the Gujarat and Bombay Auxiliaries on the second day, and the Allahabad and Jabalpur Auxiliaries on the third day. Through Scripture reading, prayer, and congregational singing, we were renewed in God’s presence, strengthened in faith, and reminded of our shared calling to serve God in and through the BSI ministry.

Listening, Learning and Growing Together

Special appreciation is extended to the five Auxiliary Secretaries – Rev. Gershombhai Krishti (North West India), Rev. Clement M. Christian (Bombay), Rev. Ashish Amin (Gujarat), and Mr. Harish Shrigri (Jabalpur, representing Rev. Daniel Nath) – for their valuable SWOT presentations of each Auxiliary activities, active participation and thoughtful engagement.

Our gratitude also goes to all the delegates for their openness, active participation and willingness to listen, learn and share. Testimonies of individuals on their success stories were inspiring. Their meaningful conversations continued beyond the conference hall – around tea tables, during meals and in informal fellowship  – strengthening relationships and a shared sense of mission.

 “We listened, learned and shared – and were reminded that the strength of BSI lies in working together.”(feedback)

 Strengthening Church Relations and Celebrating Partnership

On the evening of 27 August, a special dinner was hosted for the pastors and Christian leaders of Udaipur on the beautiful lawn of Hotel Paras Mahal. Our General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo, warmly greeted the guests, setting the tone for an evening of fellowship and meaningful conversation. The gathering provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen BSI’s church relations in Udaipur, where the BSI ministry is yet to become active. We are confident that this fellowship marks the beginning of a meaningful journey of partnership and collaboration in this beautiful and warm-hearted city.

We are deeply grateful to Mr. Shailesh Kumar Mathews, General Manager, Hotel Paras Mahal, and his team for their generous hospitality and excellent service. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the NWI Auxiliary staff special words of gratitude to Mrs. Monika, Pastor Sundeep and Mr Sunil for their dedicated service as local hosts and for their careful attention to every arrangement, ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the Conference. Profound thanks to the BSI Central Office staff for their prayer and technical support with special mention to the CPRRMD staff and Mr. Cyril D’ Souza for their meticulous attention to every detail.

 “Together, we can accomplish more, bearing greater fruit for God’s Kingdom and the ministry entrusted to us.”(feedback)

 From Conference to Commitment

The Conference has set the ball rolling. We all look forward its visible impact in the follow-up, implementation and continued accompaniment of leaders in the five Auxiliaries. The insights shared, relationships strengthened and commitments made will surely translate into concrete action for the growth of the BSI ministry in this region.

Above all, we give thanks to our gracious God, who journeyed with us throughout the Conference, granting wisdom, strength, good health and joy, and enabling us to bring to life the vision and plans we had carried all along.

 “When we journey together in God’s Word, our vision becomes stronger and our mission becomes more purposeful.”(feedback)

May God continue to strengthen the bonds of our fellowship and relationship, enabling us to extend our tents and embrace more churches, individuals and leaders. May God bless the ministry of the Bible Society of India by deepening our spirit of giving, sharing, and partnership, so that we may always have “beautiful feet” as we faithfully carry the Good News of Christ wherever we go.

By Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi 
Director Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation

DIMAPUR AUXILIARY

Dedicatory Service and Release of the Books of Ruth and Ephesians in Nagaland Sign Language in Dimapur

A Dedicatory Service for the release of the Books of Ruth and Ephesians in Nagaland Sign Language was held on 22 August 2026 at the Deaf Biblical Ministry (DBM), Dimapur, in partnership with the Bible Society of India, Dimapur Auxiliary. The programme brought together members of the Deaf community, church leaders, government representatives, community leaders, supporters, and well-wishers to celebrate this significant milestone.

The programme was chaired by Mr. Besutsu and opened with a hymn, followed by the invocation offered by Rev. Wati Kichu, Pastor, DABA. Ms. Wanchule extended the welcome and greetings, in the course of which she recognised the distinguished guests, presented a token of appreciation to Mr. Tongpang Jamir, and shared the history and journey of the Nagaland Sign Language Bible translation work. This was followed by a special song rendered by DBM.

The gathering was honoured by the presence of several distinguished guests, including:

• Tongpang Jamir, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Nagaland.
• Dr N Paphino, President, BSI, Dimapur Auxiliary.
• Wati Kichu, Pastor, Dimapur ao Baptist Church, Dimapur.
• Dr. Yipetso Wezah, Senior Auxiliary Secretary, Dimapur Auxiliary, Bible Society of India.
• Joseph Mero, Gaon Bura, Naharbari Village.
• Temsu, Member, Naharbari Community Forum.
• Dr W. Along Jamir, Director (Translation), BSI.

Act of Dedication and Release

 The central part of the programme was the Act of Dedication and Release of the Books of Ruth and Ephesians in Nagaland Sign Language, led by Rev. Dr. W. Along Jamir, Director (Translation), Bible Society of India. Dr Jamir exhorted the community from the book of Ruth 1:16 – “But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” The occasion marked an important milestone in making Scripture accessible to the Deaf community of Nagaland in their own language. It was a celebration of faith, language, identity, and inclusion, and stood as a witness to the collective efforts of the individuals and organisations who contributed to making the translation and release possible. The books dedicated and release is also featured in the Deaf Bible App. The programme concluded with an expression of gratitude to all the guests, supporters, translators, churches, community members, and everyone who contributed to this significant work. The release of the Books of Ruth and Ephesians in Nagaland Sign Language was celebrated with the hope that these Scriptures would bless, strengthen, and encourage many Deaf people and families in the days to come. The programme came to a close with the benediction pronounced by Rev. Dr. N. Paphino, Auxiliary President.

The Journey of the Release of Books of Ruth and Ephesians in Nagaland Sign Language – by Ms. Wanchule

Ms. Wanchule, welcomed the distinguished guests, church leaders, members of the Deaf community, and all those gathered for the special and historic occasion of the release and dedication of the Books of Ruth and Ephesians in Nagaland Sign Language. On behalf of the Nagaland Sign Language Bible Translation Team and the Deaf Biblical Ministry, she expressed her gratitude to all who had joined the celebration. She particularly acknowledged the presence of Mr. Tongpang Jamir, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, noting that his presence and continued support were a great encouragement to the Deaf community and to the ministry. She also expressed appreciation for the founders of the Deaf Biblical Ministry, Rev. Yanger Walling and Mrs. Amongla Walling, whose pioneering and tireless work among Deaf people in Nagaland had contributed significantly to the development of the Deaf community and its ministry.

Ms. Wanchule highlighted that the Nagaland Sign Language Bible Translation Team was formed in 2021, in partnership with the Bible Society of India, in response to the need for Deaf people to receive God’s Word in their own heart language. By God’s grace, the Book of Jonah was released in 2024, and the release of Ruth and Ephesians marked another significant step in making Scripture accessible to the Deaf community. She explained that although many Deaf people can read English, it is generally their second language, whereas Sign Language is their first and most natural language, with its own grammar, structure, and way of expressing meaning. Therefore, the translation of Scripture into Nagaland Sign Language was not merely a matter of changing words into signs, but an important means of enabling Deaf people to understand and experience God’s Word more naturally and deeply.

Speaking about the historical journey of the Deaf community in Nagaland, Ms. Wanchule recalled that the introduction of American Sign Language by Rev. and Mrs. Yanger Walling in the late 1980s opened new possibilities for communication, education, and community life among Deaf people. Over the years, the language developed within the cultural context of Nagaland and evolved into what is now recognised as Nagaland Sign Language, an important part of the identity of the Deaf community. She emphasised that the release of Ruth and Ephesians was much more than the completion of a translation project. It was an affirmation that Deaf people are seen, valued, and loved by God, and that God’s Word is for everyone. She noted that Ruth speaks of faithfulness, belonging, redemption, and God’s providential care, while Ephesians highlights identity in Christ and the unity of believers as one body.

Ms. Wanchule expressed deep gratitude to God and to all those who had contributed to and supported the translation work, including the translators, reviewers, Deaf Biblical Ministry, Bible Society of India, churches, supporters, and the wider Deaf community. She concluded by expressing the hope and prayer that these Scriptures would reach Deaf children, young people, families, churches, and generations to come, bringing hope, strengthening faith, deepening discipleship, and enabling the Deaf community to participate more fully in the life and mission of the Church.

Impact Story: A Personal Testimony of Ms. Abigail

My name is Abigail. I am in class 10. I am from the Zeliang community. But I do not understand or speak Zeliang. My mother tongue is Nagaland Sign Language. For most Deaf people here in Nagaland, we are not separated by our different tribes because we all have the same mother tongue.

I was born Deaf. When I was a child, I was very lonely because I did not have any language through which I could express myself to my friends and family. I came to Deaf Biblical Ministry, School for the Deaf, when I was 7 years old. When I came here, I was so surprised and happy to see that there were so many other people just like me. I slowly learned Nagaland Sign Language, and was finally able to communicate all my thoughts and feelings. I also started to learn so much from school because I could understand everything my teachers taught.

I also learned about the love of God from the Deaf Church and Sunday school. I accepted Jesus as my personal saviour when I was 10 years old. I wanted to learn more about the Word of God, so I began to read the English Bible. But I could not fully understand it because English is my second language. I had to continue depending on other people to explain the Word of God to me in Sign Language. So when the Book of Jonah was released in 2024, I was so happy because I could finally receive that book in my mother tongue. I could finally fully understand that book because it was given to me in my heart language. Today, I am excited that the Books of Ruth and Ephesians are being released, and I cannot wait to read those books in my native language.

I am very thankful to the Bible Society of India, Deaf Biblical Ministry, and the Nagaland Sign Language Bible Translation Team for making this desire of mine into reality.

God bless you all.

Reported by Rev. Dr. W. Along Jamir, Director (Translation) Bible Society of India

 ODISHA AUXILIARY

Celebrating God’s Word in Odisha: State-Level Bible Festival brings together 120 participants in Puri

We thank God for a wonderful State-Level Bible Festival 2026, held at Hotel Paradise, Puri, Odisha, from 28–30 August 2026. The three-day gathering became a meaningful occasion of spiritual encouragement, fellowship, Scripture engagement, and renewed commitment to the ministry of the Bible Society of India (BSI).

All BSI staff travelled to Puri on 26 August to make the necessary preparations for the programme. Around 120 participants from different districts of Odisha took part in the Festival, representing a wide cross-section of BSI’s ministry partners – including volunteers, prayer partners, donors, and church leaders. Their active participation reflected the growing partnership and support for the Bible ministry in the state.

The Festival was inaugurated by Mr. Satyajit Pani, Owner of Hotel Paradise, Puri. On the first day, Rev. Bijaya Kumar Pattnaik, Vice President, BSI and President, Odisha Auxiliary, addressed the participants and shared words of encouragement. He also led the devotional session on the second day.

Rev. Niranjan Turuk of Cuttack and Mr. Prabhakar Pattnaik, former President of the Odisha Auxiliary, led various sessions, sharing God’s Word and encouraging participants in their faith and commitment to the Bible ministry. A Scripture display was also arranged, providing participants an opportunity to explore and engage with different Scripture resources.

The Festival concluded with the celebration of Holy Communion, Rev. Brajendra Kumar Kauri, Auxiliary Secretary of Odisha Auxiliary was the clebrant. This was followed by the distribution of appreciation certificates to the participants and a prayer of blessing. The dedicated involvement of the entire BSI staff in their respective responsibilities contributed greatly to the smooth and successful conduct of the programme.

 Grateful for Generous Partnership

We express our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Satyajit Pani and his family, owners of Hotel Paradise, for their generous support in providing lodging and boarding for all the delegates. Their gracious hospitality and commitment to the Bible cause were deeply appreciated by everyone. The Bible Festival was more than a programme; it was a celebration of God’s Word and a renewed commitment to carrying the Bible ministry forward in Odisha. We give thanks to God for all who participated, supported, prayed, and contributed to making this Festival possible. We firmly believe that this gathering will further strengthen the ministry of the Bible Society of India in Odisha and inspire many more to become active partners in sharing God’s Word.

May God continue to bless our volunteers, prayer partners, donors, church leaders, staff, and all our partners as we journey together in the mission of making God’s Word available and accessible to all.

Reported by Rev Brajendra Kumar Kauri, Odisha Auxiliary Secretary

GUJARAT AUXILIARY

Bible Exhibition, Sale and Seminar | 10–16 August 2026

A special Bible Exhibition and Sale was organised from 10 to 16 August 2026, providing a meaningful opportunity for churches, Sunday School children, students, and members of the wider Christian community to engage with the Bible and explore the rich variety of Scripture resources available through the Bible Society of India. The Exhibition and Sale was formally inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. Silvans Christian, who offered prayers and blessings for the programme. His presence and words of encouragement added significance to the occasion and reminded participants of the central place of God’s Word in the life and ministry of the Church.

As part of the programme, a special seminar on “How the Bible Came to Us” was conducted by Mr. Sanjay Masihi from Baroda, Sargen Ministry. The session provided participants with an informative and inspiring journey through the history of the Bible, helping them to better understand how God’s Word has been preserved, translated, transmitted, and made accessible to people across generations and cultures. The seminar was particularly meaningful for Sunday School children, church members, and Bible Seminary students, who participated with enthusiasm and interest. It became not only a learning experience but also an opportunity to deepen their appreciation for the Bible and its continuing relevance in their lives and communities.

The Bible Exhibition and Sale served as a valuable platform for Scripture engagement, learning, and fellowship, while encouraging people to value, read, share, and live by God’s Word. We give thanks to God for making this initiative a blessed and fruitful occasion and pray that the seeds sown through this programme will continue to bear fruit in the lives of all who participated.

Reported by Rev. Ashish A. Amin, Gujarat Auxiliary Secretary 

PRAYER FOR NEPAL DISASTER

Cause: Triggered by a massive glacial collapse and landslide along the Nepal-Tibet border.

Affected Areas: Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Tanahun districts.

Impact: Severe destruction of homes, roads, bridges, and hydropower infrastructure, with extensive rescue and recovery operations happening now.

Confirmed Fatalities: 1,127 people in Nepal, plus at least 16 additional deaths reported on the Chinese side of the border as on September, 2026

Missing Persons: Between 3,916 and 4,858 individuals remain unaccounted for, including over 580 foreign nationals and hundreds of local workers trapped inside mud-filled hydropower tunnels.

Rescued & Displaced: Over 6,541 citizens have been successfully rescued by security forces, but roughly 2.2 million tons of debris have compromised infrastructure across the region.

Here are specific prayer points to lift up the communities affected by the devastating flash floods in Nepal:

Prayer for the Missing and Grieving

• The Missing: Pray for the safe rescue and discovery of those still missing following the massive surge of water and debris.
• Grieving Families: Ask for comfort, peace, and emotional strength for families mourning the loss of loved ones.
• The Deceased: Pray that those who lost their lives find eternal rest, and that survivors feel a deep sense of support.

Prayer for Rescue and Relief Workers

• First Responders: Pray for the safety, endurance, and physical strength of the Nepal Army, police, volunteers, and helicopter crews working in treacherous mountain terrain.
• Access and Logistics: Pray for safe passage and the clearing of blocked roads and damaged bridges so emergency aid, food, and medical supplies can reach isolated valleys.
• Coordination: Pray for wisdom for local leaders, the government, and humanitarian organizations as they coordinate relief efforts.

Prayer for Displaced and Affected Communities

• Basic Needs: Pray for immediate provision of clean drinking water, dry shelter, warm blankets, and food for families who lost their homes.
• Health and Protection: Pray against waterborne illnesses and disease outbreaks as communities deal with mud and contaminated water.
• Local Churches and Leaders: Pray for local pastors and believers as they care for their neighbors while navigating their own personal losses and trauma.
• Pray for the Bible Society of Nepal, that God may strengthen and sustain them as they reach out with compassion, courage, and hope to uplift those facing unspeakable trauma, loss, and suffering in this time of disaster. May God strengthen their arms to uplift those who are facing unspeakable trauma in this time of disaster and suffering.