“He is not here. He is risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6)
ENCOUNTERING THE RISEN LORD THROUGH THE RISEN
(In Memory of Pope Francis, a Pilgrim of the Resurrection)
When I first watched The Risen (made in 2016), I expected a historical drama. What I encountered, however, was a spiritual journey; a journey that not only retold the greatest story ever lived, but also invited me into it. The film, directed and written by Kevin Reynolds, narrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Clavius, a Roman tribune charged with quelling rumors of a risen Messiah. It is a story not from the pews of the faithful, but from the uncertainty of a skeptical angle that felt fresh and profoundly moving.
Clavius begins as a hardened soldier, trained to suppress uprisings and dismiss faith. His world is one of certainty – of swords, Caesar, and law. But when faced with the mystery of the empty tomb, and tasked with disproving the Resurrection, he is plunged into a search that unravels not just the facts, but his very soul. What struck me most was not merely the film’s portrayal of the events post-crucifixion, but the inner transformation of Clavius, a man whose armor of logic is slowly pierced by grace. His reluctant journey becomes a mirror for many of us. We are reminded that belief often begins not with answers, but with sincere doubts and questions. The risen Christ does not demand blind allegiance; He invites us to see, to touch, and to believe. There is a poignant scene where Clavius finally encounters Jesus alive—a moment of sacred silence, where time seems to stand still. It is not dramatized; it is quiet, tender, and real. As he gazes into the face of the Risen Lord, we too are drawn into that holy gaze. In that moment, Clavius lays down his sword. And I, as a viewer, laid down my doubts.
POPE FRANCIS (1936 – 2025)
As I reflect upon the event of Christ’ resurrection from the dead in the shadow of the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, on Easter Monday, I find a profound parallel. Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936) was the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He was the first pontiff from the Global South and a voice of Gospel simplicity, mercy, and justice. Like Clavius, Pope Francis walked a path not of self-assured authority, but of humility, questioning, and with deep compassion. He often said, “God is not afraid of our questions. He walks with us in them.” His papacy was a living witness to the risen Christ among the poor, the outcast, the immigrant and the seeker. Pope Francis often called the Church to be a field hospital, a place of healing for wounded hearts, not a place to nail the condemned, and not a tribunal for the perfect. And this vision resonates deeply with the heart of The Risen. Both call us to step beyond tradition and into encounter. Both call us to lay down our swords, our skepticism, our pride, our religious rigidity, and look into the eyes of a Saviour who lives.
For the Church and for us at the Bible Society of India, The Risen reminds us why we labor tirelessly in the ‘Word’. We are not merely translating texts or distributing Bibles, but we are bearing witness to the Living Word, the Christ who conquered death. “We extend an invitation to the modern-day ‘Claviuses’ and ‘ Francises’ among us to encounter the Risen Christ, journeying from the shadows of doubt to the light of devoted faith.”
This film, while a remarkable work of art, is even more profoundly a work of witness. In these days marked by both global mourning and enduring hope, I commend the The Risen not merely as a cinematic experience, but as a deeply devotional encounter. May it rekindle our passion to proclaim Christ with unwavering conviction, walking in the footsteps of the faithful who have gone before us.
By Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi
A/D Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation
A TRIBUTE TO POPE FRANCIS FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE BIBLE SOCIETY OF INDIA
A TESTIMONY OF A BLIND MAN NAMED MR. HEREN HEMROM
God’s love knows no limits, and His Word is for everyone, regardless of ability. Through the faithful efforts of the Bible Society of India, this truth is becoming a reality for many, including Mr. Heren Hemrom.
On the morning of 8th April 2025, Mr. Heren Hemrom, a visually impaired man from Latakel village in the Simdega District of Jharkhand, visited our BSI Ranchi Auxiliary Office. During his visit, we had the joy of presenting him with Braille copies of the books of Revelation and Leviticus. In the days that followed, we continued to supply him with more Scripture: on 16th April, he received the books from Matthew to Galatians, Philemon, Hebrews to Jude, and another copy of Revelation; and on 25th April, he was provided with the books from Genesis to Daniel.
Mr. Hemrom’s life story is deeply moving. At a very young age, he was brought by the police to St. Michael’s Blind School in Bahubazar, Ranchi, where he grew up and continues to live even now. Officially, he is 65 years old now. Since 2019, he has been receiving portions of the Braille Bible through BSI Ranchi Auxiliary, a resource that has fueled his passion for ministry among other visually impaired people. His method of sharing the Gospel is simple yet powerful. In new places, he first reads and tells stories from the Braille Bible. When individuals come to faith in Christ, he organizes Bible study groups to nurture and disciple them. He also faithfully prays for those who are physically, emotionally, and spiritually struggling.
When asked how he supports himself, Mr. Hemrom humbly shared that God provides through the generosity of people who offer him food, help with his travel expenses, and support his ministry work. Through Mr. Hemrom’s unwavering faith and tireless service, the love and power of God are touching lives in Chaibasa town and Kolebira village in Jharkhand.
To God be the glory!
STORY FROM THE BOMBAY AUXILIARY
A two-day Bible Exhibition and Sale, along with Bible Sunday celebrations, was held at Ambernath Methodist Church from April 26 to 27, 2025. Rev. Clement Christian, Bombay Auxiliary Secretary, preached the Word during the three services for the Telugu, Marathi, and Kannada congregations. We sincerely thank each congregation for their generous financial support and their enthusiastic response to the Bible Exhibition and Sale.
ACTIVITIES OF THE KERALA AUXILIARY
BIBLE SUNDAY & BIBLE CONVENTION
Kannur:
On 9th March 2025, Rev Jacob Antony Koodathinkal, Kerala Axuliary Secretary delivered message at the Church Service at Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Kannur, and Auxiliary staff conducted a Bible sale and exhibition. The Auxiliary secretary profoundly thanks Rev. Noble Mathew Achen, the Pastor, the committee members, and the congregation for their wonderful support.
Trivandrum:
On 16th March 2025, Bible Sunday was observed, and special offerings were received from Wills Memorial CSI Church, Mangad, Thirumala, Trivandrum, . We are grateful to the Vicar, Rev. Israel Thomas; the Assistant Vicar, Rev. Rajeev John; Mr. J. Mohan Kumar, Church Secretary and BSI Thirumala Branch Secretary and the entire congregation for their strong support of the Bible cause. We deeply appreciate the coordination and sacrificial service of the Regional Coordinator, Chev. Dr. Koshy M. George.
Idukki:
Bible Sunday was observed, Bibles were distributed to students, a door-to-door collection was conducted, and special offerings were received at St. Mathias CSI Church, Chemmannar, on 30th March 2025. We thank Mr. G. Ebenezer, the church worker, along with the committee members and the entire congregation, for their wholehearted support of the Bible cause. Special thanks to Mr. Georgekutty and Mrs. Jessy Georgekutty from Thodupuzha for sponsoring 23 ESV Bibles for deserving students.
Ernakulam:
Rev Jacob Antony Koodathinkal, Kerala Axuliary Secretary shared God’s Word at St. Stephen’s CSI Church, Tripunithura, observing both Bible Sunday and VBS Sunday on 6th April 2025. It was a blessed time of fellowship with Rev. Rejil C. Babu, Vicar and Vice President of the Thiruvankulam Branch, the congregation, and the VBS students. We appreciate the coordination and presence of Er. John Minu Mathew (Auxiliary Committee Member), Er. Suja Anie Mathew (Central Council Member), Mr. Abin Kurian (Branch Joint Secretary), and other leaders of the Thiruvankulam Branch. On the same Sunday, we also had the opportunity to visit Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Thiruvankulam, and appreciate the outstanding leadership of the outgoing Branch President, Rev. Minoy N. Kuruvilla. We thank God for his remarkable service.
Thrissur:
Rev Jacob Antony Koodathinkal, Kerala Axuliary Secretary shared God’s Word at the ‘Bless Chalakudy All Pentecostal Denomination Convention’ on 23rd April 2025, and the staff conducted a Bible exhibition and sale. It was a blessed occasion. We appreciate the outstanding coordination by Mr. C.C. Paulson (Chalakudy Branch Secretary), Pastor Johnson N.D. (Branch Treasurer and Convention General Convenor), all the pastors, and the members for their tremendous support.
BRANCH ANNUAL THANKSGIVING MEETINGS
Kannur:
The BSI Kannur Branch Annual Meeting and Thanksgiving Service was held at AG Church, Kannur, on 7th March 2025. Rev. Shiju Varkey presided over the meeting, the Auxiliary Secretary delivered the keynote address, and Pr. K.U. Peter (AG Malabar District Council Secretary) offered his felicitations. Clergy, pastors, and members from various churches graced the occasion. New office bearers and committee members were elected. We highly appreciate the excellent coordination by Mr. S. Bhuvanesan, Branch Secretary, which contributed to the successful functioning of the meeting.
Kasargode:
The BSI Kasargode Branch Annual Meeting and Thanksgiving Service took place at Mar Thoma College, Badiyadka, Kasargode, on 8th March 2025. Rev. Mathew Baby presided over the meeting, and the Auxiliary Secretary gave the keynote address. Rev. Aneesh Thomas, Rev. George Varghese, Pr. Mohan David (Regional Coordinator), and pastors from different churches also attended. Members from various churches participated, and new office bearers and committee members were elected. We are grateful for the effective coordination by Pr. Roji K. Varghese, Branch Secretary, which ensured the success of the meeting.
OVERSEAS VISITORS: Friends from the Bible Society of Northern Ireland
Mr. Robin Tweed and Mrs. Janet Tweed, active leaders and long-time supporters of the Bible Society of Northern Ireland, visited the BSI Kerala Auxiliary on 8th April 2025, bringing greetings from Mr. Wilson Beare, Chief Executive Officer of the Bible Society of Northern Ireland. They have had a longstanding association with the United Bible Societies. Their visit to our Auxiliary was truly meaningful. During a special Staff Meeting held at Bible House, Kottayam, Dr. Sabu T. Thomas, our Auxiliary Treasurer, honored them with a shawl, and the Auxiliary Secretary presented a special gift on behalf of the Auxiliary. We deeply value their love, time, concern, and efforts in visiting the Kerala Auxiliary. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the General Secretary of the Bible Society of India, Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo, for his continued guidance. May God bless Mr. and Mrs. Tweed and their ministry as they work to spread the unchanging Word around the world.
DIMAPUR AUXILIARY CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY
The Bible Society of India (BSI), Dimapur Auxiliary joyfully celebrated its 40th Anniversary on the 12th and 13th of April 2025 at the Dimapur Rengma Baptist Church, Khermahal, Dimapur. The event was attended by Auxiliary Committee Members, Branch Office Bearers, various committee members, and local church congregants, all joining in thanksgiving and celebration.
The commemoration began on 12th April with an inspiring sermon delivered by Rev. L. Timothy Phaomei, President of the BSI Imphal Branch. He delivered a powerful message that challenged the congregation to actively engage in the ministry of the Bible Society, emphasizing that the ministry revolves around the living Word of God—Jesus Christ Himself. The service was uplifted by a special song presented by the New Life Bible College Choir, glorifying the living God. The main celebration was held on 13th April. Rev. Dr. Z. K. Rochill, former Senior Auxiliary Secretary, delivered a heartfelt and encouraging message. He reflected on the early struggles of the Dimapur Auxiliary but praised God for its steady growth and increasing impact in sharing the living Word of God with unreached communities. Special music was presented by the Chakhesang Baptist Church Youth of Dimapur and the Hallelujah Chorus from the Dimapur Rengma Baptist Church, Khermahal, accompanied by the Nagaland Orchestra Team. A special offering was collected by the host church in support of the New Bible House construction. The celebration was truly blessed and filled with gratitude. We trust that God will continue to use the Bible Society of India to advance God’s Kingdom and reach many more with the Word.