Bible Society of India Offers Prayers and Support for Wayanad amidst Devastating Disasters
In one of the worst disasters due to heavy rain in the southern coastal state of Kerala, one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, which caused landslides in the hills of Wayanad district early on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, sending torrents of mud, water and tumbling boulders downhill and burying or sweeping people to their deaths as they slept. In a heartfelt response to the recent natural calamities that have struck Wayanad, the Bible Society of India has extended its prayers and support, to the people enduring immense pain and suffering. The region has been severely affected by relentless rains, landslides, and floods, leading to significant loss of human lives, homes, and property. The death toll from the Wayanad landslides has crossed 400 as of Wednesday, August 7, 2024, with more than 150 still missing. Rescue operations are underway, with teams now focused on the forested regions. The Kerala government has also enlisted the help of the families of the missing and local residents in the search efforts. The agricultural department reports that 310 hectares of farmland have been devastated.
The unprecedented rainfall in Wayanad has triggered a series of landslides and floods, devastating the landscape and displacing countless families. The catastrophe has left many grieving the loss of loved ones and struggling to cope with the destruction of their homes and livelihoods. In this time of despair, the Bible Society of India stands in solidarity with the affected communities, offering spiritual solace and prayers for strength and recovery.
The Bible Society of India, known for its unwavering commitment to spreading the message of hope and compassion, has called upon its members and the wider Christian community to pray for Wayanad. Our prayer is a beacon of faith and a plea for divine intervention:
“Our merciful God, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up the people of Wayanad who are suffering due to the recent disasters. We pray for those who have lost their loved ones, their homes, and their means of livelihood. May Your comforting presence be with them, providing strength and peace in this time of great distress. God of Mercy and Compassion, may Your love be a source of healing and hope amidst the ongoing rescue and help from the Government and volunteers. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”
Beyond prayers, the Bible Society of India is actively seeking ways to provide tangible support to the affected communities. The BSI is collaborating with local churches and organizations to facilitate relief efforts, including the distribution of essential supplies such as food, clothing, and medical aid. Their mission is to ensure that the people of Wayanad feel the love and compassion of the broader community, both spiritually and materially.
A Call for Unity and Compassion
The Bible Society of India urges everyone to come together in this time of crisis. By working together, sharing resources, and offering prayers, the collective effort can bring comfort and aid to those in need.
By Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi
A/D Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation
TELANGANA AUXILIARY
Annual Thanksgiving and Branch Officers Conference:
The Annual Thanksgiving and Branch Officers Conference of the telangana Auxiliary was held in Secunderabad, Bible House on July 20, 2024. The event was blessed with the presence of the Telangana Auxiliary President, Rev Dr Sanjay A. Paul, the Treasurer, Rev B. Winston, Rev John Basy Paul, the Auxiliary Committee members and all the Branch Officers. The event was truly remarkable with a great spirit of enthusiasm as the Auxiliary contribution for the Financial Year 2023 – 2024 reached an all time record high. This was possible due to the impressive BSI – Church and individual relations developed in a recent years with the hardwork of the Auxiliary leaders inclusive of all the branch leaders who had gathered on that day. The report from the branch leaders was very impressive. In total the Telangana Auxiliary has an 46 active Branches with 3 non-active branches. The revamping of the 46 branches can greatly be credited to Rev . John Basy Paul, the Auxiliary Secretary under the leadership of Rev Dr. Sanjay A. Paul, the president of the Telangana Auxiliary. The two of them worked together diligently with passion and love for the Bible, igniting all sleeping branches with flames of new vigour. Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi, the A/D, Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation Department from the central office was the Chief Guest of the event.
Bombay Auxiliary
Thanksgiving Service held in Nagpur
In spite of inclement weather, a very blessed Thanksgiving Service was held on 13th July 2024 at the St. Thomas Church, New Colony with 80 pastors, members of EC, BSI, Guest and patron members who joined in the service. This Thanksgiving Service was so significant for the Bombay Auxiliary, as after a years’ gap, the Auxiliary is celebrating its achievement of contribution target. Joy and happiness filled the air in the presence of many pastors, Bishops, Patron and Donors whose unwavering support was the source of strength for the Bombay Auxiliary. Special thanks were rendered to the Nagpur Branch for their significant contribution. Since 2019 to 2024, The BSI Nagpur Branch was awarded First Prize in achieving its target from the entire Maharashtra and Goa region, for five consecutive years. The blessed worship service was coordinated by Dr. Mrs. Neerja Prasad, Secretary BSI, Nagpur Branch along with Rev. Amit Manwatkar Convener and member BSI, Dr. Mrs. Vandana Benjamin, Vice president BSI,and Bro Sunil Jonathan Chairman, BSI, Nagpur Branch.. The Chief guest, Rt. Rev. Paul Dupare, Bishop of Nagpur, Dy. Moderator CNI Synod and Patron of BSI Nagpur Branch delivered the message and greetings. Rev. Clement Christian, Auxiliary Secretary, Bishop Elisha, Bishop Vipin Bower, Bishop Satish Raiborde, Rev. Barnabas Goodey (former branch treasurer), Dr. Ms. Dipti Christian former Chairperson, BSI, Nagpur Branch, were the Guests of Honor in the event, who delivered messages and greetings.
On the following Sunday, a Bible Sunday was observed in Nagpur Union Church. The Bombay Auxiliary shared the Word and the ministry of BSI, with great joy and thankful heart to the Pastor Paul Sontakey, for the opportunity given to have a meaningful service of the Bible Sunday on 14-07-2024.
KERALA AUXILIARY
Honouring H. H. Moran Mor Samuel Theophilus Metropolitan:
The Auxiliary Secretary along with Marketing Officers visited His Holiness Moran Mor Samuel Theophilus Metropolitan to congratulate on his enthronement as the Metropolitan of the Believers Eastern Church at Synod Secretariat, Thiruvalla on 4th July 2024. It was truly a blessed time of fellowship with Metropolitan, Rt. Rev Mathews Mor Silvanius, Bishop of Trivandrum and Niranam Diocese and Fr. Sanjeev Benjamin, Metropolitan’s Vicar General.
Bible Sunday: CSI Church, Kazhakoottam (Trivandrum Central Region)
The Bible Sunday was observed and conducted door collection at CSI Church, Kazhakoottam, Trivandrum on 30th June 2024. We thank the Vicar Rev. Shobanadas S.; Rev. A. R. Noble; Mr. Jacob Roy; Branch Secretary and Church Secretary; Mr. Sathyadas, Treasurer and the entire congregation for their great support to the Bible cause for the last two decades. We thank for the great contribution through door collection. We appreciate the effective co-ordination and sacrificial service of Regional co-ordinator Chev. Dr. Koshy M. George.
Branch Re-formation meeting: BSI Puthuppally Branch (Kottayam East Region)
BSI Kerala Auxiliary Puthuppally Branch reformation meeting was held at Mar Thoma Mochana De-addiction and Counselling Centre, Manganam on 25th June 2024. Auxiliary Secretary presided the meeting, Rev K. P. Sabu gave the key note address, clergies and members from various churches attended the event. The meeting elected the new office bearers and committee members. We wish all the very best to the newly elected branch officials, and committee members of Puthuppally Branch. And appreciate the sacrificial efforts of Mr. George Mathew, Regional co-ordinator for organising the Meeting.
Bible Sunday: St Peter’s Believers Eastern Church, Upputhara, Idukki Region
The Auxiliary Secretary attended the Worship Service, shared from the Word and introduced BSI ministry at St Peter’s Believers Eastern Church, Upputhara on 23rd June 2024. We appreciate the great support of Vicar Fr. Manoj Chacko, Church Committee and the congregation for the generous contribution in the last year for the Bible cause.
JABALPUR AUXILIARY
Bhopal Tour: The Jabalpur Auxiliary Secretary, Rev. Daniel Nath joyfully reported about their Bhopal tour where they had two significant programmes such as Bible Exhibition, Seminar for church Leaders, and Bible Sunday in Five Churches during June 22 to 24, 2024. Bible exhibition was held in Christ Church, Bhopal. The BSI – Director Marketing and Publishing, Mr. Paul Stephen inaugurated the Bible Exhibition. There were Pastors, leaders and people of different churches present on the occasion. On the same day we organised a Pastors Seminar at Christ Church, Bhopal. Around 100 pastors participated in the seminar. We are grateful to Mr. Paul Stephen who shared an inspiring message on various aspects of Bible society ministry with the Pastors.
Testimony on the Faith of the Evangelical Church in Salba:
We would like to share one beautiful journey of faith with the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Salba in Korea District. Jabalpur Auxiliary donated 50 Bibles free of cost as requested by the church in the year 2022. The Word of God speaks to the congregation of this church. Then in the year 2023 the members of the Church have expressed their desire to support the Bible Society, and they did, no matter how big or small the collection was. The journey witnessed a wonderful growth in their support for the Bible cause. By 2024, offering for the Bible Mission work from this Church was multiplied in many folds. The Church and the congregation may be small in the eye of human beings, but they are not small in God’s eye. Their love, generosity and dedication to God and the Bible was immense. This act of love is a great reminder of the Widow’s mite as found in the Gospel of Mark chapter 12 where our Lord Jesus appreciates “ the two very small copper coins of the poor widow’s offering”.
The Bible Society of India Jabalpur Auxiliary was grateful to God and to Churches within the Auxiliary area in two states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh that we were able to observe 17 Bible Sundays in July 2024. Our heartfelt thanks to the churches for their ardent financial and prayer support for God’s glory and for Bible Mission work. The Churches where Bible Sunday was observed are as follows: The Church of North India, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church, North Western Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pentecostal Church, Central India Christian Mission, Christian Community Church and Assembly of God Church.
Annual Thanksgiving Service
BSI, Jabalpur Auxiliary, Annual Thanksgiving service was held on 23rd May 2024 at Disciples of Christ Church CNI, Napier Town, Jabalpur at 6:30 PM. Members of Auxiliary Committees, local Pastors, Dignitaries, Members of local Congregation from various denominations, the Mary Jones Fellowship, BSI Youth, Auxiliary Staff and their families were also there in the Service to thank God. The Choir of Disciples of Christ Church brought the congregation into a prayerful atmosphere by leading Praise & Worship. The Vice President, Jabalpur Auxiliary BSI, Rev. Daniel Victor (D.S – Dantewada) was the speaker for the occasion. He delivered an encouraging & motivating message from Psalm 95. Emphasising the significance of being thankful to God in everything we do and experience. The Auxiliary Secretary briefly shared the Auxiliary activities for the financial Year 2023 – 2024, along with the future plans and the upcoming activities. The Mary Jones Fellowship performed a special song. The whole congregation spent a moment in mass prayer committing BSI ministry for God’s glory.
ALLAHABAD AUXILIARY
Youth Retreat Held at BSI, Allahabad Auxiliary:
Youth Retreat Held at BSI, Allahabad Auxiliary:
A much needed retreat for Youth was held on June 8, 2024 at the Bible House in Allahabad with the central theme “Identity in Christ.” The event saw enthusiastic participation from around 50 young individuals from different denominations cross Allahabad City, all eager to deepen the understanding of their faith and personal identity in relation to Christ.
The retreat was graced by the esteemed presence of the Rt. Rev. Morris Dan, Bishop of CNI Lucknow Diocese, Mrs. Grace Zaman, President BSI, Allahabad Auxiliary, Rev. Manish Zaid, Vice President , BSI, Allahabad Auxiliary and Mr. James Lawrence Treasure BSI, Allahabad. The Bishop of Lucknow Diocese, whose presence brought a great deal of joy among the participants and Inaugural address set a deeply spiritual tone for the day, emphasizing the importance of discovering one’s identity through Christ in relation to the Church.
The retreat commenced with an enthusiastic session of devotion, praise, and worship by local Church Youth. Mrs. Grace Zaman, President BSI, Allahabad Auxiliary and well-known motivational speaker gave the keynote address to upcoming leaders of the Church. Her approach was simple, yet thought provoking for the participants. Short exhortation from Rev. Manish Zaidi, Secretary, CNI Lucknow Diocese and Vice-President BSI, Allahabad was to remind these young people of their identity in Christ and with Church. Rev. Gershombhai Khristi, Auxiliary secretary (pro-tem) Allahabad Auxiliary conducted an insightful and engaging session that focused on the theme “Identity in Christ.” His session encouraged lively interaction, as he addressed various queries and concerns posed by the youth.
Mrs. Monika Franklin was yet another resource person as one of the motivational speakers for the Youth. Her session blended with various activities that not only provided fun and relaxation but also facilitated deeper connections and discussions on faith and identity. The Allahabad Auxiliary leadership was thankful to God for having a very meaningful Youth Retreat for God’s glory and for the Bible cause.
NORTHWEST INDIA AUXILIARY
BSI NWIA Partner’s Meet at Himalayan Torchbearer, Dehradun:
The Bible Society of India, North West India Auxiliary, hosted its inaugural Partner’s Meet at the picturesque Himalayan Torchbearer in Dehradun on the 27th and 28th of April 2024. With gratitude in our hearts, we thank God for His grace and guidance in bringing together over forty esteemed partners from various corners of Northern India. This gathering was a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of individuals who have long supported and contributed to the journey of BSI NWIA. The participants contemplated on the theme “Look Back, Look Ahead” encapsulating the essence of the meet, reflecting on achievements and charting the course for future endeavors. Conceived by Rev. Gershombhai, the aim was to honor and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our partners while strategizing for the continued growth and impact of BSI NWIA.
On Day One, the resource persons were Rev. Dr. Sivraj Mahender, Professor of New Theological College, Dehradun. Rev. Gerishombhai, the Auxiliary Secretary, Mr. J.S. Rathore and Mr. Ashish Samuel. Their thought provoking and challenging messages captured the spirit of partnership, unity and collaboration.
On Day Two, Pastor Arun Masih, from First Baptist School, Chandigarh, conducted an interactive session on “Promoting the Bible,” outlining effective strategies such as the Annual Garden Fete and the Bible Sunday paving the way for constructive improvements for the ministry of NWI Auxiliary. A standout moment of the meet was the introduction of the “Bible a Month Pledge Forms,” symbolizing a commitment to ongoing support and advocacy. The day culminated with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the Almighty for His blessings and guidance throughout the meet. The participants expressed their thanks to the NWI Auxiliary under the leadership of Rev. Gershombhai for his visionary leadership and to the staff at Himalayan Torchbearer for their hospitality and support.
