“God’s Steadfast Love Endures Forever” – Psalm 36
Psalm 136, often known as “The Great Hallel,” is a profound song of thanksgiving and praise that celebrates God’s enduring love and mighty deeds. The refrain “God’s love endures forever” is repeated 26 times, emphasizing the perpetual and unwavering nature of God’s love. This refrain is a reminder that God’s love is the foundation of all God’s actions and is a constant source of comfort and hope for God’s people.
While the Psalm is indeed a testament to God’s love, it is also a powerful expression of gratitude for God’s mighty acts. The psalmist recounts God’s creation of the heavens and the earth, each declaration of God’s wondrous deeds is met with the chorus affirming God’s everlasting love, creating a rhythm of reflection and response that deepens the sense of thanksgiving.
In the context of the Ministry of the Bible Society of India, the steadfast love of God can be seen in the tireless efforts to make the Bible accessible across India for different languages. This ministry reflects the Psalm’s themes of love and thanksgiving in several ways:
- Provision of Scripture: Just as God’s love covers the land and the sea, the Bible Society of India works to ensure that people across India have access to the Scriptures in their own languages. This act of provision is a modern reflection of God’s enduring love and care for His people.
- Transforming Lives: The stories of transformation and hope that emerge from individuals and communities who receive the Bible are contemporary testimonies to God’s mighty acts. These narratives echo the Psalmist’s recounting of God’s deeds, reminding us that God’s love continues to change lives today.
- Unity and Diversity: The Bible Society of India’s work brings together people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity rooted in God’s love. This unity amidst diversity is a testament to the inclusive and unifying nature of God’s steadfast love.
- Humility and Service: The humility and dedication of those volunteers involved in this ministry mirror the humble response of God’s people in Psalm 136. Their service is an act of thanksgiving, acknowledging God’s love and expressing gratitude through their commitment to spreading His Word.
Reflecting on Psalm 136 in the light of the Bible Society of India’s ministry highlights the ongoing relevance of God’s steadfast love and the importance of responding with gratitude and humility. It reminds us that God’s love is not just a historical truth but a living reality that continues to inspire and sustain acts of service and thanksgiving in our world today.
By Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi
A/D Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation
Aizawl Auxiliary:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚, A𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐰𝐥 A𝐮𝐱𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝟑𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞, (𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐒𝐈 𝐈𝐧𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐰𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐢 𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐧) 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟖-𝟗, 2𝟎2𝟒 𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡, 𝐀𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐰𝐥.
The Meeting began with the Auxiliary Committee Meeting on June 8, 2024. Worship service for welcome and reports was held on Saturday night in which Rev. Remlalfaka, Auxiliary Secretary gave the General Report of the Auxiliary, and Lt. Col. Lalhriatpuia, Auxiliary Treasurer gave the Finance report. Dr. HrangthanChhungi Assoc. Director, CPRRM, Bangalore delivered a short message.
A Thanksgiving service was held on June 9 Sunday morning. Rev. Dr. V. Laldingliana delivered a challenging message. The Sunday afternoon service was called United Service. Reports were presented by various sub-committees of the Auxiliary. In the evening, there was a fellowship. During this fellowship, time was spent on question and answer session about the BSI ministry. There was also sharing of testimonies and experiences from delegates which was very enriching and convincing. At the night service, Rev. Dr. Vanlalnghaka Ralte, Auxiliary President delivered a challenging valedictory message.
We thank God for his unfailing love and guidance that we have been receiving all through the years. Delegates were much privileged to hear inspiring messages and beautiful songs presented by nine choirs and one Band from different churches. We were truly blessed and grateful to have Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi Assoc. Director; CPRRM, Bangalore in this Meeting. We are also very thankful that thousands of delegates from Mizoram, Tripura and Assam came to participate in this event. It was their presence that made this programme a grand success.
Auxiliary Resource Persons’ Meeting.
A meeting of the Auxiliary Resource Persons (ARP) under the Aizawl Auxiliary was held on June 12, 2024. The meeting was graced by the presence of Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi, the Associate Director of CPRRM Department from Central office, Bangalore. The gathering was led by Rev. Remlalfaka, Auxiliary Secretary and Elder Denghmingthanga, Secretary of CPRRM gave warm greetings and introduction to all the individuals present in the fellowship. In total, 25 ARPs participated at the gathering. Dr Hrangthan Chhungi offered informative and encouraging advice to assist the ARP members in their strategies for more effective campaigns. There was also a question-and-answer session which helped the attendees to engage themselves in sharing their collective knowledge and experiences, and their determined plans for the future. All through the year, these ARPs visit churches, mostly outside Aizawl city following invitations from the Branches. They mostly travel in pairs as speakers, as most of the BSI campaign is done for four services in two days from Saturday night and till Sunday nigth. These volunteers offer their time, energy and resources mostly free of cost as missionaries for God. Exchange of thought and information, words of encouragement and good discussion for the BSI ministry made the meeting very meaningful and significant. We are grateful to the Lord for giving us the opportunity for this kind of fellowship. We hope and believe that this meeting will surely enhance growth in the ministry more effectively in the days to come.
Bombay Auxiliary:
The pastorate committee of the Marathi Methodist Church, Borivali, Mumbai invited Bombay Auxiliary to celebrate Bible Sunday in their Church on June 23, 2024. Bombay Auxiliary, Rev Clement Christian, Mr. Shantwan Raiborde and Mr. Rocky Pattath were present there sharing about the ministry and function of The Bible Society of India and about the Bombay Auxiliary. The Word was preached by Rev Clement Christian. The financial and prayer support received from Rev. Sandip Kharat and pastoral committee was greatly appreciated.
Odisha Auxiliary:
Annual Thanksgiving Service:
The Odisha Auxiliary Annual Thanksgiving Meeting was held on June 08, 2024 at 5:30 pm at Bible House, Cuttack. Rev. Dr. Bijaya Kumar Pattnaik, Vice-President, BSI, Ex-officio, Odisha Auxiliary was the honourable speaker for the day. Rev. Bikash Kumar Bardhan, Executive Committee Member, BSI, Ex-officio, Odisha Auxiliary and some of the Auxiliary Committee members were present in that meeting. The gathering with donors, prayer partners, well wishers along with leaders from different churches and organizations had made a great success of the “Thanksgiving Meeting.” The meeting was started with a word of prayer by Mr. Sebak Samal, one of our donors. Mr. Biren Kumar Gan and Mrs. Niharika Sahoo, staff BSI, Odisha Auxiliary led the worship. Rev. Dr. Bijaya Kumar Pattnaik took the Scripture portions – Deuteronomy 33:24 and 1 Kings 18:36-39, his exhortation was encouraging and heart touching. He ended his sermon requesting everyone to pray for the BSI Ministry and also encouraged all to stand for the Bible cause.
The Auxiliary Secretary, Rev. Brajendra Kumar Kauri, briefly shared about the ministry and the work of BSI, Odisha Auxiliary throughout the year. He also announced the names of the old and new members of Auxiliary Committee of Odisha Auxiliary. On behalf of all at Odisha Auxiliary, the Secretary thanked God and extended heartiest thanks to the General Secretary, Board Members, Directors, Officers and Members of Odisha Auxiliary, all prayer partners and donors for their guidance, encouragements and support to accomplish and fulfill the God given Vision and Mission of the Bible Society of India through Odisha Auxiliary. The meeting was closed with a word of prayer and the blessing pronounced by Rev. Bikash Kumar Bardhan. It was a meaningful and blessed time for all the participants.
Kuvi Bible Translation Projects:
Kuvi tribe is one of the sub-tribe of the Khonds tribe in Odisha state. The BSI is working on the Kuvi language to provide Bible in their language. From June 17-19, 2024 the Odisha Auxiliary is having the Kuvi Translation checking workshop at Odisha Auxiliary Office. Along with the Secretary, two of the Kuvi Bible Translators Rev. Jakin Huika, Dean of JELC, Mr. Devendra Jilakara from Koraput District and Mrs. Sushana Pramanik, Translation Advisor, BSI were present during the workshop. They had a very meaningful time of discussions and re-checking the first proof of New Testament Books. To our readers, we seek for your fervent prayers that the Kuvi tribe may have the New Testament Bible soon in their own language for the first time. (photos)
Kui Bible Revision:
Kui tribe is also one of the sub-tribes of the Kohnds in Odisha State. Odisha Auxiliary organized the Kui Bible Revision workshop from June 20-21, 2024 at the Auxiliary Office. Along with Auxiliary Secretary, Rev Brajendra Kumar Kauri, three of the Kui Bible Translators Rev. Sushanta Nayak, Mr. Clement Nayak, Mr. Sukant Nayak from Kandhamal District and Mrs. Sushana Pramanik, Translation Advisor, BSI were working hard during the workshop. They had gone through the text carefully and found some missing verses and necessary modifications to be incorporated in the revised text.