Biblical Reflection
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-9
Photo Credit: Mangrove forest in Baratang Island, Middle Andaman
My personal experience of a walk in the enchanting Mangrove forests in Sundarbans, back in 2019 and in Baratang Island, Andamans just a few days ago makes me stand in awe at the intrinsic beauty of God’s creation and the solemnity of it all. The Mangrove tree narrates the text of Jeremiah 17:7-8, which talks about the well-being and spiritual richness of a person who places their trust in God.
As we navigated distant miles treading the lands, forests, and seas of the dense Andaman Islands, my imagination was bewildered at the glory of God in all creation, His signature imprinted on our beautiful cosmos. When I sit back and ponder on this text the verses can best be understood with the mesmerizing beauty of the Mangrove trees found only on the coastal intertidal zones. They teem with the richness of blue carbon, corals, algae, oysters, lobsters, crabs, and a myriad of species, and provide a home for many beautiful flora and fauna along with wild animals and birds. The evergreen leaves are the fodder and home for many living creatures that crawl and fly. The roots of these Mangroves are deeply anchored in the waters, branching out to entangle with the other mangroves, holding and supporting each other; not apprehensive of the drought, tsunamis, high tides or low, cyclones, or tornadoes. The mangrove trees bear countless fruit, supplying all the necessities to support the ecosystem.
Amidst this silence of the mangrove forest, you will hear the singing of the birds, the chirping of insects, the fluttering of the butterflies, as well as the silent conversation of the marine species. In the stillness and serenity of the roots that embrace and lock with each other,
If you take the time to pause, watch and listen, you will hear the voice of God echoing how wonderful our creator God is that his beauty is reflected in such diversity. If only we learn how to weave our colours, creed and cultures and shape ourselves like the Mangrove forests, sharing God’s amazing strength, we will stand tall and confident to bear fruit in all seasons. Our path may seem murky and mired, but God will guide our way. In God, there is nothing to fear. May God bless us all. Amen
Photo credit: Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walk Way, Middle Andaman
Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi, A/D CPRRMD
Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Associate Auxiliary
A first of sorts, the BSI – Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation Department held meaningful programs in the Andaman Islands from September 16th to the 22nd, since the BSI Sales Depot in Andaman and Nicobar Islands was promoted to the Associate Auxiliary on July 1st, 2020. The reception and welcome we received from the churches were heart-warming and encouraging. The primary focus of our visit was to offer gratitude to the Churches in the islands in order to strengthen our Church relations for a meaningful scriptural engagement with the community.
The BSI is indebted to all the churches in the Andamans for graciously opening their doors to us. Their hospitality was instrumental in furthering our mission and spreading the message of Christ-like love. We truly endorse this partnership and look forward to having more such associations to strengthen the bible movement in their beautiful sanctuary.
Congregations from various Church denominations spanning the length and breadth of the South, Middle, and North Islands, along with the enthusiastic participation of the pastors, children, men, women, and youth were significant indicators of the increasing support for the bible ministry. The participation of the Associate Auxiliary Committee members from different islands and various church denominational backgrounds is a testimony that God is at work. The endeavors of Dn. Ranjit Paswan, the Associate Auxiliary Secretary, and Mr. Shaji John, Marketing and Accounts Officer were the strengths of the BSI in the islands. We look forward to strengthening the BSI ministry in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with more activities related to Scripture engagement, Bible distribution, relationship building, and resource mobilization. Together, we can continue to spread the Word and positively transform the lives of many on the peninsula
Donors Meet at Ceylon and India General Mission Church in Hindupur, Andhra Pradesh Auxiliary:
The Andhra Pradesh Auxiliary organized a donors meet at Ceylon and India General Mission Church in Hindupur town in Andhra Pradesh on September 10, 2023. The pivotal point was when significant supporters of the ministry of BSI gathered together to reaffirm their support towards BSI. We are obliged God for their dedicated prayer and financial sustenance.
67th Annual Meeting & Thanksgiving Service of the BSI Kerala Auxiliary
The Bible Society of India-Kerala Auxiliary celebrated its 67th Annual Meeting and Thanksgiving Service on 23rd September 2023, Saturday at the Commr. P. E. George Memorial Salvation Army Church, Kowdiar, Trivandrum.
The Auxiliary President, Most Rev. Dr. Yuhanon Mar Chrysostomos Metropolitan presided the meeting. Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo, BSI General Secretary gave the inaugural speech. He exhorted the gathering from the book of Joshua 1:8 on the importance of meditating on the word and of living in accordance with the scriptures. Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa (BSI Executive Committee Member), Rt. Rev. Dr. Oommen George (Auxiliary Vice President), Very Rev. K. Y. Jacob (BSI Executive Committee Member – alternate), Fr. Dr. Reji Mathew (Auxiliary Committee Member), Col. P. John William (Territorial Commander, Salvation Army Church), Rev. M. Mohanan (Synod President, India Evangelical Lutheran Church), Rev. Dr. C. I. David Joy (Principal, KUTS, Trivandrum) and Mrs. Starla Luke (Auxiliary Committee Member) delivered benedictory speeches and felicitations. The Bishops, clergies, church leaders from various churches; Auxiliary committee members, regional/branch leaders & members graced the occasion with their presence.
The Auxiliary Secretary, Rev. Jacob Antony Koodathinkal presented the Annual Report and the treasurer, Mr. Jacob John presented the Annual Audited Accounts for the year 2022-2023. During the meeting, special prayers for the people suffering in Manipur were also offered. Those Branches/Regions who have excelled in Resource Mobilisation, the Branches collected above one lakh rupees and branches and individuals who excelled in the Mary Jones Card collection were also honoured and awarded mementos. The Meeting was blessed with around 500 participants. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all for their blessed presence & leadership. We are grateful to the Program General Convenor, Chev. Dr. Koshy M. George (Central Council Member) for their unceasing efforts & effective co-ordination. We acknowledge with gratitude Lt. Col. Daniel J. Raj (Auxiliary Committee Member), Capt. Jomon Jacob (Corps. Officer), the Church Songsters and all members of the Salvation Army Church for their sincere support & prayers in the blessed functioning of the meeting. The Bible sales were also arranged and the Auxiliary staff actively participated in the subsequent meetings.
Being the first visit of our General Secretary to the Kerala Auxiliary, the Auxiliary Office Bearers, committee members and staff welcomed the new GS in the Bible House, Kottayam on Friday the 22. The General Secretary shared from Gods word in the morning staff devotion and had a meaningful time of interaction with the Auxiliary Committee members and staff. We, as the auxiliary praise and thank God for His inexpressible gift and all the goodness bestowed upon us.
New Branch Formation: BSI Peerumedu Branch, 150th Branch of Kerala Auxiliary
The 150th branch of the Kerala Auxiliary was formed on 27th August in Idukki Region BSI Peerumedu at Pambanar CSI Church. Rev Suneesh P. Divakaran (Vicar) presided the meeting. The Auxiliary Secretary gave the inaugural address. Clergy, pastors and members from various churches attended the meeting. The following persons were elected as the office bearers: Rev Suneesh P. Divakaran (President), Mr. S. John Paul (Secretary), Pastor James M. (Treasurer) and other members were also elected in the Branch Committee. We cherish the efforts and support of Rev. Suneesh P. Divakaran, Mr. John Paul and the pastors for establishing the new branch.
