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Technology is a boon today no doubt to humankind by making communication fast. About three decades ago things were different and today we see smartphones influencing and impacting every sphere of our lives including our habits, our relationships, etc. We may seem to be connected to several folks but in reality we find ourselves to be alone. For those addicted to smartphones, they find it to be a need than an addiction. People’s knowledge of smartphones is way better than the knowledge of the Word of God and no wonder that people want to possess the best possible phone. DScout goes on to say that there is a special software in the android phones to find out consumer’ responses to products. DScout gathered a group of people and tracked each user’s interaction over a period of 5 days. They noticed that the highest smart phone users use the phone nearly 5427 times be it a click, tap and swipe. The rest are on an average of about 2617 times.

In such a given context the question before us is as to how many types, clicks, swipes take place between us and the Bible? There are several questions that technology will not be able to answer as to who am I? What am I here for? What am I and what I am called to do? This answer can be answered only by the Word of God.

The Bible is not just like any other book. It’s the most printed book in history. It’s an amazing piece of writing containing clear teachings on the value and worth of every individual. It’s printed in many languages including Braille each year. According to the Guinness World records it is the best seller year after year. There are many museums only for the Bible and events contained in it. It is available in every nook and corner of the globe.  Though it was written thousands of years ago yet it is relevant to our life situation today and hence it is never been outdated and it requires no modification and its accuracy cannot be doubted. Many tried to destroy it but failed, many suffered torture for printing and translating it. Amidst all of it we see it growing. History and archeology couldn’t prove its content wrong. It gives dignity and rights to every human. When you keep turning the pages of this book of life by reading it you will be struck with awe at what you discover about both God and yourself.

Now let’s take a moment to ponder upon Hebrew’s 4:12. Think about what a marvelous thing the Bible is! As Christians, we affirm that it is the very Word of God; and that God stands behind everything He has spoken in it! According to the testimony of the Son of God Himself, not one single word of it will fail. The Word of God is living and is constantly alive as in Greek words Zōn  gar lógos tou Theou kai energēs, God’s Word is like a grain of corn planted in a field. In the original text the word “living” stands at the beginning of the sentence and receives all the emphasis. God’s spoken and written Word is alive.  The apostle Peter wrote, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord endures forever.’ And this is the word which was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:24-25).

The word of God is active.  From the Greek word energēs  we get our word energy.  It is powerful, dynamic and full of energy. It does things in a manner that no human being can possibly do. It is the power of God that is energizing. The Word of God is also two edged sword. It penetrates Lives. Each and every impact made on our hearts by the proclaimed Word is but an effect of the power of Christ. The power of Christ cannot be stopped as it has a purpose in that Word which He will accomplish to fulfill His purpose.

Indeed it is a living Word having the power to transform lives. A couple of months back we had an opportunity to visit a tribal community living in the forests. I grew up seeing this community right from my childhood. Their lifestyle was different. When we visited the place we were shocked and also surprised on hearing their stories of how they had turned to the Lord. They shared their transformation experience that had taken place in their life on getting to know the Word of God. They shared of how they had given up their earlier practice of not bathing for days by not being mindful of any civic sense. After they got to hear and learn the Word of God there has been a visible change in their lifestyle. The pastor of their church testified that he was a drunkard earlier and after he got to experience the Lord his life has been transformed. He was unable to read and write but now he is able to read the Bible and preach.  The Word of God has brought change not just in his own life but today he is able to lead many people closer to God.  

The news, articles or TV may keep us informed. Poems may fascinate us. A novel may stimulate us. But it is only the Living and Active Word of God that can change us. The indispensable character of the Word of God is its endless strength and dynamic effect.   It’s the true riches that we must seek, cling to it, enter into it, believe it and let it change us. May the good Lord guide us all in becoming God’s agents through which we will be able to take God’s Word to many.

Rev. Mrs. Shashikala Alva B.S.

Auxiliary Secretary,

BSI Karnataka Auxiliary

The Department of Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation organized a Five-Day Workshop between May 31 – June 4, 2022 hosted by BSI, Shillong Auxiliary, Meghalaya. There were 30 participants consisting of 10 participants each from Aizawl, Dimapur and Shillong Auxiliary. The participants expressed their thankfulness to the BSI for arranging this workshop as they experienced God’s intervention in their lives and are now equipped to further organize Healing Sessions for those who need healing from their wounded hearts in their respective Auxiliaries individually.

The family of the Bible Society of India observed World Environment Day on June 3, 2022 with prayer through the Zoom platform virtually across the country. The Guest Speaker for the day was Mrs. Sujata Chawdhry, Treasurer, North West India Auxiliary, Principal, St. Crispin’s SR. SEC. School (Diocese of Delhi, Church of North India), Gurugram, Haryana. Mrs. Sujata had taken us through the biblical teachings on creation and human responsibilities by bringing up basics and important issues, such as, the way to respond to the climate change and global warming, wherein, human beings are responsible to a very large extent. The highlights of her speech are as follows:-
1. It is time we implement in small ways to challenge ourselves, like conserving water, saving power at home, cleaning our surroundings.

2. What can we do as family of BSI? a) We nust take the Word of God to people and show them that God is our Creator (Ps 104: 24-25. b) We are the stewards of all creation, not to abuse, exploit and use them wantonly, but take care of them by having ownership that we greatly value and enjoy.

3. Save Earth: let us save our only earth

4. By knowing and following God’s words of reproof, correction and instructions, we can rebuild the world and protect the environment 

To mark this significant day, some of our Auxiliaries had planted saplings, decorated the office with plants and the Bible Society of India, Calcutta Auxiliary has launched a new song on the environment too.

Thanksgiving and Farewell to Mrs. Roselyn Joyce,

Accounts Officer, BSI Finance Department Staff

On June 2, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. the Bible Society of India Central Office, The Book Room and the Karnataka Auxiliary had a Thanksgiving and Farewell function for one of our staff Mrs. Roselyn Joyce on her retirement day after serving the Bible Society of India for 30 long years……

Celebration of the World Environment Day

The family of the Bible Society of India observed World Environment Day on June 3, 2022 with prayer through the Zoom platform virtually across the country. The Guest Speaker for the day was Mrs. Sujata Chawdhry, Treasurer, North West India Auxiliary, Principal, St. Crispin’s SR. SEC. School (Diocese of Delhi, Church of North India), Gurugram, Haryana.

Workshop on Trauma Healing Through Scripture

The Department of Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation organized a Five-Day Workshop between May 31 – June 4, 2022 hosted by BSI, Shillong Auxiliary, Meghalaya. There were 30 participants consisting of 10 participants each from Aizawl, Dimapur and Shillong Auxiliary……

It was on May 9, 2022 at 9:00 am in the morning, the family of the Bible Society of India observed the United Bible Societies Day of combined Prayer Fellowship, which was observed across the large family of the UBS all over the world. As part of our Combined Prayer Fellowship, where all the BSI Staff across the Central Offices in Bangalore and 17 Auxiliaries and the Translation Centre Shillong came together and had a very meaningful time of prayer and worship for the Bible movement and for the ministry of the United Bible Societies.

Rev. Dr. Alexander M Isaac, Professor, Theology and Ethics was invited as our Guest Speaker. Rev. Dr. Alexander is the nephew of (Late) Rev Dr. John Philippose, who was one of the pioneers in Bible Translation works, especially in the office of the Translation Centre in Shillong as Translation Consultant in the year 1981 – 1982. To acknowledge the meritorious service of (Late) Rev. Dr. John Philippose for the Bible Society of India, his Certificate of Appreciation was handed to Rev Dr. Alexander M. Isaac, which was supposed to be done during the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Translation Centre in Shillong on 10^th February 2022 on virtual celebration.

The Speaker emphatically reminded us of the importance of ‘Reading Out Loud’ (ROL) of the Bible in private meditation, in public square and in the Christian gatherings. ‘Reading Out Loud’ is the process of understanding the intrinsic meaning of the text that we read out loud and in return that helps the reader and the hearer in engaging with the Scripture in a deeper level of transformation. The Eunuch was ‘Reading Out Loud’ the scroll of Isaiah, on hearing the text read out loud, Philip was sent to him by the Holy spirit and invited by the Eunuch for more discussion and understanding of the text in its context. (Ref: Acts 8: 26-31).

We had spent a very meaningful time of intercessory prayers by following the official prayer points sent out by the UBS. Also a period of silent prayer was observed by following the Video presentation created by the UBS Church Relations Department.

We also had our esteemed guests in our UBS Day of Prayer, Rev. Enid M. Almanzar, Director, Global Access Partnerships, American Bible Society and Ms. Joy Varnay, Asia-Pacific Regional Manager, American Bible Society as part of their official visit to the Bible Society of India. We are grateful to have them in our midst. Apart from the Morning prayer time spent together, they were with us for the whole day, we shared and exchanged news and updates of our activities, project and visions for our future. The partnership between the American Bible Society and the Bible Society of India is a blessed and long cherished one. We thank God for their visit and the fellowship that we shared for the Bible cause.   

Many biblical scholars consider Jeremiah 31:31–34 to be the most important passage in the book of Jeremiah and believe that it contains the deepest insights in the whole of the Old Testament. This passage speaks of a “New Covenant” in the Old Testament. The prophet says that the Lord God will write His law on the heart of the individual. The text gives us a clear picture regarding the fulfillment of the covenant in the believer in Jesus Christ and of His covenant with Israel.”

In the Old Testament, the theme covenant plays an important role. The Hebrew word that is used for covenant in the Old Testament is ברית which means a contract or agreement between God and his people. Covenant can also mean a formalized relationship between two persons or groups or between God and his created world. It can also mean to agree (with); to enter into a formal agreement; to grant or promise by covenant. The idea is to remain in mutual commitment which paradoxically recognized both the initiative of God in the arrangement and insisted on the reality and necessity of human choice as well. According to a covenant treaty, there is a demand to preserve a commitment from the people. The term covenant can be conditional or unconditional.

Significance of the Covenants in the Bible

Adamic           –          Creator

Noahic            –          Sign of protection

Abrahamic     –          Blessing of the nation

Mosaic            –          Deliverer / liberator

Davidic           –          Monarchic period

The Need for a New Covenant

The significance of the covenant that we find in the prophets is that they walked closely with God, knowing the mind of God and declared God’s will to their contemporaries according to their own historical context. The message has its impact in the present, sometimes continuing into the immediate future. Those reading a prophetic message later in history could discern its significance in their lives and consider it to be as if spoken for their sake. Prophets were not foretellers, but forth-tellers. They were people called by God to speak on God’s behalf. God’s servants the prophets are the guardians and the interpreters of the covenant stipulations (laws), the will of God for the people of God in God’s world. True prophets share the pathos of God and they are constantly attentive to the thoughts, words, and deeds revealed in the cosmic realm. They frequently call back people who have become apostates, who reject God’s kingship or leadership in their lives.

The need for a ‘New Covenant’ is to change the inner nature of human beings that they may be able to obey God’s law or commandments. It is God who changes the desires of the heart. In verse 33, “I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people”, He will write His “law” within their hearts. It will be on their minds and will influence their actions/life style. Moses’ old covenant was written on a slab of stone (Exodus 31:18; 34:28–29; Deuteronomy 4:13; 5:22). What was needed was a covenant written in their hearts, a change from inside to the outside of depraved sinful man. Man’s sinful, rebellious nature demands a radical change that only God can accomplish.

The Covenant and the Prophets

In the prophetic books, we read that the nation came under the judgement of God when the people completely ignored the Mosaic covenant and did not follow God’s commands. In such situations, the prophets strongly condemned the priests, kings, and people for their disobedience to the Mosaic covenant, especially under the rule of the Davidic kingdom. Therefore the prophets insisted that the priests did not know the law (Hosea 4:6, Jeremiah 2:8). The prophets warned Israel of impending consequences because of their breach of the covenant. During the monarchical period, the prophets kept alive the idea of covenant, and their warnings and preaching was essentially a reminder to Israel of its failure to keep the covenant.

Thus prophets were indeed concerned with the covenant, even though they avoided the use of the word. And they demanded absolute fidelity to Yahweh and his commandments, they warned the Israelites, and they made them aware of God’s promises. Therefore the function of the prophets is to warn Israel about the consequences if they break the covenant and condemn them for that but encourage them to keep the covenant. The keeping of the covenant would bring blessings; if not kept, it would be followed by curses. Since the people of Israel could not keep the covenant law as it is too difficult for them, therefore Prophet Jeremiah talks about the ‘new covenant’ to help the people of Israel understands their relationship with God. Thus, Jeremiah spoke about a “New Covenant” which would be written in the hearts of people.

The Lord promises the success of the new covenant and God takes the initiative to renew the covenant. In contrast to “thou shalt not”/”thou shalt,” found in the Mosaic Covenant, instead “I will put,” “I will write,” “I will forgive” are the words found in the ‘New Covenant’. It is God who changed the covenant actor from the second person to the first person, by taking initiative to help the people of Israel to renew their hearts as they could not keep the law of the old covenant. The new covenant is a demonstration of God pursuing the guilty sinner until he/she comes with a repentant heart to the Lord and finds a ransom from self. The new covenant is a covenant of sovereign grace. It accomplished what the law and the old covenant could never do.

This new covenant law clearly speaks about the paradigm shift of God’s grace from rejection to acceptance, which is sheer God’s grace for the Israelites and also for all humankinds. It is the duty of the individual to keep the covenant, and God will continue to provide the Holy Spirit to carry it out. The new covenant is an intimate personal relationship with God. The passage clearly teaches us that every individual must have their own experience with their God to be included in this covenant, cf. John 3:1-16. The new covenant is for eternity; it cannot be broken again. The text reminds us about the nation turning to the Messiah. This includes all Israel, not only the chosen individuals; the salvation of the Lord is for all. The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah and also the Apostle Paul see the final and eternal restoration of Israel (Isaiah 59:20f; Jeremiah 31:33; Romans 11:25–26).

Jeremiah 31:33–34 is an accurate description of the new covenant under which the true Christian lives. It encourages the Christian to have communion with God and helps us to walk with the Holy Spirit. Theologically, a covenant is to show people how God communicates and acts accordingly. Through this ‘New Covenant’, God helps us to remain in communion with God to live a life in all its fullness in and through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev. Dr. N. Subramani,

Associate Translation Director and Translation Consultant,

The Bible Society of India

The Sourashtra Bible was dedicated to the glory of God on 1st May 2022 at Madurai, Tamilnadu State. On the dedication day (1st May 2022), the meeting began with the auspicious presence of Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Joseph, Bishop of CSI Madurai Diocese and huge number of Sourashtra believers and families. It was amazing to see how people were waiting to receive the Word of God in their heart language. The Sourashtra Bible is a great joint venture between the Bible Society and Indian Bible Translators. We all are happy and praise God for the Bible dedication which brought many Sourashtra people to glorify God. The crowd was excited and praised God in the Bible dedication and there was huge praises and glory to God for the Bible in their heart language. The entire group expressed their thanks to BSI for bringing out such a beautiful Bible in Sourashtra language.

The efforts of BSI were very much appreciated on the dedication day for all their support and help rendered through the process. The Sourashtra Bible translation took about 15 years to complete. The Sourashtra community had their origin in Gujarat State that had migrated to different parts of South India. The community who settled in Tamilnadu state merged their language with Tamil language; hence they have a distinctive language. This Sourashtra Bible is a Tamil script based with the Sourashtra language. The dedication of this Bible was held with the presence and blessings of Rev. Dr. N. Subramani, Associate Director, Translation Department of the Bible Society of India.

The Annual Thanksgiving Service of the Dimapur Auxiliary and other programmes in the month of April 23 to 25 was very eventful and fruitful. Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi, the Associate Director, Department of Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation was the Speaker for the Thanksgiving programmes on the Saturday 23th evening and Sunday 24^th whole day.  The active participation of the hosting Church, Christian Revival Church of Itanagar Branch and other branches such as Tangsa, Wancho, Naharlagun and Hanagar; Kohima Branch, Churachantpur Branch and the Dimapur Branch were highly encouraging. The hospitality and the enthusiasm of the hosting branch that was newly formed in the year 2021 are greatly appreciated and commendable.

The participation and leadership of the Auxiliary Committee members such as Rev. Dr. N. Paphino, President, Rev Tenga Seb, Treasurer, Mr. Those Krahoh, Rev. Tar Choya, Rev. Tai Ete, Rev Vanmawia under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Yiepetso Wezah, the Auxiliary Secretary is a good indication of the strong support the Dimapur Auxiliary is having across the branches of the Dimapur Auxiliary. The Kohima Branch received the Certificate of Acknowledgement as the highest contribution, followed by the Churachandpur Branch, then the Itanagar Branch. The Volunteer Certificate was also awarded to Mr. Lhokishe Shohe for 10 years of untiring dedication for mobilizing fund for the ministry of the Bible Society of India.

There is a high demand of Bibles in the State of Arunachal Pradesh in many of their native languages. As of now, there are 24 major tribes speaking 24 different languages. Out of these 24 different languages spoken in this State, Bible is available only with 4 languages. This is a great challenge for the people of Arunachal Pradesh and for the Bible Society of India in our translation work too. As they have expressed their eagerness to have Bible in many more heart languages of the State, let us continue to uphold the growth of the BSI works in the State of Arunachal Pradesh so that many more native people can have Bible in their own heart languages soon in the days to come.

The Installation Service of the newly appointed Auxiliary Secretary of BSI Kerala Auxiliary, Rev. Jacob Antony Koodathinkal was held on 1^st May 2022 at CSI Christ Cathedral Church, Melukavu. The BSI President & CNI Moderator, Most Rev. Dr. P. C. Singh led the Divine Service and delivered God’s message. Bishop P. C. Singh said that it is our dedicated willingness to God’s call matters most. Whoever is willing to respond to God’s call; for them He will give grace and strength to serve His people. The BSI Kerala Auxiliary President, Most Rev. Dr. Yuhanon Mar Chrysostomos Metropolitan, Rt. Rev. V. S. Francis (Bishop, CSI East Kerala Diocese), Rt. Rev. Dr. K. J. Samuel (former BSI President & former CNI Moderator), Rt. Rev. Dr. K. G. Daniel (Bishop Emeritus, CSI East Kerala Diocese), Rev. Dr. M. Mani Chacko (General Secretary, BSI), Rev. Biju Joseph (Clergy Secretary, CSI East Kerala Diocese), Rev. P. C. Mathewkutty (Treasurer, CSI East Kerala Diocese), Rev. Mathew Skariah (former BSI Kerala Auxiliary Secretary), Mr. Jacob John (Treasurer, BSI Kerala Auxiliary), Dr. Josemon George (Secretary, BSI Melukavumattom Branch) spoke on the Occasion.

Rev. Jacob Antony Koodathinkal in his response message, said that he is taking over the responsibility as the Auxiliary Secretary relying on God’s strength and wisdom. “It’s not my ability, but I am available to do His work”, he added. The Installation Service was blessed with the presence and prayers of many priests and lay members of CSI East Kerala Diocese, Kerala Auxiliary Committee members & Staff and other invitees.

The Induction Ceremony of the new Auxiliary Secretary took place on 2^nd May at the Bible House, Kottayam in the presence of BSI General Secretary, Rev. Dr. M. Mani Chacko. The General Secretary spoke from the Word based on the text John 3:30, that says “He must increase, but I must decrease” with a message of Christian leadership, which is both a collective and servant leadership. The BSI Kerala Auxiliary Committee members & Staff welcomed the new Auxiliary Secretary and promised their co-operation and guidance. The Auxiliary Secretary shared his testimony and thanked all the members for their love and support.

On May 4, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. the Bible Society of India Central Office, The Book Room and the Karnataka Auxiliary had a Thanksgiving and Farewell function for one of our staff Mrs. Ankamma on her retirement day after serving the Bible Society of India for 39 long years. Mrs. Joyce Pallat and Mr. Daniel from the Marketing Department had given remarkable farewell speeches. Two of them talked about their fond acquaintances with Mrs. Ankamma as a woman of kind, caring and loving nature. She served the BSI with thankful heart and always with a smile on her face. She had fulfilled the works that were entrusted upon her in the office with dignity and joy. The extra miles she walked in visiting colleagues when they were in the hospital bed with food and prayers was greatly appreciated by those who had experienced her love and concern. On her response to the farewell speeches, she exclaimed with tears of joy from her heart, saying “I cannot express my thankfulness to the Bible Society of India for your kindness and love, you taught me many good stories about the Love of God that are found in the Bible. The money I had collected in a Collection Box is for the ministry of the Bible Society of India” She then presented a  neatly wrapped Collection Box to the General Secretary of the BSI with tears of gratitude.

The progamme was beautifully anchored by Mrs. Gladys Loganathan. The BSI Choir rendered a beautiful pre-recorded song for Mrs. Ankamma. Mrs. Ankamma was presented cheques, shawls and beautiful citation as a mark of gratitude from the Bible Society of India.