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It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we bid farewell to our dear friend, Rev Dr. Simon Peter Mukhama, who departed to glory on the morning of May 12, 2023, in Uganda. As CEO and General Secretary of the Bible Society of Uganda, Rev Dr. Simon played a vital role in advancing the mission of spreading the Word of God throughout the nation. His vibrant personality, infectious laughter, lively conversations and humble demeanor endeared him to all who had the privileged of knowing him.

One of Rev Dr. Simon’s remarkable qualities was his ability to connect with people effortlessly. His genuine warmth, friendliness, and genuine interest in others created an environment where meaningful relationships could flourish. He possessed a sharp mind and a quick wit, engaging in lively conversations that left a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to converse with him. His intelligence and wisdom were evidence in his speeches, which inspired and challenged people to grow in their faith and in their journey of hospitality in giving what they can for the Bible cause.

As a dear friend of the Bible Society of India, Rev Dr. Simon’s presence and contributions will be deeply missed. His unwavering dedication to the cause of spreading the Gospel, combined with his charismatic personality, left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of working alongside him. His impact extends far beyond the borders of Uganda, as his commitment to God’s Word transcended cultural and geographical boundaries.

While we mourn the loss of Rev Dr. Simon, we take solace in the knowledge that he has been called home to his eternal reward. We give thanks for his life, his friendship, and his profound influence on the Bible Society community. Let us remember Rev Dr. Simon’s laughter, his vibrant spirit, and the wisdom he shared. May his memory serve as a constant reminder of the values he embodied and inspire us to continue the important work of spreading God’s word with the same passion and dedication.

Simon Peter has served for many years in different leadership roles:

• Member of the Global Council (by election): November 2017 – November 2022;
• Member of the Finance & Audit Committee (by appointment): since November 2017;
• Vice Chair of the Fellowship Council (by election): since November 2022;
• Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees (by appointment): since November 2022;
• Member of the Solidarity Fund Oversight Group since September 2021;
• Member of the Oversight Group for the World Assembly in October 2023.

He was also the Chair of the Africa Mission Sustainability Clusters Taskforce and a member of the Africa Affinity Group Steering Committee.

The Pawri indigenous people, residing in the regions of Madhya Pradesh and Eastern Maharashtra in India, have recently received a significant milestone in their spiritual journey. The translation of the New Testament into their language marks a momentous achievement, made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Friends Missionary Prayer Bands in partnership with the Bible Society of India.

The translation of the New Testament into the language of the Pawri indigenous people is a testament in bridging the gap between faith and culture. Recognizing the importance of making the scriptures accessible to all, these organizations undertook the challenging task of accurately translating the New Testament, ensuring that the message of the Gospel resonates with the hearts and minds of the Pawri community. Pawri is an Indo-Aryan language and about 70 % of Powar community members can speak & write Pawri language. As per the Indian census 2011 the population of native speaking Pawri are 325,772. According to Ethnologue, Pawri is spoken in the Balaghat, Seoni, districts of Madhya Pradesh, Bhandara, Nagpur and Gondia districts of Maharashtra.

In a significant achievement for the Mundari community of Odisha, India, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Bible Society of India and the Indian Bible Translators for their dedicated efforts in completing the translation of the New Testament into the Mundari language. This accomplishment is a testament to their commitment to ensuring that every community has access to the sacred scriptures in their own language. Let us take a moment to celebrate this milestone and recognize the impact it will have on the Mundari community.

The translated New Testament will serve as a guiding light, providing inspiration, solace, and guidance for the Mundari people as they navigate the complexities of life. This accomplishment serves as an inspiration for future endeavors in promoting linguistic inclusivity, preserving cultural heritage, and empowering marginalized communities worldwide.

Mundari is an Austric language of Odiya script. The Mundari speaking community are mainly concentrated in Odisha State in the districts of Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Kendujhar, Baleshwar, Dhenkanal and Cuttack with a total population of 752,000 (2001 census). The New Testament is printed and dedicated on 2nd June 2023 at, IBT, Coimbatore.

TAMIL NADU AUXILIARY: Bible Fair in Tirunelveli Town on May 12 – 14, 2023
The national Bible fair was conducted in Tirunelveli for the first time in association with Tamil Nadu Auxiliary and The Book Room. The exhibition was inaugurated by Bishop Rt Rev Barnabas of CSI Tirunelveli Diocese and was well attended by the Church leaders and pastors. The auxiliary conducted Pastors Meeting, Branch officers meeting and Book Shop owners meeting.

Varieties of Tamil Language Bibles, Scriptures for Children, English Scriptures, Theology Books were the attraction. Thousands of People from Tirunelveli and nearby cities visited the exhibition and witnessed the BSI ministry.

We thank and appreciate the efforts of the Tamil Nadu Auxiliary team and the Central office staff for successfully organising the event.

PROCLAIM – BSI Musical Evening
As part of the Scripture Engagement Program, BSI Thiruvankulam Branch & BSI Kakkanad Branch of Ernakulam Town Region, jointly hosted a musical evening program titled as ‘Proclaim’ on 28th May 2023 at Christos MarThoma Church, Kakkanad. “Proclaim the Word of God through Music” was a tribute to Late Mr. K.P. Philip, former Regional Co-ordinator of Ernakulam Town Region and Late Mrs. Aleyamma Philip, former President of BSI Kakkanad Branch. The five Choirs in Ernakulam Region graced the musical event through their melodious singing. The Auxiliary Secretary delivered the inaugural address. The clergy & laity leaders of the Churches & Branches of Ernakulam region blessed the event by their presence & prayers. We thank God for the life and ministry of Philip Uncle & Aunty. We appreciate the great co-ordination of Branch Secretaries, Er. Mr. John Minu Mathew, Mr. Nebu I. Thomas and all other branch leaders for making this programme a great blessing.

New Branch formation: BSI Poojapura Branch, Trivandrum
The Poojapura Branch in Trivandrum Central Region formed as the 147th Branch in Kerala Auxiliary at Poojapura CSI Church on 14th May 2023. Chev. Dr. Koshy M. George, Regional Co-ordinator and BSI Central Council Member co-ordinated the event. Rev. Dr. D.S. Arun presided the meeting, Auxiliary Secretary gave the inaugural address. Clergies, other regional co-ordinators, branch leaders and members graced the occasion. The Rev. Dr. D. S. Arun and Adv. Dr. Bejoy M.S. Raj were elected as the President and Secretary of the Poojapura Branch respectively. We appreciate the hard work of Chev. Dr. Koshy M. George for his tireless efforts in making the new branch formation a great blessing.

Supriya Singh
After receiving the surprised gift of the Children’s Pictorial Bible from the Bible Society of India, Supria Singh was speechless for a moment and then expressed immense joy and gratitude. She described the Bible as a treasured possession that has enriched her spiritual growth and deepened her connection to her faith. The colorful illustrations and engaging stories have sparked a love for reading and a desire to share the message of faith and hope with others. She got the gift which she would never be able to buy.

Puratan Digal
“My name is Puratan Digil from a Christian family and I want to share my heartfelt gratitude and the incredible impact the Children’s Pictorial Bible from the BSI has had on my life. As a poor boy from Bhubaneshwar, I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to own a Bible specifically designed for children like me. I am excited to share the stories and lessons I have learned from the Children’s Pictorial Bible with my friends and family. I believe that this precious gift can also bring hope and encouragement to those who need it most. I thank God in my heart for the ministry of the Bible Society of India and I will always pray for BSI to touch many more lives of children like me, who cannot afford to buy the Bible”.

The BSI Odisha Auxiliary organized a Scripture Engagement program with the objective of providing Children Bibles to underprivileged 250 children in the Roman Catholic Churches of Khurda District. The initiative The initiative was carried out in collaboration with Sister Stany Rose of the Missionaries of Charity, and the distribution event took place on May 19th, 2023, at the Missionaries of Charity campus. This programme aimed to enhance scriptural understanding, foster spiritual growth, and promote a love for reading Bible among children.

In a world where accessibility to the Bible texts can be a challenge for various individuals, the production of audio Bibles has emerged as a powerful tool. These audio versions serve as a valuable resource for the visually impaired, elderly, sick, and working people, enabling them to engage with God’s Word and find solace. We are thrilled to announce that five new audio Bible productions are currently underway (first time recording in BSI Lambadi, Chaudhari, and Konkani, and re-recording of the latest BSI translation in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam), aiming to bring the transformative power of these scriptures to those in need.

• Enhanced Accessibility for the Visually Impaired: One of the audio Bible projects focuses specifically on creating an accessible audio version for the visually impaired community. By leveraging advanced text-to-speech technology and professional voice actors, this initiative aims to provide an immersive and enriching experience. The visually impaired will be able to engage with sacred texts independently, fostering spiritual growth and personal empowerment.
• Empowering the Elderly: Another audio Bible production addresses the needs of the elderly population, many of whom may experience challenges in reading small text or holding physical Bibles. By producing a user-friendly and easily navigable audio Bible, this project aims to improve accessibility and empower the elderly to connect with their faith. The soothing voices and clear enunciation will provide comfort, inspiration, and a sense of companionship.
• Support for the Sick: Illness can often isolate individuals from their communities and sources of spiritual guidance. BSI is committed to providing solace and encouragement to the sick. Through God’s Word, they may find healing and comfort. These audio Bibles seek to uplift and inspire those facing health challenges, fostering hope and resilience.
• Asset for the Young and Working People: Recognizing the busy lives and time constraints faced by many working individuals, audio Bible project aims to cater to their needs. This initiative enables this generation of young and working people to engage with the Bible during their commute, breaks, or other pockets of time. This project seeks to support spiritual growth and reflection amidst the demands of professional life.

Inviting Donors to Pray and Contribute: These audio Bibles will bring comfort, inspiration, and hope to individuals in various circumstances. The successful completion of these audio Bible productions relies on the support and generosity of donors. We invite individuals, organizations, and communities to pray for the success of these projects and consider contributing financially. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant impact in enabling us to reach our goal of providing transformative resources to those who need them the most.

This year, The Bible Society of India (BSI) will be publishing seven new Braille Bibles in Saurashtra, Rabha, Ao-Naga, Angami-Naga, Biate, Sumi, and Mara languages. This is a significant step towards providing visually impaired individuals with access to the holy scriptures in their heart language. The production of these Bibles is part of BSI’s ongoing mission to promote inclusivity and equality within the church.

The proofreading process for these Braille Bibles has been completed, and they are now ready for publication. The BSI has already produced 15 Braille Bibles in the past, and the addition of these seven new ones will further expand the reach of these important tools.

The Braille Bible is an essential tool for visually impaired individuals to access the Holy scriptures. It provides them with a means to connect with their faith and deepen their understanding of Biblical teachings. The joy of reading God’s Word in the heart language can be seen on the face of the proofreaders.

The BSI is grateful to donors who pray for the success of this project and donate generously to support the production and dissemination of these Braille Bibles. With the help of these donations, the BSI can continue to produce and distribute Braille Bibles to those who need them most. Supporting the production of Braille Bibles is not just a charitable act but also a step towards building a more inclusive society. It is essential that we continue to work towards creating a world that values diversity and promotes inclusivity.

The production and publication of these seven new Braille Bibles is a significant achievement for the BSI. We ask that you take a moment to join hands, pray, and contribute towards the Bible cause so that visually impaired people have access to the Bible.

On June 5th, 2023 the Bible Society of India, celebrated World Environment Day as part of the Combined Prayer Fellowship of the central Office and the 17 Auxiliaries across India. The event took place virtually on Zoom platform. The highlight of the occasion was a thought-provoking message delivered by Rev. Dr. Rohan Gideon, Professor of Theology at the United Theological College. His extensive knowledge and expertise in theology provided a unique perspective on the importance of environment conservation from faith-based standpoint.

Rev. Dr. Rohan Gideon emphasized the importance of maintaining the covenant relationship of justice and righteousness in order to protect our earth and the whole environment. In line with the UNO theme for this 2023 World Environment Day “Beat Plastic Pollution”, Dr Rohan strongly conveyed with pictorial presentation of the collateral damage and danger caused to birds, animals, marine lives, to flora and fauna and to human lives with the reckless usage of plastic.  The message is a called to a realized eschatology, back to God’s covenant love and justice, where no human greed will rule the earth no more and where all creation mourn no more in waiting for God’s redemption.

Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi warmly welcomed the Guest Speaker Rev Dr. Rohan Gideon and Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo, the General Secretary of BSI felicitated him with a shawl and with a gift of Bible. Intercessory prayer was offered for the nation and for the wide world. We thank the Jabalpur Auxiliary for a very meaningful Order of Worship, which they prepared for this day.