Committee and Community Enthusiastically Welcome the Launch of the Ngalik Language Bible in Yahukimo

Yahukimo, Olemah.com – The committee and community from three church denominations, namely GKII, KINGMI, and GBI, have shown great enthusiasm in preparing for the launch of the Ngalik Language Bible. This historic event is set to take place on February 7, 2025, at the GKII Eben Haizer Church courtyard in Dekai, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Highlands Province.

This was conveyed by Rev. Lukas Giban, S.Th., one of the translators of the Ngalik Language Bible, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. He revealed that the effort to bring the Gospel to the Ngalik Tribe began in 1963 by a Canadian missionary, Edward Maxey, and his family. They evangelized the Silimo region, Amo Valley, Suru-Suru Valley, and Wosak Valley, delivering the message of salvation.

"Edward Maxey not only preached the Gospel but also wrote several books and translated the Bible from Indonesian to the Ngalik language. This translation was completed at the end of 2022, and the launch of this Bible is a gesture of gratitude from the Gospel generation of the Ngalik Tribe," explained Rev. Lukas Giban, who also serves as the Chair of the Launch Committee.

Committee Preparations and International Guests Yunus Bayage, the Acting Secretary of the Committee, stated that preparations are ongoing and that the Bible launch is guaranteed to proceed successfully as scheduled. He added that invited guests will include missionaries from Canada, the team of Bible translators, and church leaders from the three church denominations in Papua.

"We are ensuring that all preparations are running smoothly. The presence of international guests, especially the missionaries who brought the Gospel to the Ngalik Tribe, will be a significant part of this celebration," said Yunus Bayage.

Call for Participation from Tribal Leaders At the same event, Leo Giban, Coordinator of the Ngalik Tribal Leaders and also the Coordinator of the Consumption Team, called on everyone to actively participate in making the launch of the Ngalik Language Bible a success.

"This launch is an important moment for all of us. Let us work together to make it a success as a tribute to the efforts of the previous generation who brought the Gospel to the Ngalik land," emphasized Leo Giban.

The launch of the Ngalik Language Bible is expected to be a historic milestone in the faith journey of the Ngalik Tribe and an inspiration for efforts to preserve local languages and cultures.

(Ardi)