Rev Dr Along Jamir, Director of Translation, Bible Society of India (BSI) releases the Galo Bible at Galo Mission Centre, Basar, Arunachal Pradesh on May 31.
Dimapur, June 1 (MExN): The Bible Society of India (BSI), on May 31, released the first Galo Holy Bible at Galo Mission Centre, Basar, Arunachal Pradesh.
A press release from Auxiliary Secretary, BSI Dimapur, Rev Dr Yiepetso Wezah, informed that the Galo people embraced Christianity by hearing the word of God – the seed of faith.
They felt the need to have the Bible in their own language and began the New Testament translation in 1986, which was released on June 29, 2008. The Galo Old Testament project was approved in 2012, and the translation was completed in 2023, he said.
During the opening ceremony, five selected ordained ministers carried the wooden box containing the Galo Holy Bible around the Tabernacle, symbolising the covenant with God through His word. When the procession reached the pulpit, Rev Dr Along Jamir, Director of Translation and Advisor BSI, released the Galo Bible on behalf of the society.
Speaking on the occasion, Rev Gode Doke, the translator, thanked the Advisor for assisting him and the proofreaders for their cooperation and effort in proofreading. He also thanked his family members and all the leaders of the Galo Baptist Convention for their encouragement and support. In appreciation of his hard work in translating the Bible into the Galo language, the Galo Baptist Convention (GBC) and well-wishers acknowledged him, his family members, and the proofreaders.
Rev Dr Wezah brought greetings on behalf of the BSI, the General Secretary and staff of the Central Office in Bangalore, Shillong Translation Centre, and Dimapur Auxiliary. He stated that it was a historic day for the BSI and the GBC as the Galo Christians received the Holy Bible in their own understandable language.
Rev Dr Wezahalso challenged them to read, meditate, and be spiritually nourished.
GBC President Pekbin Doke greeted the gathering on behalf of the Galo Christians, irrespective of denominations.
In his speech, Dr Jamir challenged the congregation, noting that the ‘Bible is the most words of God, yet the devil sets a target to divide people,’ and urged believers to be watchful. He further noted that there is no perfect translation and there is always room for correction and editing.
The ceremony also featured special cultural items presented by Ponu, LTBC, Calvary Church, Soi, and Town Baptist Church, Basar.
