(Report from Babu Ganta, Information & Church Relations Officer, BSG) 

Al Ain     Abu Dhabi    Dubai                 Contents

In the United Arab Emirates the Year of the Bible National Day Celebrations took place in Al Ain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The celebration at each place was unique because of the presence and participation of church leaders, volunteers and Bible friends from various churches and congregations. The church leaders from different congregations and denominations shared short inspirations, reflecting on The Word of God and its powerful influence in their own lives and in the society.

Based on Mathew 13:1-9 & 18-23, Mr.Hrayr Jebejian the Executive Secretary talked about the challenges and opportunities we have in ‘sowing’ God’s Word. Babu Ganta, the Information officer of the Bible society in the Gulf, made a presentation highlighting the origin and work of the Bible Society during the past 200 years. He highlighted the fact that the Bible Society ministry annually distributes over 500 million Scriptures in 200 countries. The Bible or part of it now available in over 2,300 languages. One participant said, this is a time of celebration and thanks giving for every Christian thanking Him for His Word. None could escape the awesome feeling of how God has used very ordinary people with child like faith in spreading His Word. It is a very humbling feeling to realize the each one of us are part of the link in the chain of this precious ministry during the past 200 years!

Al Ain: Wed 16 June 2004:  Lynda Ramirez de Guzman, the Bible Society Representative in the UAE welcomed the guests. “Father, as we come to celebrate the Year of the Bible, we pray that every year is the Year of the Bible...” prayed Pastor Brad Hillman of the English Church. Praise and worship was led by Dr.Eric. Short inspirations were shared by Pastor David Burgoine of FECC Al Ain, Br. Rafiq Guirguis of Arabic Evangelical Church, Br.David Daniel of Al Ain Tamil Christian Fellowship, Pastor Joseph Wood of Word International Congregation in Al Ain, and Br. Thomas Kutty from Brethren Fellowship. Benediction was given by Rev. Fr. K.C. Abraham of Marthoma Parish, Al Ain. Special thanks and mention to the volunteers led by Elder Rudy Cobar and members of WIM Al Ain who assisted the local representative in the preparation of this event together with Bro. Freddy Tangiane who prepared the program and to Pstr. Dave Burgoine and members of Filipino Congregation who prepared the delicious meals for everybody.

Abu Dhabi: Thu 17 June 2004:  The Praise & Worship Team from the Filipino Christian Church in Abu Dhabi, with all their musical instruments ministered through music. Pastor Joe Page from the Evangelical Community Church led the opening prayer. Special songs were sung by Ruwais Christian Fellowship choir who came all the way from Ruwais to take part in this special occasion. While bringing short inspirations, Pastor Daniel Grimmer of Abu Dhabi Evangelical Church said “In all the years of my stay in the Abu Dhabi, I have never seen such a variety of representation of churches gathering in any meeting like this.” The others who brought the short inspirations were Pastor Figy John, Word International Ministries (Abu Dhabi), Pastor Benjamin Masiglat from the Filipino Christian Church, and Elder Fares Sadde from Arab Evangelical Church. The benediction was given by Rev.Fr.Clive Windebank from St.Andrews Anglican Church.

It was a joy to have the presence of Bishop Paul Hinder, who led the Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Franciscan Sisters from the St. Joseph Cathedral participating in the celebrations. Special mention and thanks to Elder Robert Bhatti and his congregation from the Assembly of God (Urdu) who offered their time slot for their worship service and paved the way for the celebration, to Bro. Ray Atallah (ECC) who assisted the local representative in the timely and smooth presentation , the FCC Prayer Ministry who assisted the volunteers in ushering, to Chris & Elizabeth Darla (RZIM) for making use of their precious time in preparing the program and Pastor Francis Gacer, from the Jesus Reigns Ministry (Abu Dhabi) who in the midst of hectic schedule, prepared the YOB banner both in English & Arabic.

Dubai: Sat 19 June 2004:  Randhir Reynolds, the manager of Jebel Ali Bible Centre coordinated the meeting. Pastor Steve Wright from Jebel Ali Anglican church led in opening prayer. Praise and worship by Victory Christian Fellowship choir and the special song by Marthoma (Heavenly Voices) have ministered to the audience though their anointed singing. Pastor Harewood, Pieter, Enoch read dramatized version of the Bible Passage. Pastor Sam Moises from Word International Ministries, Rev.Gee Varghese Thomas from Marthoma Parish, Pastor Victor Harewood from Seventh Day Adventist Chruch, Pastor Sam Thomas from Emirates Christian Fellowship, Bro. Shishye Thompson from Christian Church brought short inspirations. The benediction was given by Pastor Dan Marshal of Emirates Baptist Church International. Ms.Gina Uy from United Christian Church of Dubai, other volunteers from Berachah Assembly and from Harvesters International church helped in areas of manning the book tables, sound system, providing refreshments etc. Truly it is a celebration for everybody for His Word.

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