|
|
|

The Year of the Bible Celebrations in
Oman
“Tongues of Fire” was the name of the service of thanksgiving held for the occasion
of the year of the Bible and bicentennial celebrations of the Bible Society movement
around the world. It was held in the
Protestant
Church in the Sultanate of Oman, on
March 15, 2004. The celebratory service was attended by people from different churches and
denominations. The ‘introductory sentence’ was spoken by Father Chacko of the Catholic Church followed by the liturgy reading from Psalm 98 by Rev.
Steve Rheingans, Associate Pastor of the
Protestant
Church. The word of welcome was spoken by Ranjini Ganta, representative of the Gulf
Bible Society in
Oman. Hrayr Jebejian, the Executive Secretary of the Bible Society in the Gulf, reflected
upon the year of the Bible and the bicentennial celebration of the Bible Societies
around the world. The Bible reading came from three different episodes:
Babel, Incarnation and Pentecost. Representatives of different churches and denominations
led the Bible reading in different intervals. A multi-media presentation on the Bible and the Bible Society movement was prepared
by Babu Ganta, the Information officer of the Bible Society in the Gulf. The message
for the day was given by Mr. Bruce Goodwin, Chairman of the Council of the
Protestant
Church in
Oman. Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession were offered by different church leaders
and church representatives, and the Bible Society bicentennial prayer was offered
by Ranjini Ganta. The choir of the
Protestant
Church in
Oman led the worship service, and the Shondale Cantata choir sang two hymns. A reception was followed after the service.
It was, indeed, a blessed time for the entire Christian community in
Oman to celebrate together the Bible Day. All were very appreciative of the ministry
of the Bible Society among the churches and the community in
Oman. |