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.