Joy, then sadness in Indonesia and Benin

The gospel in the Kalumpang language was formally launched on 31 October 2024, a day marking the anniversary of the church reform in Indonesia. The thanksgiving celebration was led by Rev. Kalvin Barangan, Chairman of the West Sulawesi Christian Church (GKSB). It was indeed a historic day as some Kalumpang people held the Scripture close to their hearts while others lifted it up for the first time. Rev. Kalvin Barangan facilitated the distribution as people rushed to get their copies. Some 6,000 New Testaments in Kalumpang, 60 Study Edition Bibles, and about 9,000 Bibles and Bible comics for children were distributed. 

But sadness was looming. 

‘In the midst of that joyful atmosphere, it was really unexpected, towards midnight on November 1, 2024, we received the sad news that the Chairman of GKSB, Rev. Kalvin Barang, had returned to his Owner,’ Pastor Bambang Widjaja, a WGA former board member wrote. 

‘God gives, He also takes back. 

‘What is clear is that this humble servant of God has been an instrument of His grace throughout his life and ministry,’ Bambang added. 

Pastor Kalvin died of a heart attack on 1 November, after preaching at the Bible dedication the day before. The shock waves of this death came through to the Alliance’s Global Gathering in Johannesburg. 

‘I was saddened when I heard about this news because Pastor Kalvin was a key player in this project,’ said Budi Santoso, Executive Director of Kartidaya (an Alliance organisation in Indonesia).  

After 15 years of translation, the work had stopped. But Kalvin remobilised the team and re-launched the project after a three-year pause. 

‘After translating the Bible with the team, Kalvin worked hard to organise the dedication,’ Budi said. ‘Though he is not there to continue the distribution, we will not stop.’ 

Budi believes churches in the area will continue from where Kalvin ended, adding: ‘This is not our job, this is not our will. It is God’s work and it will continue.’ 

Pastor Bambang Widjaja will lead a church service in memory of Rev. Kalvin Barangan on Mionday (4 November). 

One dead, others injured in YWAM team accident

One person has been confirmed dead and two critically injured following a multi-vehicle accident involving a YWAM team that was returning to Benin from a regional gathering. Thirteen others who were also involved are safe and have returned to Benin. 

‘We cannot release the name of the individual because it is late at night, and family members are still being notified,’ YWAM wrote on 2 November. David Hamilton, YWAM’s delegate at the Global Gathering, is facilitating the repatriation of the body. 

Widely known for creative global evangelism ministry and ship-based medical care, YWAM also partners with the Alliance through oral Bible translation training. 

Story: Isaac Forchie