Children’s Jamboree fosters unity
in Indonesia

INDONESIA — “I have enjoyed taking part in this Jamboree, especially because I have made friends from many cities,” said one boy, Michael, as he left the Children’s Jamboree held by the Indonesian Bible Society in June. As his comment reveals, this event, with its theme ‘I Am Your Friend’, was designed to bring together children of many different social and cultural backgrounds to learn more about God’s Word and to foster a sense of unity among them.

More than 200 children from cities across the country spent three days getting to know each other in Bukit Hermon, West Java. Supervised by 80 assistants, mainly Sunday School teachers, their time was filled with games, team-building activities and reading and listening to the Scriptures.

How to care

“The Children’s Jamboree is an attempt to address the process of secularisation and cultural diversity in our society,” explains Didin Oktavia Prihadini of the Society’s information department. “We want to teach children not just about the importance of God’s Word but also about how to care for others, especially children who do not have access to the Bible. Children have an important role in the family and the future of the nation. When they know God’s Word at an early age, they will see it as an inspiration and a guide for their life.”

This view is shared by Reny, a Sunday School teacher who led a group.

“Taking children to this kind of event is important because many positive values can be taught to them. I hope that the Bible Society can conduct this kind of event regularly. I will certainly continue to support it.” (WR 396/3 - 09/10.05) [3 photos]

Some of the children who participated in the Children’s Jamboree held by the Indonesian Bible Society in West Java in June 2005. Photo: Indonesian Bible Society (INO05DJ-22.JPG)