After about 25 years of tedious and painstaking work by the Manipuri translation team and BI, the Manipuri Bible was printed, and the dedication ceremony was set for February 25. As my departure date for India approached and the health of our founder, Dr. Paul Versluis, Jr., was deteriorating, I visited him in the hospital before my trip. Not long after my arrival in India, I learned that Dr. Versluis had passed away. I was saddened not only by his death but also by the fact that I would not be able to attend his funeral.

Upon entering the church building where the Manipuri dedication was held, I noticed a plaque on the exterior wall that read: Dedicated by the Rev. Dr. Paul Versluis Jr. in 2006. The imprint of his labor was present in northeast India, both on buildings of stone and in hearts of flesh.

At my turn to speak in the dedication ceremony, I declared, “Today is a day of joy and of sadness! Of joy in that many years of tedious and dedicated labor have resulted in this wonderful Bible in the language of your heart! Of sadness in that at this very moment, the family of BI’s founder is receiving guests at the funeral home. Yet, if not in Grand Rapids, what other place could I better be than here, with the people whom Dr. Versluis has loved, for the purpose of dedicating the Manipuri Bible, a symbol of his vision.”

There was heartfelt applause at Dr. Versluis’ funeral when Eric Elmer presented a copy of the Manipuri Bible to Mrs. Genella Versluis. Meanwhile, in Imphal, the church leaders were sharing this message of condolence:

Dear Aunty Genella Versluis and all love ones:
We, the fellowshipping Churches of the Fellowship of Baptist Churches India, present in this 52nd Annual General Conference and the DEDICATION OF THE MANIPURI HOLY BIBLE … express and convey our sorrow and condolence at the home going of our beloved and respected Rev. Dr. Paul Versluis who rendered valuable and fruitful service to the Ministries in India and elsewhere. We remember with gratitude his contribution in planting local churches, training leaders for the churches, construction of church buildings, Bible Colleges, Schools, Christian Institutions and Homes in North East India. Though he is absent in the body, he is present with the Lord as he is now relieved of all the sufferings of the World and is in eternal home. This is our fervent prayer to God that He will comfort and strengthen each one of you.”