word in action · world’s richest countries have been encouraged to plunder the world’s...

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WORD IN ACTION The Bible – sharing it and living it Summer 2009www.biblesociety.org.uk

Migranthearts

are unburdened by Scripture

7SPIRITUAL HIGH Nepal scales new heights

11POETIC VISION words & pictures reveal strategy

3CONTINENTAL SHIFT African power prayer

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VIEWPOINT NEWS 3 TAKE ACTION THIS ISSUE of Word in Action has a very different look to it. We hope you’ll find it an encouraging read and enjoy the clarity and simplicity of the new format. Please write to me or the editor, Diana Leigh, and let me know what you think.

We try to pack a lot into every issue of the magazine. In 16 pages this Word in Action takes us on a high-speed trip around the world, pausing a moment

with some of the people whose lives are being transformed by the Bibles provided by you. There are so many unpublished stories we would like to be able to tell you, but we can’t fit them all in!

I trust that you will continue to pray for those we write about and to pray for those who have still to receive their own Bible. Perhaps with your backing they will one day know the joy of reading a Bible in their own language.

Look out for the Act! ideas scattered through the magazine. We hope you’ll find them stimulating.

In the meantime on behalf of all those whose lives are being transformed by the Bible and its life-giving message, thank you for your ongoing and prayerful support. It is a huge encouragement to us.

James Catford Chief Executive, Bible Society

8

Front cover ‘The ‘black gold’ of oil has attracted millions to the Gulf. Many are exposed to the gospel here,’ said Bible Society’s Babu Ganta. ‘They came to earn gold but they say Jesus is more than gold. They will go home and share the gospel with their families.’ Photo: Panos Pictures

Bible Society Stonehill Green, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DG T 01793 418100 F 01793 418118 www.biblesociety.org.uk

Charity Reg. No. 232759 Patron Her Majesty The Queen President The Rt Revd Dr Tom Wright, Bishop of Durham Chairman of the Board Richard Sandy Chief Executive James Catford

Editor Diana Leigh [email protected] or call 01793 418100 Sub Editor Clive Price Designer Chris Gander

Bible Society Product Order Line 0800 652 5369 Free Materials Order Line 01793 418384

Product no. PBPM 001096 Online ordering www.bibleresources.org.uk

Donations hotline 08459 272120 Please note any phone calls to Bible Society may be monitored or recorded, for training and quality assurance purposes only.

Printed on environmentally friendly paper Bible Society © 2009

Word in action Summer 09

CONTINENTAL SHIFT • African leaders are plugging into the power

of prayer. Hazel Southam reports

TRANSFORMATION was the aim of a brand new event that drew more than 150 African political and church leaders to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in February to pray.

The historic event was a prayer breakfast organised by the Bible Society of Ethiopia with Beza International Church – and support from Bible Society in this country. The first of its kind, it was held to coincide with the 12th African Union Heads of State Summit, an annual meeting for the continent’s senior politicians.

PRAY

304AD Ethiopia adopted Christianity in 304 AD.

2.5+ The Bible Society of Ethiopia gave Scripture to 2.5 million families for its Millennium.

COMMIT The prayer breakfast was part of the Society’s ongoing commitment to Africa.

Fact

Africa Conference of Churches, Bishop Nvume H Dandala.Guests at the prayer breakfast

included heads of state, diplomats, He spoke on Mark 5.1–20 where foreign ministers, Bible Society Jesus meets Legion, a man General Secretaries and church possessed by many demons. The leaders. ‘We were encouraging bishop told his audience God people to pray so God’s blessing could deal with the ‘demons’ would be invoked over the political facing Africa such as HIV, poverty process,’ said David Smith, who and injustice. helped arrange the event.

Among the delegates was James ‘We wanted to encourage leaders Catford, Chief Executive of Bible and help them draw strength and Society, in England and Wales. He wisdom from the Bible. Politicians said, ‘When he read the passage I need help. It’s a difficult job … The leant across to the person beside challenges politicians face are me and said, “He can’t be substantial – to say the least.’ applying this to Africa can he?”

But he did.HUMILITY ‘We gripped our seats while he The mood at the event – the first The former Nigerian president Olesegun Obasanjo (left) was happy to join in praying for Africa at the African prayer breakfast in

of its kind – was described as ‘full addressed the evils of tribalism, Ethiopia. He is escorted by Rev. Fred Odutola, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Nigeria. Walking behind them is Jean Ping, warfare, corruption and Chairman of the African Union Commission. of humility’, with senior politicians

praying out loud for God’s exploitation. None of us, including unmoved. The event is sure to servants to those without power. It LATE NEWS guidance. Keynote speaker was the heads of state and senior build in the years ahead.’ could transform Africa.’ A group of Nigerian congressmen former General Secretary of the All politicians across Africa, was left

African leaders welcomed the The event was the culmination of and senators will attend this year’s event. So plans are afoot to hold a many years’ work between the Westminster National Prayer We gripped our seats follow-up prayer breakfast at the Bible Society of Ethiopia and Bible Breakfast in July with the General African Summit in 2010. It could Society in this country. Politicians Secretary of Bible Society of while he addressed the become an annual fixture. Nigeria. The visit was arranged to and church leaders were given the MASSIVE IMPACT provide inspiration in their efforts contact details of Bible Society evils of tribalism,

to establish a Nigerian National representatives in their countries ‘The prayer breakfast could have a Prayer Breakfast. massive impact on people’s lives in and a list of over 400 different

Africa,’ said David Smith, ‘if African languages in which • Hazel Southam is a journalistwarfare, corruption and

leaders see they are there as Scripture is now published. and columnist.exploitation

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PRAY See Prayer Bulletin. Pray for Zimbabwe 12 July, Rwanda 9 August.

HOST Host an African evening, with food and music, and a brief presentation.

ROTA Organise a prayer rota for Africa with your church or local network of churches.

VISIT Find out about the National Prayer Breakfast visit www.nationalprayerbreakfast .org.uk

Act!

Summer 09 Word in action

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DOWNING STREET. As the recession bites, leaders from the world’s richest countries have been encouraged to plunder the world’s greatest treasure – the Bible.

Just before the G20 Summit, politicians and faith leaders met at Downing Street where Bible Society’s Poverty and Justice Bible took centre stage. And the Bible's money advice won backing from Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Stephen Timms MP.

‘We need more of the kind of politics that develops when the Bible is believed and taken seriously,’ said Stephen, as he praised events like Make Poverty History. ‘I very much agree with Bible Society that the description of the Bible as a dusty, outdated

A petrol station is engulfed by flames in the ferocious bushfire, fuelled by winds blowing at 120 kms per hour (72 miles per hour), that swept across the western and northern suburbs of Canberra earlier this year.

BIBLE LIFELINE rulebook is a dusty, outdated description.’

Sadly, a second film funded by the Society, One by Handy Cloud Productions, didn’t take any honours.

The Sami people have also been known as Laplanders. Their widely spread community is found all along the fringe of the Arctic Circle from Norway through to Russia.

BIBLE OSCARS free Bible. In the coming months1 AUSTRALIA. The Bible and years, once communities Society in Australia has been have been re-established, we’ll working alongside emergency be providing churches, schools

SUPPORTING STRANGERS

ENGLAND AND WALES. A his own daughter. Its services and other organisations and Christian organisations prodigal father returns to his breakthrough built on last year’s including The Salvation Army – which lost their Bibles in the daughter – and scoops some success when Bible Society

global recognition. scooped top honours with Home, supplying chaplains and counsellors with Bibles and other

fires with new Scriptures.’

More than 200 people died andScripture-based counselling aids. No, it’s not a bizarre reality TV a film about a young man’s nearly 2,000 homes were Churches which lost their entire show. It’s a new short film return to his family. destroyed as entire towns were supply of Bibles will have them sponsored by Bible Society that ‘Our work with the two teams wiped out by the fierce blaze replaced free of charge. recently snatched four awards and represents Bible Society’s which swept across the south 14 nominations in what could be ‘Christian aid-workers and continued commitment toeast. Churches, a Christian GRAN’S GIFT described as the ‘Bible Oscars’. churches have an enormous task developing and nurturing young retreat centre and youth camp

Alexandra completed the text on a Produced by Riding Lights Theatre as they help people start 2 RUSSIA. It was almost wiped film-makers,’ said Luke Walton, were also destroyed as 7,000 battered old typewriter. The retired Company and Bible Society’s own rebuilding their lives,’ said out by Russia’s Communist Party. Executive Producer of Unscripted people were left homeless. teacher was desperate to have a Reel Issues Films, Unscripted Executive Director Tony Cook. But now an ancient language is and Arts Development Officer for ‘We’ve established an appeal

‘One church was advised to plan making a comeback – thanks to a Bible in the ancient language smashed records at the 168 Film the Society. fund to cater for the demand, Festival where producers have for up to 40 funerals in a less Bible-believing grandmother. after rediscovering her own and would welcome donations,’ Movie-makers from Canada to 168 hours – one week – to make than a month. childhood faith. Tony added. ‘Please join us in Once spoken widely by nomads China took part in the 2009 an 11-minute film using Luke 3.

‘We’ve made public announce- praying for survivors, support who thrived in the barren tundra ‘It was easy to lose your faith contest. All films are created 21-22 and a family-based theme. ments that all survivors can workers and churches for God’s around Murmansk for centuries, because it was the Communist during production week to

Kildin Sami is alive and kicking Judges – who included X-Mencontact our office directly for a provision at this sad time.’ era,’ she recalled. ‘But in the early premiere at the 168 Film because of 76-year-old Alexandra producer Ralph Winter and Making a difference for European work will centre on the theme

1990s I started watching Christian Festival, and awards are given Antonova. Smallville co-producer Luke migrants is the fund raising focus Count on it – living in the

television programmes and felt a for artistic and technical merit. 3 COSTA RICA. Bibles and blankets were rushed to northern Costa Schelhaas – gave the production for this year’s Bible Sunday – the certainty of God's Word, based onNow a new generation of strong desire to get to know God.’ Rica which was devastated by an earthquake in January. Best International Film, Best Sadly, a second film funded by annual national celebration ofyoungsters can hear stories about Isaiah 55.1–11.

The Bible Society in Russia is now Supporting Actress, Best the Society, One by Handy Cloud Scripture. Staff from the Bible Society’s local office escaped injury. But General Jesus – in the language of their Screenplay Drama, and Best This edition of Word in Action Secretary Mayra Ugalde said the quake – measuring 6.2 on the Richter hoping to have the Children’s Productions, did not take any forefathers. The first children’s A pack full of stimulating ideasBehind The Scenes Documentary. carries an insert and Scale – left 17 others dead and 2,000 homeless. Bible in Kildin Sami is not only Bible printed and available honours. The film has since been will be available to help churches

countrywide – and Alexandra has Unscripted is about an actor entered in the Doorpost Film advertisement providing readers ‘It also triggered a volcano and the Emergency Commission has been hit helping to spread the Christian mark this special day on 25

by fire,’ said Mayra. ‘Money and Scriptures will help us open the door to faith – but also keeping alive this already begun working on the who, while rehearsing for King Project. For the latest information October. A talk outline and with all the details they need to

institutions and people. Your prayers are very important.’ most ancient of tongues. New Testament for adults. Lear, is inspired to reconcile with go to www.thedoorpost.com materials for youth and children's join the Bible Sunday celebration.

Word in action Summer 09 Summer 09 Word in action


6SUPPORTER NEWS FEATURE – NEPAL 7 WELSH GOLD SpiritualA Cardiff congregation has seized a golden opportunity to help celebrate Ghana’s golden jubilee.

Church members have been highcollecting scrap gold to support the Bible Society of Ghana’s vision to provide a million The mountain kingdom of children with a Bible of their own.

Nepal has scaled new heights. From odd cufflinks and earrings – to broken necklace chains and rings that lost their gems – Park Lindsay Shaw surveys the

Visitors to New Wine festivals have Supporter Relations Brian Dacre, For your Bible Sunday Count on it pack or Touch a Nation pack contact us at

01793 418222

[email protected]

www.biblesunday.org.uk or www.biblesociety.org.uk

End Presbyterian Church raised also been inspired by the vision, ‘and churches have really caught territory nearly £1,000 by taking responding generously to fund-unwanted, hallmarked gold to a hold of this project. Christmas came to Nepal – and raising appeals across the sites. A trusted local jeweller. brought the gift of changed lives.

‘A youth group at an Elim church special Night of Worship in London For 17-year-old students Sujit Rai and That was enough to put the raised enough for nearly 3,000 in Nottingham has been shining Prashant Sha, it led to theScriptures in the hands of nearly ‘2,000 attended and the service was children to receive a Bible. shoes and washing cars to raise transformational step of following Jesus. 300 Ghanaian schoolchildren – relayed on screens outside.’ money. They said they’ll keep on as part of a four-year initiative to ‘Our own Bible Society These friends were among thousands who

• NEPAL His own group of churches held a distribute the Bible through the supporters have been incredibly giving to Ghana until we ask benefited from Bible Society’s support for Christmas celebration at a football country’s secondary schools. generous,’ said Head of them to stop!’ Nepal’s growing first-generation Church. ground. Members used Bible Society Sujit and Prashant had already begun Real Christmas booklets to invite friends attending Avinash church, Lalitpur, after explained. ‘I have – and about 6,000 people turned up.being invited by a friend. LOVING to be honest and Similar large-scale celebrations

£3,000 Could your church Touch a Nation by raising £3,000 in three years?

Act!

20,000 KIDS Over 20,000 Lebanese kidshave experienced a BibleWorld programme.

000S Thousands of young people visit the Society’s Books for Life Centre annually.

Fact

say we value ‘When Binita invited me to church I felt LEBANON happened throughout Nepal. At Kavre prayer more than a special peace here,’ said Sujit. ‘I didn’t that right. Sujit’s and Prashant’s 19-year- District in Kathmandu valley, Pastor For one Wiltshire church, supporting anything. Prayer believe in God. My family believed in old friend Binita Dale said their college Rana Ruben said their united service Bible Society’s mission in Lebanon is for the team in Hindu gods and I said they are all fake. was not going to let students have the drew 3,000 people. They presented not just a fund raising task. It’s a the frontline is Slowly, slowly, I started to believe, by day off. Bibles to visiting local officials. full-blown partnership. crucial.’ reading the Bible and coming to church. So she gathered Christian friends and I decided to receive Christ and did this Politically, Nepal’s future remains The congregation of St James’ in For St James’, Touch A Nation has visited the principal, who finally relented. after Christmas. Now I have so much uncertain. Deep divisions continue Devizes has a finger on the pulse in made overseas giving more ‘I said, “Christmas is very important to faith I can’t describe it!’ between its political parties and there Lebanon. They communicate with focussed, said Dr Paul Jakeman, St me, it’s our pride, our festival”,’ she has been some increase in violence. But Bible Society’s team on the James’ Mission Working Group. Prashant said the Christmas service was a recalled. Her principal might have noted Bible Society’s Tej Jirel believes Nepal’s frontline, respond to prayer requests ‘Hearing about specific projects turning point for him. ‘After that I that even the president in this former people received a greater opportunity – and send gifts to help their work. and people develops commitment decided to accept Jesus Christ,’ he added. Hindu country had decided to join in than ever to hear about God. and informed prayer.’ St James’ and Bible Society of Although Nepal’s recently formed marking the birth of Jesus.

• Lindsay Shaw is Bible Society’sLebanon are part of the Touch A To find out more about Touch a Parliament gave people the right to ‘The Lord is doing a really amazing thing Creative Resources Officer. Nation partnership, which enables Nation contact Bible Society see celebrate Christmas, some had to claim

1ST CHRISTMAS Bible Society gave Christmas greetings via newspaper, radio and TV advertising.

200 CHURCHES Over 200 churches in England and Wales held Nepalese flavoured Christmas services.

14,000 PEOPLE In remote Western Nepal 14,000 people heard the good news of Christ and received Scripture Portions.

Fact in this country,’ Bible Society General

individual churches to build details above left. Secretary Tej Jirel explained. ‘For me, the

relationships with specific Bible most exciting thing was the Christmas Act! Societies across the world. service at the Nepal Academy Hall. The 2,400 EXPLORE When Mike Bassous, General president was there – along with the £30 enables 2,400 people to Secretary of Bible Society of chairman of the constituent assembly explore Scripture. Lebanon, flew into the UK to meet (Parliament) – with representatives from

the congregation at St James’, it was the Maoists and Nepali Communist FEED 5,000 an opportunity to hear how the Parties and others.’ Hold a Nepalese feast, invite relationship was making a difference. friends to pay to eat, send your

Well-known evangelical leader Dr gift and change lives in Nepal. ‘The Touch A Nation partnership Mangalman Maharjan, who preached at

links supporters’ prayers and gifts the service, explained how it was PRAY with our field work, enabling us to broadcast on four TV channels. ‘About See Prayer Bulletin 20 September. Mike Bassous, General Secretary Bible Society of Lebanon, raises funds by running in fulfil our Bible programmes,’ he the Beirut International Marathon each year 1,300 people were seated,’ he said,


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Lakshmi has moved on in practical and spiritual terms. She is actively involved with her church now and has become an orange seller. For more of Lakshmi’s story see Winter 2008 Word In Action




8 9

Arulraj first came to the Gulf States to work in the oil industry. But now

the former metal worker has a different job – sharing the gospel with around 600 of the thousands of labourers drawn by the area’s vast construction projects.

Here at the geographical heart of the Middle East, oil has filled the empty desert wastes with high-rise cities. Volunteers and chaplains like Arulraj receive resources and training from Bible Society to fill hungry hearts with the riches of God’s Word.

‘When people are in difficult situations, I counsel and pray with them,’ Arulraj explains. ‘The most exciting thing is seeing people’s lives changing when they are exposed to the Gospel.’

Less than a kilometre from Arulraj’s church base in Sharjah is a vast,

sprawling estate. Almost a city in itself, it houses many of the large accommodation blocks where labourers lodge and Arulraj visits from 4 – 11pm every day.

Broken gin bottles scattered on nearby sands speak of the loneliness and

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Unburdeningmigrant hearts

Lindsay Shaw reveals the impact of Scripture in the

hidden world of the Gulf's migrant workers

A weekly prayer group meets in the desert in Dubai. Around a hundred men of different nationalities attend finding Christian fellowship and support.

71% Migrants form 71% of the UAE population.

7,000 PACKS Over 7,000 Bible Sunday packs were downloaded in 2008.

£43K Bible Sunday 2008 supporters gave over 10,000 Jamaican street kids a Bible or Scripture Portion.

Fact

COVER FEATURE – GULF STATES


10 11FEATURE – HOME COVER FEATURE

Although as a bus Poetic driver Manoj waspaid more than visionmost, it could be two years before he visits A Brighton man uses words his wife and child and pictures to promote Bible

pressures many of the workers feel. They Society’s strategy. Mike Hollow are cut off from families thousands of miles away. shares his story ‘Will you be able to see your child when

The global slowdown More than 20,000 people have been he is born?’ I asked Manoj from India, has frozen many of through the living room of recently married and whose wife was the Gulf’s ambitious

Brighton artist Curtis Tappenden – not projects. Thousands expecting. His smile became a frown. of workers have been all at once, of course – but still tough ‘How can I, sir? It’s not possible.’ flown home some on his carpet.Although as a bus driver Manoj was have been left jobless and destitute. paid more than most and sent most of That’s because for nearly 20 years he’s Bible Society, with his wages home, it could be two years hosted an annual art exhibition in his UAE church agency Care Network, are before he visits his wife and child. home with wife Susanne. It’s just one Curtis has been thrown out of a comedy Bible Society – they help me use my helping with That’s the human cost of the Gulf’s dazzling hub of international business. camps or a church centre, they could outlet for his passion – to engage a club by an angry, drug-fuelled audience creative abilities to engage the temporary

rapid forward charge to place itself as a Emirates like Dubai and states like ask questions and find their way to secular world with the Christian because of his poems’ spiritual content. community with the gospel.’ accommodation, a

Kuwait have hurled skyward with some faith. One way Bible Society supports message. The big challenge in a packed bar is Meanwhile, Curtis has plenty of new of the world’s most futuristic structures this ministry is by organising a quarterly An illustrator and poet, Curtis works on getting people’s attention. ‘I stomp projects on the boil. ‘I’ve got a busy and reshaped the sea with a palm- fellowship for chaplains like Arulraj and the design team at The Mail on Sunday around making lots of noise until they year ahead: launching live shaped artificial island. 80 or so other volunteers visiting 50 of and lectures at an art college. The rest start listening to my poetry,’ he entertainment in a local café,

But underpinning these are the skills the area’s labour camps. They offer of his time is very different – performing explained. ‘Then I turn it to something researching for my latest book – oh, and

and hard graft of ex-patriate engineers training, especially in biblical his poetry in bars, clubs and pubs. gentle that brings out deep human saving up for a new carpet!’ storytelling. issues. I’ve found people in tears as the and millions of labourers, mostly ‘As a performance poet I go into some • Mike Hollow is a freelance journalist

from the Indian sub-continent and ‘Christ always used parables,’ Babu of the darkest places,’ he said, ‘but a words touch their hearts.’ and poet. South Asia. ‘I can’t think of a single Ganta enthused. ‘You can give God’s little bit of light can do extraordinary Curtis is one of a number of artists more strategic place in the world Word in the form of stories, and workers things. As I see it, that’s where I should Bible Society works with as part of its because of the cross-currents of people can remember it and apply it in be. I’m there to infect people with the vision to keep the Scripture’s message coming and going here,’ one pastor their lives.’ life-changing love of Christ.’ sounding loud and clear in the crowded told me. • Lindsay Shaw is Bible Society’s marketplace of today’s secular culture. It’s not easy. Audiences can be tough. ‘We work with great energy because of

PACK To register for your Bible Sunday Count on it pack – visit www.biblesunday.org

PRAY Join our band of prayer warriors – see Prayer Bulletin 25 October.

£30 Supplies 30 refugees with a Migrants Scripture Portion.

Act! 4 AWARDS A new short film sponsored by Bible Society recently won four awards (see page 5).

UNSCRIPTEDThe movie Unscripted is about anactor who is inspired to reconcile with his daughter.

HONOURS Bible Society scooped top honours last year with the film Home.

Fact Creative Resources Officer. ‘I first asked Curtis to help with

the scale of opportunity,’ said Babu painting and poetry for our special Ganta, Bible Society Programme 2006 Christmas angel decorations in Coordinator in the United Arab Swindon’s shopping centre,’ said Arts Emirates (UAE). In the last two years, Development Officer Luke Walton. ‘The his mostly voluntary team has produced arts are a creative way to link the Bible and distributed nearly 200,000 with culture.’ Scriptures, in print, CD, MP3 player and

It’s a vision Curtis identifies with. ‘We other formats.

constantly have to think about how we ‘For many labour camp workers, these relate to the world,’ he said. ‘Most are their lifeline,’ said Pastor Ernest, a people I meet have never entered a senior church leader and Arulraj’s church building and don’t understand boss. ‘Sometimes on their own, religious language. sometimes in small groups they listen in

‘It’s vital to communicate in ways that their rooms.’

connect with ordinary people. That’s Afterwards at a meeting in one of the why I appreciate the support I get from

Chaplains like Arulraj receive resources and training from Bible Society to fill hungry hearts with the riches of God’s Word. Some are taught Bible story-telling techniques to help the new Christians remember the Scriptures.

Curtis involved an eager crowd in some action paintings as the Christmas lights were switched on in Swindon. Bible Society helped the Borough of Swindon with funding for angelic Christmas decorations.

Chronological Bible Stories CD and book, blankets and toiletries.

PRAY Pray for Christian artists to share their faith wherever they work.

£5 £5 sponsors a visitor to a visionary Bible Art Exhibition

DRAMA Get creative – use the drama skit in the Bible Sunday pack.

SHARE Watch a movie with friends then discuss it – visit www.reelissues.org.uk

WRITE Perform your own faith-based poems at a poetry slam.

Act!

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12 13FEATURE – GHANA

Independence day • GHANA


Celebrating his country’s independence has set him free. For

lessons didn’t always come easy to 16year-old Kelvin. Sitting in his Ghanaian classroom, there were times when he struggled with challenging subjects.

But then Kelvin received the Bible – a gift from Bible Society of Ghana to mark 50 years of independence in Ghana. And things started to change.

‘He read in his Bible about so many characters who persevered through difficult circumstances, and were helped by God,’ explained Bible Society’s Brian Dacre, who met Kelvin on a visit to Accra this year.

‘Kelvin began asking for God’s help every day, and found school became easier. It’s an amazing story of how one child’s interaction with God through the Word has really impacted his life.’

Ghana’s anniversary was a golden opportunity for Bible Society of Ghana to fulfil its vision to seed a generation with Scripture. A four-year plan was launched to provide a million children in secondary schools with a Bible of their own.

Today, thanks to Bible Society’s supporters, that dream is more than halfway there. So far, faithful prayer and fundraising ventures have put the Bible into the hands of more than half a million schoolchildren.

‘This project has touched so many lives,’ said Brian who, as Head of Supporter Relations, returned to Ghana to witness the difference being made. ‘Kelvin received his Bible eight months ago, and reads it with his mother every night.

‘He clearly had a very humble lifestyle. I asked if there was anything he needed. He asked if we could get a copy of the Bible in Twi for his mother, who didn’t read English. He wanted nothing for himself. He simply wanted his mum to experience what he had.’

In another Accra school, Brian met some teenagers who had come to know

the power of God’s Word. Eighteen-yearold Peter said how he was inspired by the apostle Paul, and how Jesus helped him. ‘Now I know it’s God who holds my destiny in his hands,’ he said.

Linda, 14, was, in her own words, the ‘worst gossip’ in school. But reading her Bible, she realised this wasn’t something God wanted of her. ‘I asked God to forgive me and help me not to gossip,’ she said. ‘Now I’m not a gossip any more.’

When Aisha, also 14, and from a Muslim home, received her Bible, her father was happy for her to read it. ‘Over time, she realised she needed

God’s salvation,’ said Brian. ‘Her parents – who are, in fact, very observant of their faith – are supportive because they’ve seen such a change in her.’

• Caroline Price is a freelance journalist.

Ghana’s jubilee is marked with a message of liberation. Caroline Price tells the story

Now I know it’s God who holds mydestiny in hishands

the powerof one

Anything can happen when just one person engages

with the Bible …

‘The Bibles are a massive help to Kurdish and Iranian seekers. Today I was talking with a depressed Kurdish friend to whom I gave a Bible last year. He’s still delighted with it – and has connected to a church in Sheffield.’

– a church leader in Sheffield (Farsi and Sorani Bibles were sent to this pastor.)

Birthday bonanza Jonathan was very clear what he wanted for his fifth birthday – and it wasn’t presents. Instead, guests to his royal-themed fancy-dress party were asked to help send Bibles to Ghana.

Their generous gifts raised £55 – enough to put Bibles in the hands of 13 schoolchildren. ‘I asked Jonathan to sign one of the Bibles so I could take it to Ghana the following week,’ Brian Dacre recalled.

‘When I arrived at a school in Accra, I asked the children if they knew where England was. One teenage

boy put up his hand to answer, “Europe”.

‘When it was time to distribute Bibles I gave Jonathan’s signed copy to this particular boy. He was so shocked. And it turned out his name was David! How appropriate that Jonathan should be the one to take the Word to David.’

£4 Each Bible costs £4.00.

PRAY Ghana see Prayer Bulletin 4 Oct.

20+ IDEAS Check out fundraising ideas at www.biblesociety.org.uk

Act!

David (left) was the joyful recipient of the signed Bible. Brian Dacre (right) prayed with David for God’s blessing on him and his family.

Five-year-old Jonathan used all his skills to sign this Bible with his name.

Ghana’s Independence jubilee anniversary was a golden opportunity for Bible Society of Ghana to fulfil its vision to seed a whole generation with Scripture.


14 15LAST WORD RESOURCES

New Life for Good News Bible Designed for young adults, new Christians and those wanting to explore

helpful articles on

citizenship issues like sex, the media and environment.

Designed for Key Stage 3+ students (secondary), the

articles on moral

environment and the

Other useful features

the Bible in more depth the New Life GNB includes

moral and

New Life GNB includes helpful

and citizenship issues like euthanasia, sex,

media.

include a helpful timeline and colourful profiles of people and

events written by Nick Paige, author of over 60 books

The New Life edition is designed to

The Good News Bible was the first truly easy-to-read Bible translation and is the UK’s most popular. Over 150 million copies have been sold worldwide. Now the Sunrise and Rainbow editions have been extensively revised and updated.

The Sunrise edition, designed for Key Stage 3+ (secondary), provides extensive updated maps, index and a glossary intended to help develop students understanding of the Bible and its contents. It also has quick search lists on topics like courage, hope and guidance on everyday life illustrating how Christians draw on the Bible for practical help.

The Rainbow edition, aimed at KS2+ (primary) has look-up lists on Bible prayers, Jesus’ parables and miracles


work alongside GCSE modules and KS4 aloud or in worship. study of ethics, lifestyle and behaviour. New Life Good News Bible £16.99 buy It gives students a chance to absorb the 20 and save £85. Go to Bible in all its richness and works as www.bibleresources.org.uk or call well for individual study such as reading 0800 652 5369.

Popular Sunrise and Rainbow Bibles updated

and also supports collective worship. New colourful pictures throughout help capture the students’ interest and imagination.

Both editions contain the expressive Annie Vallotton line drawings, quick search lists of the Bible’s key people and events and pictorial endpapers with a table of contents making the Bible’s easy to navigate.

Sunrise and Rainbow Good News Hardback Editions £15.99 or buy 20 copies and save £79.95. Available from www.bibleresources.org.uk or call 0800 652 5369.

Beyond belief ‘ … I went straight out and bought a Bible, and read St Paul’s letter to the Romans. He describes how to be a Christian, and it slotted right into what I had been searching for, something beyond, something mystical, but also a way of being I could relate to.’

– actor David Suchet, who was confirmed as an Anglican two years ago and is well known for playing Hercule Poirot (Times Online)

The God allusion ‘You’d be rightly written off as uncultivated if you knew nothing of the Bible. You need the Bible to understand literary allusions.’

– Richard Dawkins, Oxford don and author of The God Delusion (Times Online)

She moved from a high-flying financial career to a frontline charity job. And Carol Akuwumi believes God was behind it all.

‘When I decided to go to Bible College it was as though everything pointed to this one college,’ she recalled. ‘Then when I started looking for a job, charity jobs were the only ones that had any appeal.

‘Bible Society caught my eye and I caught theirs!’ said Carol who works mainly in the London area. ‘This job is a perfect fit for me. I’m out and about, meeting people wanting to make a difference for God.’

A significant part of Carol’s job is raising awareness of Bible Society with black-led churches. ‘Recently I worked with a number of black-led churches to help fund Faith Comes By Hearing audio New Testament for communities in Tanzania. The Night of Worship was organised by the churches with our support.

Worshippers caught the vision and funded 60 Proclaimer sets for listening groups in Tanzania. Donations are still pouring in.

‘I love the freedom and the challenges of my job,’ she said. ‘There’s no better place to be than where God wants you. Right now, making the Bible heard and helping people put Scripture into the hands of those who need it is what God is asking me to do at Bible Society.’

Bible people

Outworkings Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. Prov. 3.5-6 GNB

When I put my trust in Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour at a Crusader Houseparty on 19 April 1959, Douglas Edmunds, the splendid South American Bible teacher gave me the verse above.

It is a promise that I have found to be completely trustworthy ever since. Through the tangled web of life’s challenges there have certainly been times when I had absolutely no idea where God was leading, but show the way he did, often through a complex series of connected events that only came to light afterwards.

and Religion (www.faraday-institute.org) at St. Edmund’s College,

When we were suddenly evacuated from West Beirut in 1986 (where I

worked at the American University Hospital) following the abortive American bombing of Libya, we drove back overland to the UK faced with finding a job, a house and schools for our three children. But God was in control, directing our paths in the middle of the confusion and uncertainty.

Curiously, for me all this makes it much easier to appreciate the out-workings of God’s purposes through Darwinian evolution. It is no accident that the Christians who had least problem embracing evolution at the time of Darwin were those with a strong belief in the sovereignty of God. Just as God directs the paths of Christians through the challenges and vicissitudes of life, so our Creator

God has brought all living things into being through a historical process that fulfils his intentions and purposes for this world.

• Dr Denis Alexander is Director of the Faraday Institute for Science

authored with Nick Spencer, was published in Feb 2009.

Cambridge, where he is a Fellow. The report Rescuing Darwin, co-

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