SOWER - "I want to work and do something more important with my life," says Abed, a refugee from Syria.
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SOWER
WINTER 2018
“I want to work
and do something
more important
with my life,” says
Abed, a refugee
from Syria.
1
A lamp to their feet
A light to their path
For long-time Bible Society the Flying Bible Man, who became chaplain to construction workers
supporters Bill and Jocelyn Ross, a great asset. on a dam, Trevor Booth went
the Bible really has proved to be “I’d go with Trevor in his plane with him to visit the workers. “He
“a lamp to their feet and a light to and catch up with people on the had a good film to show in the
their path,” as they have navigated stations. I was flying with Trevor workmen’s mess service. On one
the roads God has taken them. when the Bible Society made a occasion the sound system wasn’t
After studying and marrying film about his work in the East working – but it didn’t matter,
in Canberra, Bill and Jocelyn Pilbara. What I remember the because Trevor narrated the film!
ministered for a few years in most about the filming was the He had shown the film so many
Albury, NSW, before moving to constant flies in our eyes! ... it was times, he knew the dialogue by
the far north of Western Australia a wonderful experience” heart.”
in 1970 and beginning a life-long When the Rosses moved to Trevor also assisted with the
ministry there. Dampier, a Pilbara port town, Bill
They began in the town of again engaged in patrols with
Kununurra and the patrol district Trevor at several stations in the
of the East Kimberley, with the West Pilbara, and Barrow Island.
Bush Church Aid Society. “I always carried with me a
Since then, the Rosses have small range of Bible Bill and
served in Dampier, Bluff Point, Society products. Jocelyn Ross
Wickham and Port Hedland over a I guess you could
period of 45 years. say I was a bit of
In Kununurra, their association a colporteur in
with Bible Society became central those days!” Bill
to their own ministry, as their recalls.
paths crossed with Trevor Booth, When Bill was
2
Dear friends,
W
e are Bible believers, We’ve lost connection with the
yes, but how can a very teachings that brought us
book change lives? The what we treasure: neighbourly
answer has many parts to it. love, justice mixed with mercy,
One is the concept of equity: it a sense of purpose, a moral
Freely / Wilmer Edson
is simply just that everyone compass. But around the
should have equal access world – in countries such
to the word of God. It as those featured in this
can be economically Sower – people see the
challenging, Bible for what it is. It
linguistically demanding liberates; it excites; it
children’s ministry in schools in and physically enlightens the worried
places around the countryside, exhausting. But it is right and confused. They are
and supplying Bibles and and just that we continue to hungry for it.
Scripture resources. pursue our goal of all peoples and Bible Society is one of the
“To always have a supply of languages having access to the oldest mission agencies in
Bibles – 4000km from Perth – was Bible. When a new people group the world, and we are always
amazing,” says Bill. receives the Bible, they feel like adjusting to the needs of our
Bill says, “the Bible has always they matter: now God speaks times. We are still finishing the job
been at the heart of my ministry, directly to them. of Bible translation and provision.
in preaching and teaching and Second, the very process of But we are also playing the role of
what I have to say to people translating the Bible changes championing the Bible, especially
when I visit them at home or in communities. We are often told in Australian society where people
hospital or in the course of life. about the spiritual transformation can get hold of it, but they don’t
There is nothing else really that I occurring in translating groups, know why they should bother.
have to say – the only worthwhile families and villages as they We know why it is worthwhile,
thing is what I have to say from pore over God’s word, their eyes because we see with our own
God’s word.” opening wide to the truth that eyes and in our own hearts the
Bill and Jocelyn count it a sets us free. Sometimes, this deep way that God’s word turns lives
privilege to have supported the dive into the word is so good that around. Thanks for believing in
Bible A Month regular giving no one wants the translating to this with us!
programme since its inception. end.
Bill says it’s encouraging to know And third, the book does its
that, “as small as our offering is best work when people know just
able to be, a lot of Bibles have how valuable it is. In the West, Dr Greg Clarke, CEO
gone into a lot of hands.” we seem to have forgotten this. Bible Society Australia
3
LEBANON Help move life forward for young refugees Hayyan Chahoud dreams of being an engineer and going back to Syria, but his life is on hold in Lebanon. 4
O
n the fringes of a town market gardens or in construction
north of Tripoli in in town to supplement their
Lebanon, Syrian refugees family’s income.
are huddled together in a refugee These are the lost youth of
camp, trying to maintain hope and Syria, a generation stripped of
dignity in the face of boredom childhood and forced to abandon
and despair. education in the horrors of war.
A chilly breeze blows from the At an age when youth in other
distant snow-covered mountains parts of the world are expanding
over the camp, which houses their horizons through learning,
about 1100 refugees in about 350 life is frustratingly on hold for
densely packed tents. these teenagers.
It’s ramshackle and messy, but Fifteen-year-old Abed el-llah
this has been home for up to and 13-year-old Hayyan Chahoud
five years for these 250 families, have lost their parents. Their
most of whom fled their city after father died in Lebanon from
seeing their homes destroyed in cancer; their mother died in Syria
the armed conflict. from a heart attack. Playing with a guitar brings
Having fled the war, they are Abed is haunted by memories moments of joy that lift the spirits.
living in limbo – unable to work of their uncle, captured, tortured
legally in Lebanon but unable to and killed in Syria.
return home until the situation “There was a lot of suffering in
is stable. There is a sense that my heart,” he says with a bleak
everyone is waiting, waiting – but stare. “I saw a lot of people dead
for what? and suffering because of
As women in the war. It was so hard
headscarves sit at the for me to see all this.”
doorways of their sturdy Abed and Hayyan do
UNICEF tents, the narrow not attend school but
alleyways teem with children. they dream of a better life in the
The younger children are taken future.
to nearby schools in minibuses “I would like to be a builder,”
but the teenagers don’t attend says Abed. “I want to work and
school so kill time by chasing a do something more important
soccer ball or playing war games with my life.”
on wasteland nearby. Hayyan was a small child when
Many of the teenage boys are a tank destroyed the family
forced to work in the nearby home, but he shares his brother’s
5
$48 will teach a young
refugee to read in a
Bible-based literacy class.
$84 will equip 12
literacy students
with Scripture to help life
move forward again.
$126 provides
Scripture and
practical aid to Iraqi and
Syrian refugees.
Syrian refugee Akram*, 12, in his
tent, dreams of being a doctor.
dream of going back to Syria and from the Bible. through the word of God,” says
rebuilding their house. “This project will help the Joe Eid, Programmes Coordinator,
“I am not working now, but my children study here in the camps. Bible Society of Lebanon.
dream is to be an engineer one It will prepare them for a better Please, will you help young
day,” he says. future back in Syria. Education is refugees to restart their lives
Everyday life in the camp is a light in life. It will increase the by teaching them to read God’s
not easy. Medical care and even creativity in their lives,” he says. word? Your gift will also bring
powdered milk is in short supply. Bible Society in Lebanon aims Bible storytelling to camps in
Many mothers, says the camp to teach 6000 young refugees Lebanon, distribute Scripture
chief, cannot afford to treat their to read and write over the next booklets to children, and provide
children. “When their children cry, three years. Bibles and practical help to Syrian
they cry,” he says. “Because this is a biblical and Iraqi refugees.
He wishes he could do more to literacy programme, the other
help the refugees in his care. He goal is to give them the truth *Name changed for security.
is delighted that Bible Society in
Lebanon is ready to start literacy
classes in the camp to teach GIVE NOW
illiterate teens to read and write. Please call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537), use the
As well as acquiring vital skills, donation form on the back page or visit
they will meet Jesus because in biblesociety.org.au/sowrefuge
every lesson they will learn to read
6
Devotion
Suddenly, your
prayer will be
answered
Pixabay /TheVirtualDenise
I foretold the former things long way God operates in our lives. although it comes suddenly, it
ago, my mouth announced them You might have experienced is not unexpected because faith
and I made them known; then
suddenly I acted, and they came to this yourself: God speaks to us awakened by God’s word created
pass. Isaiah 48:3 through his word, this creates expectation. We see it in the Bible:
W
faith and expectation, and then the disciples in the upper room
hen my grandfather for the longest time it seems as if were in one accord waiting for
died recently at the nothing happens! It’s like a seed what Jesus had promised – and
grand age of 94, that is dormant in the soil. God then, suddenly ... ! What happened
his death notice in the local teaches us to value his blessings for the disciples can also happen
newspaper informed readers that by making us wait for them in for us: suddenly the word will
he passed away “suddenly, but persistent prayer and expectation come to pass. Suddenly the
not unexpectedly.” This phrase before he gives them. Then, promise will be fulfilled. Suddenly
grabbed my attention. At first I suddenly he acts and performs provision will come. Suddenly
thought it to be an oxymoron. his word. To doubters, it may be the prayers will be answered.
Yet the more I pondered it, I a coincidence. To bystanders it Suddenly, but not unexpectedly.
realised that “suddenly, but may well be unexpected; but Lars Halvorsen, Senior Pastor of
not unexpectedly” is often the to the one standing in faith, C3 Church, Darwin.
7
AUSTRALIA
Bible
at the
front line
CPL Julia Whitwell
CEO of the Bible Society Greg Clarke presents Chief of Army Angus
Campbell with the new-look camouflage Army Bible.
S
oldiers in the Australian message of the Bible by Roger man or woman, in any of the
Army can now “put on Marsh, coordinating chaplain services can have.”
the full armour of God” at the Kapooka Army Recruit Bible Society also distributes
by carrying the brand-new Training Centre near Wagga a special waterproof New
waterproof New Testament in Wagga in NSW. Testament for the RAAF as well
their pocket or their webbing “We find that they are readily as supplying full Bibles to the
(belt kits and slings that hold taken and so pretty much a New armed forces and other frontline
ammunition and other vital kit). Testament is placed into the chaplains through its Scripture
This means that when they put hands of every soldier in the grants programme.
their lives on the line in service of Australian Army,” says Martin Rochelle Wainwright is a
their country, they have the words de Pyle, Senior Staff Chaplain at hospital chaplain who loves
of eternal life close to their hearts. Army Headquarters in Canberra, being able to give out the Bibles
Every new soldier who who was involved in she receives from Bible Society.
joins the defence force is creating the new edition. In her two days a week at the
offered a copy of this new “The chaplains of the Children’s Hospital, Westmead
edition of the Army New defence force are incredibly and three days at Allowah
Testament, containing grateful to the Bible Society Presbyterian Hospital in Sydney,
pictures of soldiers in for the provision of these she knows that God can be with
action, a message from resources, which we believe families even when she can’t.
the Chief of the Army and to be the most important “I can underline the passages
an overview of the main resource that any soldier, so that in the middle of the night
8
Rochelle Wainwright Hannah Johnson Edwina Soh
when they can’t sleep, they can to have the word of God available actually are in Christ.”
hold on to that psalm and they to remind athletes that their value Edwina Soh loves leading Bible
can find comfort in their anxiety as an athlete has nothing to do study at Presbyterian Ladies’
… I can’t be there in the middle of with their purpose. College, Sydney, knowing she
the night, but God can. “The reason I do it is I see the is working in a mission field of
“I can’t have families putting need for our athletes to be seen eternal worth.
their hope in me and my visit as people, not just performers,” “There are a lot of kids who
because I’m human and I can’t she says. don’t know Jesus. What an
be there every day. My role is “So if I come alongside them opportunity!”
to point them to God, who will and journey with them – and Will you help put Bibles into
always be there. hopefully do my best to reflect the hands of chaplains in the
“If a family can feel like God Christ’s love to them – they will armed forces as well as in other
is speaking to them, God who come to know that they are more frontline ministries right across
created the world is speaking than a performer and that they our land?
to them in their suffering, that can go after their dreams but with (Your donatons to ADF
is the best that we can bring to an understanding of who they chaplains are tax-deductible.)
families – God and his word, not
ourselves.”
Hannah Johnson of Sports
WILL YOU HELP?
Chaplaincy Australia is another Please call 1300 Bibles (1300 242 537) or visit
frontline chaplain who is grateful biblesociety.org.au/sowchaplain
9
Final miracle
brings
Indigenous
recording
home
Naphtali “Tjilya” Scobie records the words of Jesus in the Gospels of Mark and Luke.
10T
he Pitjantjatjara New from her from the Alice Springs words they record are also helping
Testament audio recording airport – she’d come in on the them and encouraging them in
is finally a reality, allowing Flying Doctor escorting her their walk with Christ.”
the word to go out in audio mother for an operation. So she By March 16, it’s clear that
format among the Pitjantjatjara was able to redo those missing completion of the recording “rests
people of Central Australia. This lines. We praise God for taking on the shoulders of Pitjantjatjara
recording will now be mastered care of so many details during men exclusively as all of the
with sound effects and musical the 18 weeks it took to do this parts women could do have been
backgrounds and should be huge task. It’s hard to believe it’s completed.” The week of March 23
released later this year. The final finished.” was discouraging, with readers of
recording session was the voice After completing the first half Peter’s words and Satan’s words
of Peter read by Pastor Phillip of the audio recording in Adelaide delayed by funerals.
Wilyuka from Titjikala, at 9:45 on last year, recording resumed in “Dan and Kay will have to
the Thursday night before Easter. Alice Springs in late January. The extend their stay and adjust their
Recording had been tight recording involved more than flights by six days.
during the last weeks with key 50 Pitjantjatjara people reading “As we approach Easter, the
people called away to funerals different biblical characters. health of our dear co-translator
and a looming deadline for Dan Ann Eckert, former Bible of 28 years fails ... she has now
and Kay Finley (the team from Society and Wycliffe Bible entered into the next phase of
Faith Comes By Hearing) to return Translator, joined her husband eternal life. But oh, how we shall
to the US, but God had a miracle Paul in Alice Springs coordinating miss her ... She had finished her
waiting. the household for the team and race and had remained faithful.”
“During final proofing, we readers and writing progress
found two lines had been reports.
accidentally deleted from the “One thing that saddens us is
narration of Acts, but Deborah, how many excellent readers now
who read it, had returned to struggle with fluency having been
her home nearly 500km away compromised by ill health,” she
some weeks before,” reveals Paul wrote in week three. “Yet they
Eckert, Bible Society’s long- are the senior ones whose voices
serving Production Coordinator in will be respected.”
Remote and Indigenous Ministry In early March, she expressed
Support. “I rang her to see if she her appreciation for the
could return but she was looking “fine Aboriginal Christian
after her sick mother and unwell people in this
herself. recording project.
“However, on the last day of “The readers
proofing, I received a phone call report that the Makinti Minutjukur reads 2 Corinthians.
11
11SOUTH AFRICA
A sound foundation
Melissa Lipsett with children using Bible-based booklets that promote literacy at a school in South Africa
I
n a country of stark not have the privilege of attending in the country, I was terribly
dichotomies, Bible Society is the Reception Class (Grade R) confronted by the level of poverty
evening up the odds in early before formal school, and so experienced in the coloured
childhood literacy by donating they are already behind when and black townships. I was
attractive and engaging Bible- beginning school. This contributes desperately disturbed
based literacy resources to those to the more than 80 per cent of by the inequalities I
in dire need. South African children who do not saw – wealthy suburbs
Children in South Africa’s many reach the highest levels of school. immediately adjacent to
extremely poor communities Melissa Lipsett, Bible Society squatter communities,
face significant challenges in Australia’s chief operating where people
education. Most attend daycare officer, supported the work in were shockingly
centres where they are not South Africa last year, and was impoverished.
exposed to any reading or writing overwhelmed by the needs of And in those
skills. Many of these children do the people. “In my first time impoverished
12communities, teachers were an isolated, barren wasteland.
desperate for resources.” An Afrikaans woman in the
At schools in these community started a daycare
communities, Melissa observed centre on site, so that children
that each classroom had very under school age had somewhere
large numbers of children. It was to go during the day. Every child
not unusual to see one teacher attending this centre has received
with 40 children in a class. The a Bible-based literacy booklet
teachers were dedicated and from Bible Society, and is being
passionate but restricted by the taught literacy.
lack of resources. “The resources themselves
It is into this environment that are beautiful!” says Melissa.
Bible Society is supplying Bible- “Very user-friendly and currently
based literacy resources, free of available in 12 languages,
charge, to schools and daycare including English. This means
centres. The goal is to promote that the children can become
basic literacy as well as Bible entirely fluent in their own tongue,
literacy among underprivileged and that the teachers can use a
preschool children, helping resource with a couple of different
them to reach a sounder level languages simultaneously.”
of education when they start The potential and impact of
Every child at Bluewater Bay Daycare
schooling. The resources include this project is many faceted. As is given a Bible reader.
posters, flash cards, children’s Melissa acknowledges, “education
booklets and teachers’ manuals. is the best thing we can do for
Commenting on the teachers’ impoverished communities, to
reactions, Melissa says, “The fact help them break out of the cycle GIVE NOW
that Bible Society is providing of poverty.” This project is also
first and second Bible readers introducing the Bible to young Please call 1300 BIBLES
to every child in every class was children. (1300 242 537), use
remarkable to them. Despite the Melissa points out that South the donation form on
large numbers in each classroom, Africa is still much more openly the back page or visit
every child was able to receive Christian than Australia, and there biblesociety.org.au/
their own booklet.” is very good acceptance of this sowyoung
Melissa recalls one daycare resource in government, as well
centre in Cape Town. Originally as in the schools. It has received
developed on a rubbish tip, the high accolades among education
impoverished community was specialists, while also providing
relocated by the government into schools with the Scriptures.
132017 was a successful year in which God’s
Word was translated and distributed
worldwide. As we celebrated 200 years of Bible
Society work in Australia, people engaged with
the Bible, and awareness of the Bible and its
life-changing message was elevated.
14FINANCIALS
“A wonderland of all things Christian”: there are books for every
taste at Koorong’s flagship store in West Ryde, Sydney
A slice of bookworm heaven
As Koorong turns 40 this month, Christian novels, theological a zip that went all the way around
Kylie Beach recalls growing up resources and Christian living so that I didn’t keep losing my pen
with a place that seemed to be a titles. What more could a between the car and church?
At Koorong, there seemed to
F
little slice of heaven on earth. bookworm church kid want?
or a church kid who loved I could spend hours standing be a book on every topic, with
to read more than anything, in front of Koorong’s immense the wisdom of the Christian
a visit to Koorong felt like wall of Bibles. Could I find the community through the ages
the Christian equivalent of being translation I wanted, with the collected in one room.
asked to fetch something from annotation I needed and a cover I left the store with books on
the teacher’s craft storeroom – that I loved? Was it better to get prayer, sharing my faith, and
each seemed a wonderland of a conservative-styled Bible that friendship. Sometimes I took
abundance. had parallel translations and a home the writings of church
But at Koorong, instead of comprehensive index? Or should fathers and medieval mystics.
coloured paper, paint bottles and I get the cool new one tailored Other times, it was fiction or a
pipe-cleaners, I encountered an for tweens? Could I convince my biography that chronicled the
abundance of Bibles, devotionals, mum to buy me a Bible case with extraordinary lives of people such
16as Joni Eareckson Tada, Corrie Christian faith could be expressed
Ten Boom or my faith hero, Adrian in different, equally genuine ways,
Plass, of Sacred Diary fame. and that I could always learn
My mum also viewed Koorong something from a Christian, even
as a wonderland of all things if I didn’t agree with them on
Christian, stocking up on cards, everything.
resources for new Christians, In later years, when I worked as
and kids’ books for non-Christian a college trainer at Hillsong, we
friends’ kids (in her suburban continually ordered books from
version of Bible smuggling). Koorong to be delivered to our
Yet it was the devotional office. Then, in late November,
section that was my favourite. when most of our student
I had always seen my parents body had headed home for
working through devotionals, the holidays, we would indulge
whether in their own quiet times ourselves with a trip to Koorong in
or in Bible study groups. They person and during work hours.
were classic Australian Baptist I’d find that Koorong had
Pixabay / Samueles
types who read the Bible with a lost none of its magic. Again,
pencil in hand. And what better I’d lose hours in front of the
way to reflect on the Bible than wall of Bibles and get lost in
with a devotional from Koorong? the immense range of Christian
As a teenager, I learned to living titles. I’d stock up on gifts
pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s for my kids, scour the shelves for
nudge in my spirit, and then academic resources, swing past
to head to Koorong to find a the devotionals, before meeting
devotional that would guide me. my colleagues at the café to
My mum told me that she compare purchases.
regarded Koorong to be her When I recently heard that
“first line of defence” when she Koorong was turning 40, and that
found herself lacking biblical we are the same age, I realised
understanding. As a young that, even though it was just a
married woman, I followed her bookstore, Koorong featured in
lead by finding books on how to my memory as if it were a wise,
be a good Christian wife, most of faithful character in a story.
which curiously seemed to have And that’s exactly what
pink and mauve covers. Now Koorong has been to me. A
these purchases were a bit hit and faithful, wise, small slice of
miss but they taught me that the bookworm heaven on earth.
17SOUTH PACIFIC
A labour
of love
O
n an isolated island in the of these nations, such as Fiji, translation project. John agreed
Pacific nation of Vanuatu, Tonga and Samoa, have the full and soon the Hano project began
sisters Colinette and Bible. But archipelagos such
Annie Gaviga are completing the as Vanuatu and the Solomon
Launching the
final draft of the New Testament Islands have hundreds of island books of James and
in Hano, the language of the Raga languages. While most people Mark in the Maumi
people of Pentecost Island. Over are multilingual, they have a language in Fiji.
20 years in the making, the Hano deep desire for the word of God
translation project has spanned in their heart language, their
generations. everyday speech.
Bible Society is working in the The Hano translation
South Pacific to encourage the project began in 1997,
spiritual life of the people, by when a Hano speaker,
providing Scripture translations Mark Gaviga,
and revisions as well as Scripture approached John
products throughout the South Harris, then Bible
Pacific. The Bible Society of Society Australia’s
the South Pacific is the world’s Director of
most complex Bible Society. Translation, about
Based in Fiji, it encompasses the possibility
16 Pacific Island nations. Some of a Hano Bible
18John Harris helps Annie and
Colinette Gaviga check the last
words of Revelation in Hano at
the Bible Society office in Port
Vila, Vanuatu. Daughters of Hano
translator Mark Gaviga, they are
continuing their father’s work.
through the Bible Society of the lonely task fitted in between clerk for the Bible Society in
South Pacific with John as the tending their gardens and other Vanuatu. There, in Port Vila,
translation consultant. village responsibilities. Annie was able to keyboard the
That year, in the mountain Mark persisted as long as whole text. John came out of
village of Lavusi, Mark Gaviga, he could, and then help came retirement to go to Vanuatu to
with John’s help, began the Hano from an unexpected source. carry out the final check before
translation – eating, sleeping His eldest daughter, Colinette, printing. Three people who were
and translating in Mark’s one- took over the task. As the New there at the beginning in the little
room house. Everything was Testament neared completion, it house in Lavusi came together to
handwritten in exercise books. needed to be keyboarded before complete the work at the end.
Mark’s little daughters, Colinette a final consultant check. God’s Will you help us continue to
and Annie, were curious hand was evident here when translate the Bible into other
onlookers. Colinette’s younger sister, Annie, small island languages in the
Many other small languages began to work as a translation South Pacific?
still lack Scriptures. Bible
Societies struggle to support
these remote projects. GIVE NOW
Translators are voluntary and Please call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537),
helped with only occasional visits use the donation form on the back page
by busy translation consultants. or visit biblesociety.org.au/sowpacific
Theirs is often a difficult and
19BSA updates
Bibles for Bubs Paul Eckert bids goodbye
Hillmen Li and Zac Liang were delighted to receive Paul Eckert has spent almost 40 years overseeing
a Bible storybook from Bible Society CEO Greg the Pitjantjatjara Bible Project, translating the Bible
Clarke for their baby daughter, Evie. The Bibles into the Aboriginal language of Central Australia.
for Bubs project is a five-year introduction to the In May, he hands over the reins of the project, as he
Bible for nearly 2500 babies born in Bible Society’s retires. In his time with Bible Society, Paul and his
Bicentenary year (from January 1, 2017 to March 7, wife, Ann, have seen the publication of the full New
2018). After receiving a Bible storybook, each child Testament in Pitjantjatjara, and recently completed
will receive a birthday card every year for five years, an audio recording of the New Testament with
while the parent receives a guide with suggestions Pitjantjatjara voices. The Old Testament translation
for fun activities and other ways to introduce their is also well on its way. Paul spent many years living
little ones to the Bible and nurture their faith. When in Pukatja in the APY Lands of remote northwest
the children turn five, they will receive a CEV Big South Australia with his family, working with local
Rescue Bible, which is a full Bible and designed to Christians on the translation. Translator Yanyi
see them through their primary school years. Please Bandicha said: “Wiṟu mulapa paluṟu palyanu. Ngayulu
pray for the families and all of the children receiving puḻkaṟa pukularinyi waaṟka wiṟu paluṟu palyaṉu.” (“It
these Bibles, that this special gift kick-starts a really is wonderful what Paul has done for us. I’m
lifelong passion for God’s word. overjoyed by this great work he has done.”)
20Good Book Talks The source made visible
Why is it that the book that has shaped the world is A grand prize of a $32,000 “Land of the Bible
so often left on the shelf? Bible Society Australia is tour” for four, provided by Christian Fellowship
presenting The Good Book Talks on topics that get Tours, goes to the winner of the Invisible Book
to the heart of why the Bible is still relevant today. competition, which encourages today’s storytellers
Far from being outdated, the Bible remains deeply to show the biblical ideas behind the great texts
embedded in Australian culture, ethics and the way studied at school, especially Shakespeare. The
we live our everyday lives. Highly engaging speakers one whose video tells it best will win a 17-day tour
including Greg Clarke and Justine Toh, above, of Israel and Jordan, walking where Jesus walked
will give talks in four locations to challenge our and seeing significant places in the gospel stories.
assumptions and deepen our understanding of the Christian Fellowship Tours is an Australian-owned
Bible. These talks are suitable for both doubters and family company that provides faith-based holidays
those who are already persuaded that the Bible is as for Christians. It has partnered with Bible Society to
relevant today as it always was. Why not come along help make what has become an invisible book – the
and bring that sceptical neighbour, friend or family Bible – visible again to today’s young people. There’s
member? Newcastle: August 8, Geelong: August still time for young filmmakers to get their short, fun
27, Sydney: August 30, Hobart: September 4. Visit video in before the competition closes on June 30.
biblesociety.org.au/thegoodbooktalks Find out more at theinvisiblebook.com.au
21Prayer points face intense oppression and persecution. Pray for
protection and opportunities to share the Bible.
Pray also for church leaders to stand strong amid
June – September 2018 pressure that extremists place on their churches.
Syria: Please pray for a peaceful solution to the
Syrian civil war. Pray that innocent civilians suffer no
June 3-9 more and those affected find healing in God’s word.
Nicaragua: Please pray for peace and spiritual
renewal in Nicaragua, following an outbreak of July 1-7
violence and lawlessness during protests against Australia – Mission: Bible Society Australia has
government changes to social insurance. partnered with the United Evangelistic Council
Australia – Koorong: Thank the Lord for four to create Ignition, a resource to fund and equip
decades of Koorong! Australia’s largest retailer of evangelistic youth events across Australia. Please
Christian books and media is turning 40 this week. pray for wisdom for those involved.
India: Pray that every Bible reaches its destination
June 10-16 and those who need it. Pray also for the
Australia – Centre for Public Christianity: As government of India and for laws to be changed to
screenings continue of CPX’s documentary For the allow Bibles to be delivered in all states.
Love of God: how the church is better and worse
than you ever imagined, pray that it reaches those July 8-14
who need to hear the truth of the gospel. Algeria: Please pray for persecuted Christians in
China: Please pray that the huge demand for Bibles Algeria where even casual conversations about faith
in China can be met, despite reports that Bibles are can be grounds for blasphemy charges.
being removed from online stores and bookshops. Egypt: Praise God that despite persecution,
Pray for Bible Society Australia’s special appeal to Christians in Egypt remain unwavering in their faith,
maintain printing and distribution of Bibles in China. compelling a “multitude” to come to Christ.
June 17-23 July 15-21
Refugees: More than 80 per cent of the world’s Iran: Pray for the growing Christian community in
refugee population is found in developing countries. Iran, that they would be allowed to share their faith
Please pray for these countries including Pakistan, and the Bible openly. Many Christians have been
Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Kenya and Ethiopia. prosecuted and sentenced to lengthy jail terms in
Cuba: Please pray for Cuba’s newly elected Iran, with others awaiting trial.
president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, and for positive change Australia – Content and Publishing: Please pray for
in one of the world’s most oppressive regimes. Catherine Fuertes, who has recently begun the task
of coordinating Bible production for BSA. Pray that
June 24-30 the Scriptures she arranges to publish and print will
Sudan: Please pray for Christians in Sudan who be effective in spreading the message of Jesus.
22July 22-28 Australia – Events: Please pray that the many
Vietnam: Please pray for Christians in Vietnam who Thank You events staged by Bible Society Australia
have limited access to the Bible. Since there is no will be well supported.
Bible printing in Vietnam, many Christians have little
knowledge of the truths of the gospel. August 19-25
Kyrgyzstan: Give thanks that the Bible Society Netherlands: Praise God that the Bible has recently
of Kyrgyzstan received its licence as a religious been voted the most important book for the
organization in March, allow them to continue people of the Netherlands. Pray for the readers of a
ministry in Kyrgyzstan and open new opportunities. Christian magazine for children called Alef and for
BibleBasics, a new Dutch Sunday school programme.
July 29-August 4 Ghana: Please pray for the Bible translation project
Australia – Church Relations: Following a meeting in Abron, also known as Bono. Pray for preparations
with Bishop Daniel of Sydney’s Coptic Church, towards a World Assembly to be hosted by Bible
pray for a closer friendship between Bible Society Society of Ghana in 2022.
Australia and the Australian Coptic Movement.
Namibia: Praise God for a newly translated August 26-September 1
version of the Khoekhoegowab Bible, 14 years in Australia – Content & Publishing: Please pray for
the making. The new version, replacing the 1966 Character Reborn by James Pietsch, published
edition, is more consistent with the language being by Acorn Press this month. It challenges Christian
used in Namibian schools. educators to consider how they might share the
good news of Jesus with the wider community.
August 5-11 Puerto Rico: Please pray for a fiscal plan to cut
Australia – Church Relations: Please pray that debt, prevent austerity and reduce child poverty in
the day-to-day efforts of our teams will bear Puerto Rico. San Juan’s Catholic Archbishop and
fruit. Pray that many more churches will welcome the Puerto Rico Evangelical Bible Society leader are
Bible Society Australia as we seek to serve all lobbying for a kingdom-focused plan.
denominations in the furtherance of his kingdom.
Romania: Please pray for the Inter-confessional September 2-8
Bible Society of Romania as it works with parents of Australia – Mission: Please pray for our Literacy for
Down syndrome children. Pray that God’s word will Women in Africa project. Bible Society Australia is
provide encouragement, direction and comfort. part of a collaborative project to bring Bible-based
literacy to women from ethnic minorities in Malawi,
August 12-18 Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania.
Congo: Please pray for Bible-based trauma healing North Korea: Please pray for the Christian church to
programmes for abused women in the Democratic persevere and multiply amid persecution from the
Republic of Congo. Pray for those being trained to North Korean regime. Pray also for the spreading
lead the programmes, which incorporate biblical of God’s truth through Bibles, radio and returning
wisdom with best practices in mental health. refugees.
23Refugees: The Body of Christ, There is More! Education in the
God’s Concern God’s Team By John Kelly Resurrection Age
By Justin Whelan By Tim Argall By James Pietsch
Week One Week Three Week Five Week Seven
JUN 3 – JUN 9 JUN 17 – JUN 23 JUL 1 – JUL 7 JUL 15 – JUL 21
SUN 3 Ps 137:1 SUN 17 Matt 14:22-33 SUN 1 Eph 3:20-21 SUN 15 Matt 11:4-6
MON 4 Exod 23:9 MON 18 Josh 6:1-20 MON 2 Gen 37:9-10 MON 16 John 11:21-27
TUE 5 Heb 13:2 TUE 19 Heb 11:24-27 TUE 3 Job 11:7-9 TUE 17 Acts 23:6-8
WED 6 Ps 146:9 WED 20 Neh 1:1-11 WED 4 Mark 10:29-31 WED 18 Rom 6:5-8
THUR 7 Gen 21:9-10 THUR 21 Gen 45:1-7, 12-14 THUR 5 Mark 9:22-24 THUR 19 1 Cor 15:3-5
FRI 8 Matt 2:13-15a FRI 22 1 Tim 4:4-16 FRI 6 Prov 18:21 FRI 20 2 Cor 5:16-21
SAT 9 Isa 56:3a, 6-7 SAT 23 Dan 6:16-28 SAT 7 Jer 1:9-10 SAT 21 Eph 2:4-6
Week Two Week Four Week Six Week Eight
JUN 10 – JUN 16 JUN 24 – JUN 30 JUL 8 – JUL 14 JUL 22 – JUL 28
SUN 10 Luke 10:29 SUN 24 1 Tim 1:12-17 SUN 8 Matt 18:3-4 SUN 22 Col 1:15-18
MON 11 Ruth 2:10 MON 25 Luke 5:1-11 MON 9 Acts 16:1-3 MON 23 Col 3:1-3
TUE 12 Luke 17:18 TUE 26 John 3:22-36 TUE 10 John 16:33 TUE 24 Col 3:12-14
WED 13 Ezek 22:7 WED 27 Acts 15:30-41 WED 11 2 Cor 4:16-17 WED 25 1 Pet 2:9-10
THUR 14 Matt 25:35,43 THUR 28 Luke 23:32-43 THUR 12 Isa 43:18-29 THUR 26 2 Pet 1:5-7
FRI 15 Rom 5:8 FRI 29 Jer 51:15-17 FRI 13 Ps 78:5-7 FRI 27 Rev 21:3-5
SAT 16 2 Cor 5:20 SAT 30 Mark 1:9-19 SAT 14 Eph 2:4-7 SAT 28 1 Cor 13:8-13
How we treat refugees and As the drama of the These Bible devotions Many of us are engaged
vulnerable foreigners is FIFA World Cup unfolds follow the theme of the in teaching, nurturing
never far from the centre across Russia, Tim Argall Hillsong conference in and supporting those
of God’s concern. It’s also explores the notion that Sydney from July 10-13. around us. How do we go
a perennial debate in a winning team requires God has more for us than about this task? Is there
Australia. In this series we players with different we could ever imagine, something that goes
go beyond the classic texts abilities, skills, attitudes and these passages from beyond just imparting
to delve deeper into the and approaches. Building the Bible, together with information to transform
heart of God’s desire for on Paul’s picture of the reflections based on the whole character? In
how we treat those who church in 1 Cor 12:21-31, the new book by Brian the New Testament we find
come to us seeking safety, this series explores how Houston, Hillsong’s Global many descriptions of the
and for how we define God’s “team” is blessed Senior Pastor, explore character virtues that we
who is “in” and “out” of our by the role of each player. what God has for those are to “put on,” as a means
society. who follow him. of becoming people of the
new creation.
24Justin Whelan is
education manager,
Asylum Seeker
Resource centre.
Pilgrim Theology: “Grow Up” The Bible Tim Argall is a soccer
The Psalms of By Ben McEachen and Literacy player and coach for
30 years at community,
Ascents By Roy Williams
representative and elite
By Melinda Cousins levels.
Week Nine Week Eleven Week Thirteen John Kelly is a graduate
JUL 29 – AUG 4 AUG 12 – AUG 18 AUG 26 – SEP 1 of Hillsong College
SUN 29 Ps 120:5-7 SUN 12 Eph 4:11-16 SUN 26 John 1:1-2
and prepares small
group study materials
MON 30 Ps 121:5-7 MON 13 Matt 8:23-27 MON 27 Deut 31:24-26
for discipleship and
TUE 31 Ps 122:1-3 TUE 14 Prov 27:17 TUE 28 Ezra 7:10
fellowship programmes
WED 1 Ps 123:1-3 WED 15 1 Cor 3:1-3 WED 29 Isa 53:3 for Hillsong Australia.
THUR 2 Ps 124:6-8 THUR 16 Heb 5:11-14 THUR 30 Dan 5:12
FRI 3 Ps 125:4-5 FRI 17 Heb 6:1-6 FRI 31 Luke 1:1-4 James Pietsch is the
SAT 4 Ps 126:4-6 SAT 18 Rom 15:1-5 SAT 1 Luke 4:16-17 Principal at Inaburra
School in Sydney, and
Week Ten Week Twelve Week Fourteen author of Educating for
AUG 5 – AUG 11 AUG 19 – AUG 25 SEP 2 – SEPT 8 the Kingdom.
SUN 5 Ps 127:1-2 SUN 19 Luke 8:11-15 SUN 2 John 8:8
Melinda Cousins is
MON 6 Ps 128:4-6 MON 20 Phil 2:12-16 MON 3 John 19:19-22 a Baptist pastor and
TUE 7 Ps 129:2-4 TUE 21 Acts 6:4-5 TUE 4 Acts 8:27-28 Senior Lecturer in
WED 8 Ps 130:2-4 WED 22 1 Cor 14:20 WED 5 Col 4:16 Biblical Studies at Tabor
THUR 9 Ps 131:1-3 THUR 23 2 Pet 3:14-18 THUR 6 Rom 2:14-15 Bible College.
FRI 10 Ps 132:13-15 FRI 24 Col 1:9-14 FRI 7 Rev 20:15
SAT 11 Ps 133:1, 134:1-2 SAT 25 Heb 10:19-25 SAT 8 2 Tim 3:16 Ben McEachen is a
graduate of Moore
Psalms 120-134 seek to A lot of emphasis is placed The reading and Theological College
redefine our identity as on making the leap from contemplation of God’s and deputy editor of
members of the pilgrim childhood to being an word is a vital aspect of Eternity News.
community, anticipating adult. The Christian faith worship for all Christians.
where God is taking us and also shares this element of Today, the Bible has been Roy Williams is a
experiencing the full range maturing and developing. translated into thousands lawyer and author.
of life experiences and A steady yet sometimes of everyday languages. He has written two
relationships along the way. overlooked part of our This has been a key step bestsellers: God,
And they invite us again Christian faith is “growing in taking Christianity to all Actually (2008) and Mr
into relationship with the up” – and it’s not just a nations of the world, just as Eternity: The Story of
God who is present in every solo pursuit. Christians are Jesus commanded (Matt Arthur Stace (2017).
part of the journey and yet called to help each other in 28:19). Through reading
drawing us ever onwards in maturity – a lovely feature God’s word in their “heart
Christ. of the family of Jesus Christ language,” many have come
that should encourage us all. to know God.
25Bible Societies around the world
His word speaks! Joy at Nigerian Bibles Cuba conclave
George of the Syrian Bible Two people groups in Rivers Havana, Cuba, is the venue
Society in Aleppo thanks you for State in southern Nigeria recently for the annual Roundtable
your generous gifts to continue received their first Bibles. Exchange of United Bible
Children’s Scripture Distribution Kalabari speakers danced and Societies, in July. A riot of
despite the war. Rita rejoiced sang as the first Bible in their colour, Havana is a great
when her children came home language was launched. “Today contrast to Sydney, which
from church with Bibles. “We I am the happiest Kalabari hosted the event last year. But
might have lost our homes and person!” said the African Church the priorities will be the same
hometowns, but we haven’t lost Archbishop of Rivers Province, D. – how to harness technology
our faith and the Bible Society B. Kaladokubo, above. Meanwhile, and collaboration to ensure that
team continue to surprise us with the Okrika community rejoiced one day all people can have the
the most beautiful Scriptures that at the dedication of their long- opportunity to meaningfully
continue speaking to our hearts.” awaited Okrika Bible. access Scripture.
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Bible’s message of unconditional love in Jesus Christ.
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