Australia

Disaster Recovery Grant

Overview

Bible Society Australia (BSA) seeks to serve and equip groups who are ministering to Australians in all areas of life by providing Bibles and Scripture resources through the Disaster Recovery grant.

The Need

Emergency chaplains, front line gospel workers and local churches are often among the first responders in any emergency, helping people in difficult circumstances, sharing God’s hope and the good news of Jesus.

There is a great need for the Disaster Recovery grant in providing Scripture resources, so that those ministering can help people begin a journey of healing with God’s word.

2022 85k saw a series of floods across eastern Australia which were one of the worst flood disasters in the country. people were displaced in July alone in NSW’s Central Coast and areas of Sydney.

1,835

Bibles, New Testaments and Gospels were distributed in response to disaster in the 2021/2022 financial year.

>5k

‘Beyond Trauma’ Bible-based resources were distributed in the same time period.

Goals

The goal this project is to Open The Bible to people experiencing disaster. By resourcing front line workers with the Scriptures and gospel materials, they can engage people with God’s word.

Impact

This grant shares the transformative hope of the gospel and equips gospel workers with both God’s word and the ability to encourage and disciple those they work with.

The impact of these grants has been seen in the changed lives of recipients, and the stories and testimonies from chaplains, outreach workers and the recipients of Bibles and Scripture resources. In the 2021/2022 Financial Year, requests were made for:

• 715 Kids ‘No Worries’ tract

• 2,224 ‘Beyond Trauma’ booklets,

• 2,834 ‘Beyond Trauma’ postcard,

• 105 Bibles

• 680 New Testaments and

• 1,050 Gospels.

Prayer Needs

In 2023, this project is aiming to find and support more ministries, giving them the resources they need to share the Gospel and disciple people who are facing various emergency situations.

Testimonies

“We were one of those who were flooded in the massive floods that hit Lismore and surrounds earlier this year. Very graciously, Bible Society donated to us a good number of New Testaments, Gospel of Mark, and other helpful booklets / tracts that we have since fully donated to members of Lismore.” - Darryl, 2022

“I accepted the trauma related resources (Beyond trauma booklet, the beyond trauma post-card, and ’No Worries’ for children)...I’m glad I did! The card is a very accessible way for people to get some helpful and practical insights into what they’re experiencing. The booklet is also very accessible, is well informed, the ‘posture’ feels both pastoral and professional, the use of Biblical references and insights seems very appropriate - reassuring and powerful yet sensitive... God is at work even, and perhaps especially at a time like this...” - Rev Steve, Lismore, 2022

“It was wonderful to receive and share the Trauma information. I have been supporting many people who have been affected, either directly or indirectly, as a result of the bushfires and pandemic. Having a comforting and empathetic ear is just as important as a guiding piece of advice. However, the booklet has wonderful resources that can be drawn on in future conversations.” - Chaplain, 2021

Pray for continued opportunities to Open The Bible with Australians in crisis situations, such as floods, the COVID pandemic and other natural disasters.

• Pray for emergency workers to be raised up, and equipped with soft hearts, listening ears, and wisdom to share God’s word with those facing seemingly insurmountable troubles and deep sorrow.