Sower.

Iwonder, when was the last time you were encouraged by opening the Bible with another person? Perhaps it was at church last Sunday, or in a small group mid-week. Or with a loved one over a morning coffee, or before going to bed last night. Whenever it was, or whoever it was with, there is such power to be found in opening the Bible together, isn’t there?

That’s what this edition of Sower is all about: the unity we experience when we read God’s word together. Unity, healing and a sense of God working across generations. At Bible Society Australia, we are passionate about opening the Bible with all people, everywhere, through all means possible. In this season, we are taking a close look at how we are opening the Bible in Australia.

You’ll read in these pages the powerful story of Kanytjupai, and her enduring friendship with Ann Eckert. Their friendship grew and developed as they opened the Bible together, translating God’s word into Kanytjupai’s heart language, Pitjantjatjara. What an enduring legacy their work has!

I trust that you will also be encouraged by the stories of healing experienced through the work of language revitalisation. As God’s word is translated into dormant languages, people's hearts and souls are being restored. Memorably, translator Roslyn remarked, “God gave us our languages. It connects us and our identity. Without him we would not have language. As he restores our language, he restores our soul.” Our Bible translation consultant Amy Cruickshanks offers us a window into this wonderful, healing work which is happening as we open the Bible together.

As we Open The Bible across Australia, we are partnering with some amazing groups. Mick George, a chaplain working in the ACT, shares encouraging stories from his work both with the Australian Defence Force cadets, and more recently, in a detention centre. With the support of BSA’s Scripture Grants program, Mick is able to come alongside those who are at pivotal moments in their lives, and open the Bible with them. What an opportunity; what a privilege!

As you read through Sower, you’ll find an update on the work of Bible translation. In 2022, Bible Societies around the world completed Scripture translations in 81 languages used by 723 million people. How encouraging is that! Yet the work is ongoing, and spans to the next generation. Your ongoing support is vital!

In our Daily Bible article, Jason Griffiths from SIL International reflects on Revelation 7:9 (NIV) '... I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb...' Jason notes that God values cultural and language diversity enough to specifically mention that every one of them will be represented before his throne. And so should we! There is unity to be found in opening the Bible together in our country, across different languages and cultures.

I hope you are encouraged by this edition of Sower, and that you will continue to enjoy the blessings of unity, healing, and shared purpose as you Open The Bible together.

GOD BLESS, Grant Thomson CEO, BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA

In 2022, Bible Societies around the world completed Scripture translations in 81 languages used