Sower - Autumn 2015 by Bible Society Australia

The Bible at work

Bible helps prisoners find their way back SERBIA: Updated OT speaks to youth NORTHERN TERRITORY: Arrernte Shorter Bible reaches final stages

THEIR SACRIFICE: See Bibles that Aussie heroes carried into war 1

AUTUMN 2015

Sower

Dear friends, Christianity is all about one life for another. Jesus’ death on the cross was a unique event in history, not becauseremarkable of its manner iscover some of Australia’s of people were stories of courage,(plenty camaraderie and faith We crucifi butthat because in times of conflict. Uncover theed) Bibles took bullets and saved the lives of soldiers at Gallipoli of its meaning. In forget and the Western Front of WWI, or the Bible that the death of Christ, that travelled to Afghanistansin andand across some of death andthe wemost aredangerouscondemnation world’s terrain. Through the are darkest times of war, nothing can compare to done away with by a servants, the peace and hope that flows from the pages just and merciful God. of thewho Bible. That’s a one-off marvel. follow the ButofJesus’ Their Sacrifice is a collection stories,death prayers,is hymns, poetry and psalms to help you reflect suffering also a model for ouron the tragedy of war, the spirit ofWe those who are tohave live servant, lives. served our country andin theaBook of books that way that gives went with thethem. ourselves up for servant others, whether it is in acts of kindness King. and charity, in the humility of marriage or friendship, or in turning the other cheek against those who mistreat us. Laying down your life is bread and butter Christianity. But how easily we lose sight of this, expecting Christianity to bring blessing without sacrifice, or comfort rather than challenges. We forget that we are servants, who follow the suffering servant, the servant King. In this Sower, we highlight opportunities to serve, and to celebrate the service others have carried out on our behalf. Our Their Sacrifice campaign

is an exciting and sobering commemoration of wartime service and the role the Bible has played in providing strength, courage and reassurance. We also provide ways you can serve those in need in prisons, in political turmoil, and in places experiencing a famine of the word of God. Thank you for modelling Christian service whenever you pray for our work, give with a generous heart, and support the activities of the Bible Society. These are all actions of service and sacrifice, a metaphorical laying down of your life, and we’re deeply grateful for it.

Dr Greg Clarke, CEO Bible Society Australia

Touring nationally

at Westfield Shopping Centres: 20 April - 3 May 4 May - 17 May 18 May - 31 May 1 June - 14 June 22 June - 5 July 13 July - 26 July 17 Aug - 30 Aug 28 Sept - 11 Oct 19 Oct - 1 Nov

Pitt St, Sydney Miranda, Sydney Warringah Mall, Sydney Kotara, Newcastle Belconnen, Canberra Carindale, Brisbane Doncaster, Melbourne Marion, Adelaide ● Carousel, WA

VISIT UNCOVER ●

And also at the KCC Men’s Convention: 8 Aug Eveleigh, Sydney For details visit

theirsacrifice.com or call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537)

●

Battle-scarred Bibles begin tour Bible Society’s year-long Their Sacrifice campaign has begun, in honour of those who’ve served our country as well as the book that’s sustained them through the worst human conflicts: the Holy Bible. In the year Australia observes the centenary of Gallipoli, Their Sacrifice presents 10 remarkable stories of courage, camaraderie and faith. The stories span the Boer War to the conflict in Afghanistan. The campaign is based around a national touring exhibition showcasing the Bibles that travelled to war, and a range of resources have been created to share the stories and the message of God’s presence in times of turmoil. NSW Governor His Excellency David Hurley will officially launch Their Sacrifice on 9 March. The campaign website – with the full stories – is now live for you to see.

On the website (and on the page opposite) you’ll find details of the exhibition dates. This tour will give you a chance to see the Bibles and to feel what it’s like in the midst of war. The Bibles still bear the scars of battle. You’ll be able to read what Lance Corporal Alan Broadribb inscribed in his Bible after days of wading through knee-deep mud with his beloved horses in WWI. You’ll see the little camo Bible from which Chaplain Charles Vesely read words so amazingly relevant to troops one tense night in Afghanistan. You’ll see the French New Testament which stopped a bullet from piercing Elvas Jenkins’ heart at Gallipoli – and see the bullet still lodged in its pages. Elvas’ story will also be told on DVD and on TV, with a national TV network having expressed interest in the story. The hour-long documentary

on DVD will be available for you to purchase. Bible Society will also show the documentary in RSLs, churches and cinemas. In April, Bible Society’s regular Daily Bible service, which sends a short Bible verse and reflection each day via email, will begin a special ‘Gallipoli’ Bible study series. Please sign up at biblesociety.org.au/dailybible if you’d like to receive it. You’ll also be able to buy a book version of the stories. A limited number of a special Centenary Bible has been produced; if you’re keen on buying a copy please email bibles@biblesociety.org.au And if you teach Sunday School or Scripture in schools, you’ll want to have the kids’ resources we’ve developed about the Bible in wartime. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover some amazing stories of the brave and of the Bibles they loved.

‘I’m just like the prodigal son,’ says James

James* is a disciple behind bars at a Tasmanian correctional centre. He’d believed in the existence of God before entering prison, but that was the sum of his spiritual walk. He’d never read the Bible before. When a Prison Fellowship volunteer related the story of The Prodigal Son to him, it really resonated with him as he saw how his life paralleled that of the lost son. He immediately wanted to know more about life with the Father. James now welcomes the Bible with open arms and an open heart. He says it’s about transformation. Andy*, another inmate, was so remorseful for the crime he’d committed, he confessed to the police. He’d encountered faith at a church-run drug and alcohol rehab centre in Tasmania, confessed his sin, and asked Jesus to save him. He was willing to accept the punishment for his crime, and is grateful to the judge for showing leniency with the 18-month sentence. Andy will be released in June this year and wants to go back into rehab, with the support of the church and that of Prison Fellowship Australia (Tasmania). Prison Fellowship’s Ray Metcalf says volunteers have fortnightly Bible study with Andy. They use Bible Society’s Free On the Inside paperback Bible, developed together with Prison Fellowship USA. Combined with the Scriptures are testimonies and study helps that make the book a powerful tool for prison ministry. Metcalf says that Andy now wants to explore faith in more detail. His addictions had previously led to a life of crime, but his faith now gives him hope of a transformed life. The Bibles are given free to inmates on request, and Metcalf says that in recent months the requests have increased.

Ray Metcalf is just one of many chaplains serving at the frontline, ministering in prisons, hospitals, juvenile justice centres, emergency services, schools and to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). “Being part of a person’s journey back to the Father gives me a sense of fulfilment and wonder at the way God works,” he says. Your generosity enables Bible Society to provide gospel portions, New Testaments and complete Bibles to chaplains serving here in Australia and – in the case of the ADF – internationally. The chaplains distribute them to those under their care, helping to bring peace often in times of distress and intense pressure. The Scriptures you help us provide make a world of difference to the chaplains’ ministry. They’re made available to a growing and diverse range of ministries and organisations, and we are struggling to keep pace with the many requests we receive. These groups reach out to so many who do not yet know Jesus, and the long-term impact of their work is immeasurable. Please help Bible Society put the Bible to work, setting people free on the inside. To give towards Scriptures for frontline chaplains, please complete and submit the Donation Form on the back page, call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537) or visit biblesociety.org.au/ sowerGrants *Not their real names

Free on the Inside is a paperback Bible that’s a powerful tool for prison ministry. Bible Society Australia provides these free to prison ministries. The testimonies and study helps combine to make insightful prison Bible studies. 5 Image: iStockphoto.com

Thank you Letter from Chaplain Ian Lindsay of the Australian Navy: “As a chaplain in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) serving in the Royal Australian Navy, I have had many opportunities to share the gospel with Navy members and their families. Affectionately known as the God Botherer, Sin Bosun or Sky Pilot, the chaplain is provided by way of his/her ministry the great privilege of being able to be part of our defence family’s lives both in times of joy and sadness. I deeply appreciate the generosity of the Bible Society in providing copies of the ADF Bible and the Navy New Testament and Psalms, that enhances my ministry in allowing our young men and women to discover the powerful saving message that is contained in Holy Scripture. The story of salvation history provides the opportunity to discover the movement of God in the midst of life’s challenges. As defence members confront and wrestle with aspects of humanity’s disfigurements, the opportunity to turn to the word of God for strength and solace is a sacred moment, where the finger of God touches the soul of the inquirer. What a privilege it is for the ADF chaplain to reach out, with Bible in hand, to our defence members, and say, “This is how God loves you through his son, Jesus Christ”. Through the Bible Society’s generosity in the provision of Bibles, the word of God is proclaimed within the Australian Defence Force.”

Chaplains in the defence force offer support in times of pressure and distress

To make a tax-deductible donation towards Scriptures for frontline chaplains in the ADF, please use the Donation Form, visit biblesociety.org.au/sowerADF or call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537). Image: Used by Permission

Howzat for fundraising! Australia is in the grip of cricket fever right now, and Bible Society has an event lined up that will excite you for a number of reasons. Firstly, there’s cricket, and lots of it. Secondly, you get to fundraise for Bible work while you enjoy an afternoon of your favourite sport. On Sunday 15 March, Bible Society’s Cricket For Bibles takes to the pitch at Sydney University. Three teams – Anglicans, Catholics and Bible Society All-Stars – will pit their skills to take home the coveted trophy. More importantly, though, these teams and their supporters will be helping to raise funds for Bible Society. It’s part of a broader plan we’re putting in place to help you and your friends fundraise together, doing things you enjoy. So if you can cook, if you can sing, if you can play a sport, then you and your friends or family are just who we need to help us raise money for one of our Bible Society projects. No matter

what your passions are, where you live or what you do, we’re confident you’ll come up with a great idea for fundraising together. We’ll provide all the support we can to help you as you fundraise. We’re working on the final details now, and will provide more information shortly. In the meantime, why not chat with friends over a cuppa about all the exciting things you can do! For more information about Cricket For Bibles please call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537) or email events@biblesociety. org.au to register your interest. We’re looking forward to a great time!

Image: Selwood Media & Design

Contemporary Bible

Teacher Degan is grateful for Bibles from Bible Society Serbia, which wants to reach the young with easy-to-read materials.

Imagine you’re an 18-year Serb, holding an OT translation from more than a century ago. You look up 1 Samuel 17:38-39 which would read something like this in the language of the time: “And Saul clad David with his apparel, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head, and he clad him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his apparel, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it.” Struggling with “coat of mail” and “had not proved it”, you turn to a contemporary Serbian version, which in the NIV would read: “Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armour on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.” Ah! you go, grateful for something that speaks your language. Unfortunately for youth in Serbia, there is no contemporary Serbian OT. While there are three NTs in easy-to-understand language, Serbs have only one choice when it comes to the OT: the Danicic version of 1868. “Even though the Danicic translation is important to us, it’s full of words not used anymore,” says 22-year old theology student Branislav Micanovic. “The church definitely needs Biblical texts in a language that can be understood by people of all intellectual levels.” Bible Society Serbia is now working on a contemporary OT in the local Ekavica dialect. It will complement the Ekavica New Testament (translated by Čarnić) and will enable Christians, especially the young, to read the whole Bible in today’s language.

a treat for young Serbs “The revised OT will help people better understand not only the OT but also the message of the NT,” says Micanovic. Ana Božić, another Bible student, says the language of the new translation is much closer to her generation’s. “Those who haven’t been introduced to God’s word before will find this easier to comprehend, and will be encouraged to read it again and again.” The look of the Bible has also been carefully planned. “We engaged a team of young designers, and we’re also listening to suggestions from young people we meet,” says Bible Society’s Vera Mitic. “In the Danicic translation, every verse starts on a new line. In the new design, there’ll be paragraphs and headings to make it more reader-friendly. “The new, modern design will attract the young to buy the Bible in a secular bookstore.” Mitic says that Bible Society now needs funding for the final stages of the project, and to also promote the new OT in the media. “Recently Serbia’s popular newspaper Alo distributed close to one million Bible booklets, followed by material on children’s Bible stories. We believe that this newspaper will help us promote the new Bible.” Bible Society Serbia plans to print 5000 copies of the revised OT, and no doubt Bible students Micanovic and Božić will be among the first to get one. While they’ve read the Old Testament many times before, reading it in today’s language will help them discover it all over again. This first printing, and those to come, will have an impact on untold numbers of young people. Please help Bible Society Serbia make the Old Testament plain to Serbs, especially to youth. Just complete and submit the Donation Form on the back page, visit biblesociety.org.au/sowerSerbia or call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537).

Making the Bible available in modern Serbian encourages the young to read it over and over again. Images: Dag Smemo

Literacy brings light to Pakistan Learning to read helped Fazia start a women’s Bible study group in her home

“We now have Bible-reading in our home... and I also read the Bible from the pulpit,” 65-year old Fazia* declared at her graduation ceremony in January. Fazia was one of 243 women from eight centres around Pakistan who’d learned to read and write, thanks to the “Beacon of Light” programme. Your generosity has helped many women learn through the Scripture-based literacy course that Bible Society Pakistan runs together with the local church. Most of these women are Christians who were never educated due to poverty or due to terrorist activity around them. “There are fundamentalists around our area and we don’t send our daughters to school,” explained Fazia. “One day our pastor told us that the church was starting literacy classes for women. My daughters and I signed up, and now we’re able to read,” she said with obvious excitement. Your gifts to Bible Society’s literacy projects bring this “light” to thousands worldwide. Thank you for giving them the gift of literacy and the knowledge of God’s word. To see all our literacy projects, or to sign up for our “Literacy For Life” regular giving programme, please visit biblesociety.org.au/sowerLiteracy or call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537). * Name changed to protect identity

Razia

Faithful in little things So often a Bible Society staff member – having just received a call or letter from a donor – will sit back, awed. Your giving heart makes us thank God for those who love the Bible so much they want others to know it and own one too. Sometimes the gift is large, but we also treasure those of you who obviously give in your own time of need. Maria of the Donor Support team was so touched by this note: “I don’t have much, but I want to contribute to the work of God.” Denielle points to this donor’s letter: “There’s so much suffering in the world. I wish I could do more. May God bring the supply and resources necessary to continue to meet the need.” Teammate Cameron (the one with the Scottish accent, for those who call through) is so taken by the “wee little cards and things” you send along with the donations. It says you’ve taken the time to give, to think about the work, and to pray.

Thank you also for every volunteer who turns up week after week to fold newsletters, fill envelopes or answer the phone. Thank you to every church rep and supporter across Australia who helps promote Bible Society events; to those who make leaflets and posters, and to those who make biscuits and knit things to sell. All so that someone in China can have a Bible to read, or so someone in Rwanda can learn to read in the first place. Everything you so faithfully give or do is much in the Lord’s hands. It inspires us to do our best, as we work for Bible Society. From all of us to all of you: “Thank you.”

Just a small selection of the wonderful, encouraging things you send with your donations, to say “we can do it together”.

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. Luke 16:10 11

A year-long mission to bless In previous years it’s been Rwanda, Lebanon and China. This year, Get The Word Out (GTWO) looks at three countries in one go because the need there is so great, and there’s so much to be done. Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos are among our closest neighbours and are popular holiday destinations, but they each have a tragic past that’s left very deep scars. God’s transforming word is crucial in these countries. Bible Society is active in all three nations, working with local churches on Bible translations, literacy programmes and Scripture distribution. Most people don’t have a Bible in their language, few own a copy of the Bible for themselves

and many can’t read at all. As you know, GTWO is Bible Society’s fundraising as a group activity and is our annual push to send Bibles to one country or region. We invite you and your church, school or community group to fundraise together and help send Bibles and help to South East Asia. Think outside the box; the sky’s the limit for fundraising ideas! Use any fun activity you enjoy doing, and turn it into a fundraising event: wine or cheese tasting, drinking coffee, watching movies, bowling, dancing, making art or craft. It could all be used as a charity event with a couple

of friends to raise money for Bible work in South East Asia. We’re sure you’ll come up with your own special idea, but if you’d like a kickstart you’ll find some ideas and resources in the GTWO packs we’re sending out. We’ve included lots of information about the three countries to help you as you plan and as you advocate for them in your community. You can order more of those resources or download them from our website: biblesociety.org.au/gtwo2015 If you prefer, please call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537) to ask for more copies of the resources or if you’d like to make a donation. Together, let’s get the word out to South East Asia!

some of our closest neighbours Cambodia Vietnam Because of the wars and struggles that Cambodia has faced, schools are still recovering. There is little money and it’s difficult to get enough teachers. Many Cambodians are unable to read, especially the poorer people in the community. Bible Society is training coordinators and providing special Bible-based audio Scripture lessons that will help people read the Bible for themselves.

Who could forget the horrors of the Vietnam War, as depicted in movies and countless publications? For the Vietnamese people, however, the effects remain and Vietnam is a country that needs healing on so many levels. Bible Society is working to translate the complete New Testament into the Muong language, so that this minority group can read God’s word for themselves.

Laos Laos has been tagged as the “world’s most bombed country” as a result of bombs dropped in Laos during the Vietnam War. Today, it remains one of the poorest countries, with most people living in small rural communities. Laos does not enjoy complete religious freedom, but there are a growing number of Christians, especially among the young. Together with local churches, Bible Society will distribute Bibles across the country – even in hard to reach places.

BSA Update

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Outside the square Bible Society continues to find new ways to engage young people with the Bible. We’re working with other Bible agencies to develop The Alchemy Project, bringing youth ministry leaders together to experiment with new approaches. Try it for yourself or tell others to, at: http://alchemy.community

Get your Bibles online

We’ll soon be launching our new Bible Society online bookshop to help you find resources, 24/7. But because we never veer from the core of what we do, proceeds from our online bookshop go to Bible mission in Australia and around the world. We’re excited to share the website with you, so watch for details soon.

Racing to new goals The Jesus Racing Ministry which Bible Society supports with resources is certainly going places. Last year, Andrew “Fishtail” Fisher made presentations to 51 high schools and also launched a new programme for prisons. Fishtail visited two correctional facilities, with the aim of reaching 10 this year.

BSA Diary - AUTUMN 2015 EVENTS

DATE

VENUES

Their Sacrifice touring exhibition

20 April - 1 Nov

Westfield Shopping Centres (see page 3 for details)

World Day of Prayer

6 March

See worlddayofprayeraustralia.org

Cricket4Bibles

15 March

Sydney University, NSW

Bike for Bibles Around the Bay in 2 Days

11-12 April

Port Phillip Bay, Victoria

UBS Day of Prayer

Early May

Venues to be confirmed

WWII veteran Joe Mullins demonstrates how bullets pierced his helmet in the heat of battle. Discover his amazing story in Bible Society’s “Their Sacrifice” campaign.

For details please call Bible Society on 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537) or visit biblesociety.org.au/events

Be prepared for an amazing time at Bible Society’s Their Sacrifice touring exhibition (below). Ten battle-scarred Bibles and the stories of the brave men who treasured them will take you on a journey of

discovery across time, from the Boer War through to current conflicts. An interactive element will place you in the midst of the sound and action.

Devotion-based Bible Reading Guide In this issue of Sower, we’re using the Daily Bible readings from Bible Society. This means that readers can access extra material each day.

MARCH 1 - April 6

“The Lord’s Prayer”

Prepared by social justice group Common Grace How should we pray? How do we pray for our world in trouble? How do we pray for ourselves and the ones we love? We, like the disciples, turn to Jesus and ask “teach us to pray”. Just as John the Baptist and other Jewish teachers at the time summed up their message on the Hebrew people’s history and hope in one prayer, so we look to Jesus and ask, ‘teach us your prayer’. Join us through Lent in reflecting again on the Lord’s Prayer. Commit to praying the prayer daily as we read and learn more of Jesus’ vision of his mission and message and follow him in knowing and responding to God in this prayer. Each week we will reflect on a different phrase of the Lord’s prayer, drawing on scripture and themes found right across the Bible, as together we ‘pray all the way’ until Easter!

APRIL 7 - 30

“What the Bible says about war”

Prepared by Rev Dr John Harris, Bible Society consultant In this month of the Gallipoli Centenary, we Australians reflect upon the self-sacrifice of those who gave their lives in war. In our readings we pause to consider what the Bible actually says about war – about the difficult question of whether war is right or wrong, about the ethics of serving in uniform and about the clear Scriptural promise that, in God’s new heaven and earth, war will one day finally cease. Most significantly, we will remind ourselves of the hope of eternal life, gained for us through Jesus’ own battle on the cross, the hope of God’s eternity which transcends the horror and immediacy of war, the hope of a life beyond this life which enabled so many to find courage, and even to find purpose, in the face of imminent and violent death. We will also consider the Bible’s very extensive use of war as a parable of our Christian lives and of our struggle with the forces of evil.

March 1-7 Matt 6: 9-13 Luke 11: 1-4 Matt 6: 7-9 Matt 11: 25-28 Rom 8: 14-17 Exo 3: 13-15 Psa 8: 1-4 2 Sam 7: 11-13 Isa 9: 6-7 Mark 1: 14-15

Rom 12: 9-14 March 22-28 John 11: 23-26 Eze 18: 21-23 John 3: 14-17 Mark 2: 8-11 Acts 2: 38 April 19-25 Matt 6: 11-15 2 Pet 1: 19-21 Col 3: 12-14 Phil 1: 10-23 Luke 4: 1-4 Matt 26: 38-42 Job 1: 20-22 Deut 33: 26-27 Heb 4: 15-16 Psa 46: 1-3 Heb 2: 14-15 Psa 23: 4-6 John 15: 11-13 March 29March 8-14 April 6 April 26-30 Matt 13: 44-46 Eph 6: 10-13 Matt 10: 37-39 John 19: 10-12 2 Thess 3: 3-5 Rom 12: 1-2 Mark 10: 42-45 1 Pet 5: 7-10 Rev 5: 9-10 1 Chr 29: 10-13 Rev 22: 1-2 Gen 1: 31-2: 1 2 Cor 1: 20-22 Rev 21: 1-4 Isa 11: 7-9 Rom 11: 33-36 Micah 4: 3-5 Matt 26: 42 Eph 3: 20-21 Luke 24: 38-43 Rev 5: 11-14 Rom 8: 19-23 Col 1: 15-18 Eph 1: 7-10 April 7-11 March 15-21 Isa 2: 4-5 Rev 21: 2-5 Luke 3: 10-14 Psa 104: 14-15 Matt 8: 5-10 Exo 16: 3-4 Eph 6:10-13 Deut 8: 2-3 1 Tim 6: 11-12 Prov 30: 7-9 Prov 22: 7-9 April 12-18 Matt 6: 31-33 2 Cor 10: 3-5 1 Tim 6: 17-19 Psa 91: 1-2, 7-8 Psa 32: 1-2 Psa 27: 1-4 Isa 1: 17-18 Matt 24:4-8

*More readings per week for March

MAY 1 - 31

“Living like a stranger”

Readings in Daniel; Devotion prepared by Gavin Parsons of St David’s Anglican, Forestville, NSW This month’s readings track the episodes of Daniel and his friends in the Book of Daniel. This has the very specific historical context of life in exile in Babylon. Daniel finds himself a stranger in a strange land seeking to honour God. The book of Daniel is less about Daniel and more about his God, the God of the Bible. We will see how God works through and over the earthly kings of Babylon and Persia. We will see how Daniel’s God is the God of wisdom and authority. We will see how to live like a stranger in the world for God. As you read with us pray that God will refresh your confidence in his wisdom, sovereignty and rule so you can live like a stranger for God in our times. May 1-7 Dan 1: 1, 6-10 Dan 1: 17-21 Dan 2: 1-7 Dan 2: 14-18 Dan 2: 19-23 Dan 2: 26-30 Dan 2: 36-45 May 8-14 Dan 2: 46-49 Dan 3: 1-6 Dan 3: 12-18 Dan 3: 19-25

Dan 4: 9-18 Dan 4: 19-23 May 15-21 Dan 4: 24-27 Dan 4: 28-33 Dan 4: 34-37 Dan 5: 1-6 Dan 5: 7-12 Dan 5: 17-21 Dan 5: 22-23

Dan 6:1-5 Dan 6: 6-9 Dan 6: 10-14 Dan 6: 15-18 Dan 6: 19-24 Dan 6: 25-28 May 29-31 Dan 7: 1-8 Dan 7: 9-14 Dan 7: 15-28

May 22-28 Dan 5: 24-31

New Bible Reading Guide to help you dwell on God’s word You now have a list of readings based on a theme, allowing you time to dwell on the topic. This guide is based on our online Daily Bible Readings delivered to Inboxes each morning. If you’d like to receive these, with a question and suggested further reading each day, please sign up online at biblesociety.org.au/dailybible

Arrernte of central Australia Anything you read in your first language speaks the language that you think in. That was Frankie ‘s experience as he helped translate the NT and parts of the OT into Eastern and Central Arrernte. He became so engrossed in the task that he sometimes found himself wondering “why all those people back in Bible times were speaking Arrernte to each other!” In 2015 Bible Society will publish the much-awaited Eastern and Central Arrernte Shorter Bible, aimed at 2000 Arrernte-speakers in Santa Teresa and around Alice Springs. The language is taught in some local schools and is sometimes used in local government and the media. It is the “heart language” for many in Alice Springs. The Arrernte Bible is the fruit of painstaking translation coordination work by AuSIL Bible Translator Neil Broad. However, he’d be the first to say the work couldn’t have happened without the faithfulness and patience of the Eastern and Central Arrernte co-translators themselves. The publication of this

Bible is due greatly to their dedication. Carmel is one other co-translator, like Frankie. She helped the work in her spare time while studying to be a teacher. Carmel is the main breadwinner in her home, and also looks after a number of other people’s children in addition to her own. Pressure from extended family has made it very difficult for her to provide food for her family and to stay living in one place. Sometimes it all seems just too hard, but Carmel says it’s in these times that she shuts herself in her room and concentrates on the Arrernte translation. She prays before starting and sometimes works late into the night, even after a very long day. After working on the Scripture translation, she feels peaceful again. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) Carmel looks forward to the day when she’ll hold the published Eastern and Central Arrernte Shorter Bible, knowing she helped to translate God’s word into her

get their very own Bible

Thanks to dedicated Aboriginal co-translators working with Bible agencies, today over 30 Aboriginal and Indigenous groups in Australia have at least some Scripture in their language, like the Yumplatok Bible (above) own heart language. Bible Society is ready to fulfil our obligation to publish and distribute the translated work at subsidised prices, so that many can own one. Will you help us take this next step? Please use the Donation Form on the back page, call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537) or visit biblesociety.org.au/RIMS

Please help Bible Society to continue publishing Indigenous language Bibles as translations become available, and help us make these Bibles available at subsidised prices so people like Carmel can afford to purchase them.

Translated Bibles and Bible material like “God’s Word for the Outback” are taking the Scriptures to new generations of Australia’s first peoples.

Prayer points March - May 2015

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, fin

1-7 March Papua New Guinea: Please pray for a new Bible-based community literacy project to assist a generation that has missed out on schooling because of conflict. Australia – Children, Youth & Education (CYE): Pray for CYE’s Mark Owen and Adrian Blenkinsop who are at the United Bible Societies’ NextGen Global Affinity group meeting in Korea this week. Pray that the meeting will provide great new strategies for engaging young people with the Bible and with Bible Society work.

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8-14 March Bangladesh: Please uphold in prayer 25 new Biblebased literacy groups, and for the new Bible-based CD. Iraq: Give thanks for the success of the first phase of Bible Society Iraq’s relief and Scripture programme. Please pray for the second phase in northern Iraq, as refugees families deal with the cold weather. 15-21 March Vietnam: Please pray for Bible Society Vietnam in partnership with Christian Education Committee of ECV (in the North) as they begin a Bible-based literacy project among the Hmong ethnic community in Thai Nguyen province. As this is a very sensitive area, please pray for God’s protection and provision for the team. Australia – Remote & Indigenous Ministry Support (RIMS): Please pray for the team as it moves to a new phase of work this year. Pray as team members plan how best to respond to ministry needs. 22-28 March Pakistan: Pray that the Lord will keep the Bible team

safe while working against strong opposition. Please pray that God will guide their work, especially for the literacy project helping women in Pakistan. Argentina: Give thanks to God for the new Bible in Toba Qom and for the start of translation work on the West Toba Old Testament. Pray for the translators, that they will choose the most appropriate and effective words to touch people in their heart language. 29 March-4 April Laos: Please continue to pray for government approval to form the Association of the Bible Society in Laos. It has been some time since the official registration was sent out, but there has been no news yet. Australia – Get The Word Out (GTWO) 2015: Please pray that the mail-out inviting churches and groups to be involved will generate a great response. Pray for creativity, enthusiasm and great ideas as people get together to raise funds throughout the year. 5-11 April Indonesia: Please pray that a survey will provide key insights as Bible Society continues a Bible-based literacy and new reader programme in some provinces. Pray that this programme will enable the illiterate to know God’s word with deeper understanding. South Africa: Pray for translators busy with new translations in Afrikaans and isiZulu, as well as for the English Bible for the Deaf project. Please pray for efforts to make Bibles available to schools in poor areas. 12-18 April Lebanon: Pray for the child-friendly gospel programme, which is planning to visit several schools with two animators presenting Scriptures in a dynamic way. Myanmar: Praise the Lord for 125 years of faithfulness to Bible Society Myanmar. Please pray that the title

. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For nds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7: 7-8 deeds of the Bible house and land will be cleared and given to the Bible Society. Pray as well for the Khumi, Jinghpaw and Ngawn Bible publication and delivery.

Australia. Pray that together with donors and volunteers, Bible Society Australia will be able to send more Bibles to a world that needs God’s word.

19-25 April Australia – Bikes for Bibles: Pray for planned events and for continued support from riders and volunteers. Ask God that the teams will be a testimony to people in towns they ride through. Honduras: Please pray for wisdom to know where and how to place the word of God, given the high rate of crime and violence in the nation. Honduras is very open to God’s word. Give thanks that the Bible Society has the freedom to distribute and train children and young people in biblical values at public schools.

10-16 May Egypt: Please pray for the Bible Society bookshop that’s just opened in a very strategic and often volatile area of Cairo. Pray for the safety of staff and property, and that the bookshop would be an encouragement for many. South Pacific: Please pray for the team coordinating the correction and revision of Pacific Bibles in electronic form. Pray for the UK’s Mission Assist as they work with Bible Society of the South Pacific (BSSP) on this.

26 April-2 May British and Foreign Bible Society: Pray for the general elections in early May. Pray for the Bible Society’s Christians in Parliament and Christians in Politics projects which seek to resource and encourage Christians actively engaged in politics, or who would like to be. Also pray for the SHOW UP campaign that encourages Christians to get involved at all levels. Israel: Pray for the revision and printing of The Crimson Cord to the Heart of the King. Pray that the book will be a powerful tool for a Bible Society outreach programme. 3-9 May Austria: In the past months more refugees than ever entered Austria from Syria, Afghanistan and other countries. Among them are persecuted Christians, but the majority are non-Christians. Please pray for the Bible distribution work among refugees. Australia – Fundraising & Community Relations: Pray that the team will continue to build strong relationships with churches and supporters across

17-23 May Guatemala: Please pray for the general elections later this year. The results are very important for the future of the nation and for Bible mission. Pray that those elected will govern under the guidance and fear of God. Philippines: Pray that the Lord will grant safety, good health, speed and wisdom to the translators and consultants working on current projects. 24-31 May Australia – Corporate Services: Please pray for the team as they work together to provide IT, finance and administrative support for all Bible Society staff and offices. Their role in providing Bibles to the world cannot be emphasised enough, as their work enables other Bible Society staff to do their best, whether it be in fundraising, church relations or publishing. Arab-Israel: Please pray that Bible Society workshops targeting Arab Israeli women and children will empower and transform their hearts and minds. Please also pray that God will use the children’s Peace Bible DVD to bring healing to the land and to its young.

Discover some of Australia’s most remarkable stories

Stories of courage, camaraderie and faith in times of conﬂict. Uncover the Bibles that took bullets and saved the lives of soldiers at Gallipoli and the Western Front of WWI, or the Bible that travelled to Afghanistan and across some of the world’s most dangerous terrain. Through the darkest times of war,

nothing can compare to the peace and hope that flow from the pages of the Bible. Their Sacrifice is a collection of stories, prayers, hymns, poetry and psalms to help you reflect on the tragedy of war, the spirit of those who have served our country and the Book of books that went with them.

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9780647519295 | Softcover “The Bible has been of great comfort to many Australian service men and women, even before Australia was a nation. The Bible’s own stories of sacriﬁce, courage and faith have provided inspiration to those who have carried it with them in times of conﬂict and in times of peace. These are gripping, real stories that deserve to be retold and read to each generation.” His Excellency, Governor of NSW David Hurley

UBS Update

Full Braille Bible available in only 40 languages Digital Bible library Just like the printing press revolutionised Bible distribution in the 1400s, today, we’re making the most of the incredible opportunities to make God’s word available through digital technology. Together, United Bible Societies are among the world’s leading providers of digital Bibles, making hundreds of our Bible translations and versions freely accessible to millions of people through our Digital Bible Library. This library, which hosts Bible texts owned by our Bible Societies and other Bible agencies, feeds into the hugely popular, free YouVersion Bible app and into UBS’ free online BibleSearch facility. The languages represented in our Digital Bible Library are spoken by more than four billion people.

Although the full Bible is available in just over 500 languages, only 40 of those have been transcribed into Braille. There are many reasons for this wide discrepancy: the needs of people with visual impairments are often overlooked, even by the church, and many languages have not yet developed a Braille code.

Cost is another factor: it takes about AUD$775 to produce a Braille Bible. Braille printers are expensive, and so are the vast quantities of thick paper needed for Braille. Through the generosity of donors, Bible Societies and their partners are able to provide Braille Bibles for free, but many more are needed.

Reaching Ebola victims

Last December, the Bible Society in Liberia distributed Scriptures and relief packages to people affected by the Ebola virus. It’s reported that more than 3500 people have died in the nation as a result of contracting the virus. Bible Society Liberia has been at the front line, reaching out with Scriptures and relief packages to patients and their families, to those who have lost relatives to Ebola, to orphans, and to those caring for the sick.

GPO BOX 9874 In Your Capital City P: 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537) ISSN 1839-7425 W: biblesociety.org.au E: sower@biblesociety.org.au ACN 148 058 306 Bible Society Australia is a not-for-profit interdenominational organisation. It’s a member of the United Bible Societies, a fellowship of 146 organisations working in more than 200 countries. Our mission is to achieve the widest possible, effective and meaningful distribution of the Bible; also, to help people interact with it, and to have their hearts lightened by the Bible’s message of unconditional love in Jesus Christ.

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