“I Want to Work and Do Something More Important with My Life,” Says Abed, a Refugee from Syria

WINTER 2018 WINTER SOWER

“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 fi lm to show in the their path,” as they have navigated stations. I was fl ying 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 fi lm 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 fi lm! ministered for a few years in most about the fi lming was the He had shown the fi lm so many Albury, NSW, before moving to constant fl ies 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, Blu 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 3 Dear friends, e are Bible believers, We’ve lost connection with the yes, but how can a very teachings that brought us Wbook change lives? The what we treasure: neighbourly answer has many parts to it. love, justice mixed with mercy, Freely / Wilmer Edson One is the concept of equity: it a sense of purpose, a moral 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 ﬁ nishing 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 o ering 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

2 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 5 n the fringes of a town market gardens or in construction north of Tripoli in in town to supplement their OLebanon, 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 fi ve years for these 250 families, have lost their parents. Their most of whom fl ed their city after father died in Lebanon from seeing their homes destroyed in cancer; their mother died in Syria the armed confl ict. from a heart attack. Playing with a guitar brings Having fl ed 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 su ering 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 su ering 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

4 5 will teach a young refugee to read in a Bible-based literacy class will equip literacy students with Scripture to help life move forward again 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 a ord 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 PB 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: 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 Wgrand 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 fulﬁ lled. Suddenly grabbed my attention. At ﬁ rst 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 camouﬂ age Army Bible.

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.” Sthe 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 ﬁ nd 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 Sta 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 o ered 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 fi nd 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 fi eld 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 refl ect 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 su ering, 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. 10 11 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 Tis fi nally 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 e ects 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 fi nal fi nished.” was discouraging, with readers of recording session was the voice After completing the fi rst 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 fl ights by six days. during the last weeks with key 50 Pitjantjatjara people reading “As we approach Easter, the people called away to funerals di erent 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 Wycli e 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 fi nished her waiting. the household for the team and race and had remained faithful.” “During fi nal proofi ng, 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 fl uency 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 “fi ne Aboriginal Christian after her sick mother and unwell people in this herself. recording project. “However, on the last day of “The readers proofi ng, I received a phone call report that the Makinti Minutjukur reads 2 Corinthians.

10 1111 SOUTH AFRICA

A sound foundation

Melissa Lipsett with children using Bible-based booklets that promote literacy at a school in South Africa

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 Ievening 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 signiﬁ cant challenges in Australia’s chief operating where people education. Most attend daycare o cer, 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 ﬁ rst time impoverished

12 communities, 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 fl uent in their own tongue, literacy among underprivileged and that the teachers can use a preschool children, helping resource with a couple of di erent 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, fl ash 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 fi rst 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.

13 Celebrating 200 years! Bible Society Australia in 2017

2017 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.

1414

Centre spread_v3.indd 14 8/5/18 9:04 am Celebrating 200 years! Bible Society Australia in 2017

14 FINANCIALS

Centre spread_v3.indd 14 8/5/18 9:04 am Centre spread_v3.indd 15 8/5/18 9:04 am “A wonderland of all things Christian”: there are books for every taste at Koorong’s ﬂ agship 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? little slice of heaven on earth. bookworm church kid want? At Koorong, there seemed to 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 Fa visit to Koorong felt like wall of Bibles. Could I ﬁ nd 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 ﬁ ction 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

16 as Joni Eareckson Tada, Corrie Christian faith could be expressed Ten Boom or my faith hero, Adrian in di erent, 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 o ce. 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 fi nd 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 refl ect 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 fi nd 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 “fi rst 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 fi nding 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.

17 SOUTH PACIFIC

A labour of love John Harris helps Annie and Colinette Gaviga check the last words of Revelation in Hano at the Bible Society o ce in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Daughters of Hano translator Mark Gaviga, they are continuing their father’s work.

n an isolated island in the of these nations, such as Fiji, translation project. John agreed through the Bible Society of the lonely task fi tted in between clerk for the Bible Society in Pacifi c nation of Vanuatu, Tonga and Samoa, have the full and soon the Hano project began South Pacifi c with John as the tending their gardens and other Vanuatu. There, in Port Vila, Osisters Colinette and Bible. But archipelagos such translation consultant. village responsibilities. Annie was able to keyboard the Annie Gaviga are completing the as Vanuatu and the Solomon That year, in the mountain Mark persisted as long as whole text. John came out of Launching the fi nal draft of the New Testament Islands have hundreds of island village of Lavusi, Mark Gaviga, he could, and then help came retirement to go to Vanuatu to books of James and in Hano, the language of the Raga languages. While most people Mark in the Maumi with John’s help, began the Hano from an unexpected source. carry out the fi nal check before people of Pentecost Island. Over are multilingual, they have a language in Fiji. translation – eating, sleeping His eldest daughter, Colinette, printing. Three people who were 20 years in the making, the Hano deep desire for the word of God and translating in Mark’s one- took over the task. As the New there at the beginning in the little translation project has spanned in their heart language, their room house. Everything was Testament neared completion, it house in Lavusi came together to generations. everyday speech. handwritten in exercise books. needed to be keyboarded before complete the work at the end. Bible Society is working in the The Hano translation Mark’s little daughters, Colinette a fi nal consultant check. God’s Will you help us continue to South Pacifi c to encourage the project began in 1997, and Annie, were curious hand was evident here when translate the Bible into other spiritual life of the people, by when a Hano speaker, onlookers. Colinette’s younger sister, Annie, small island languages in the providing Scripture translations Mark Gaviga, Many other small languages began to work as a translation South Pacifi c? and revisions as well as Scripture approached John still lack Scriptures. Bible products throughout the South Harris, then Bible Societies struggle to support Pacifi c. The Bible Society of Society Australia’s these remote projects. GIVE NOW the South Pacifi c is the world’s Director of Translators are voluntary and Please call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537), most complex Bible Society. Translation, about helped with only occasional visits use the donation form on the back page Based in Fiji, it encompasses the possibility by busy translation consultants. or visit biblesociety.org.au/sowpacifi c 16 Pacifi c Island nations. Some of a Hano Bible Theirs is often a di cult and

18 19 John Harris helps Annie and Colinette Gaviga check the last words of Revelation in Hano at the Bible Society o ce 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 fi tted in between clerk for the Bible Society in South Pacifi c 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 fi nal 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 fi nal 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 Pacifi c? 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/sowpacifi c Theirs is often a di cult and

19 BSA updates

Bibles for Bubs Paul Eckert bids goodbye Good Book Talks The source made visible

Hillmen Li and Zac Liang were delighted to receive Paul Eckert has spent almost 40 years overseeing Why is it that the book that has shaped the world is A grand prize of a $32,000 “Land of the Bible a Bible storybook from Bible Society CEO Greg the Pitjantjatjara Bible Project, translating the Bible so often left on the shelf? Bible Society Australia is tour” for four, provided by Christian Fellowship Clarke for their baby daughter, Evie. The Bibles into the Aboriginal language of Central Australia. presenting The Good Book Talks on topics that get Tours, goes to the winner of the Invisible Book for Bubs project is a fi ve-year introduction to the In May, he hands over the reins of the project, as he to the heart of why the Bible is still relevant today. competition, which encourages today’s storytellers Bible for nearly 2500 babies born in Bible Society’s retires. In his time with Bible Society, Paul and his Far from being outdated, the Bible remains deeply to show the biblical ideas behind the great texts Bicentenary year (from January 1, 2017 to March 7, wife, Ann, have seen the publication of the full New embedded in Australian culture, ethics and the way studied at school, especially Shakespeare. The 2018). After receiving a Bible storybook, each child Testament in Pitjantjatjara, and recently completed we live our everyday lives. Highly engaging speakers one whose video tells it best will win a 17-day tour will receive a birthday card every year for fi ve years, an audio recording of the New Testament with including Greg Clarke and Justine Toh, above, of Israel and Jordan, walking where Jesus walked while the parent receives a guide with suggestions Pitjantjatjara voices. The Old Testament translation will give talks in four locations to challenge our and seeing signifi cant places in the gospel stories. for fun activities and other ways to introduce their is also well on its way. Paul spent many years living assumptions and deepen our understanding of the Christian Fellowship Tours is an Australian-owned little ones to the Bible and nurture their faith. When in Pukatja in the APY Lands of remote northwest Bible. These talks are suitable for both doubters and family company that provides faith-based holidays the children turn fi ve, they will receive a CEV Big South Australia with his family, working with local those who are already persuaded that the Bible is as for Christians. It has partnered with Bible Society to Rescue Bible, which is a full Bible and designed to Christians on the translation. Translator Yanyi relevant today as it always was. Why not come along help make what has become an invisible book – the see them through their primary school years. Please Bandicha said: “Wiṟu mulapa paluṟu palyanu. Ngayulu and bring that sceptical neighbour, friend or family Bible – visible again to today’s young people. There’s pray for the families and all of the children receiving puḻkaṟa pukularinyi waaṟka wiṟu paluṟu palyaṉu.” (“It member? Newcastle: August 8, Geelong: August still time for young fi lmmakers to get their short, fun these Bibles, that this special gift kick-starts a really is wonderful what Paul has done for us. I’m 27, Sydney: August 30, Hobart: September 4. Visit video in before the competition closes on June 30. lifelong passion for God’s word. overjoyed by this great work he has done.”) biblesociety.org.au/thegoodbooktalks Find out more at theinvisiblebook.com.au

20 21

Good 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 signiﬁ cant 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 ﬁ lmmakers 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

21 face intense oppression and persecution. Pray for Prayer points 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 su er no June 3-9 more and those a ected ﬁ nd 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 e ective in spreading the message of Jesus.

22 July 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 ﬁ scal plan to cut Australia – Church Relations: Please pray that debt, prevent austerity and reduce child poverty in the day-to-day e orts 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.

23 Refugees: 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 di erent 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 refl ections 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 fi nd come to us seeking safety, this series explores how Houston, Hillsong’s Global many descriptions of the and for how we defi ne 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. 24 Justin Whelan is education manager, Asylum Seeker Resource centre.

Pilgrim Theology: “Grow Up” The Bible Tim Argall is a soccer By Ben McEachen player and coach for The Psalms of and Literacy 30 years at community, By Roy Williams Ascents representative and elite By Melinda Cousins levels. Week Seven Week Nine Week Eleven Week Thirteen John Kelly is a graduate JUL 15 – JUL 21 JUL 29 – AUG 4 AUG 12 – AUG 18 AUG 26 – SEP 1 of Hillsong College and prepares small SUN 15 Matt 11:4-6 SUN 29 Ps 120:5-7 SUN 12 Eph 4:11-16 SUN 26 John 1:1-2 group study materials John 11:21-27 Matt 8:23-27 Deut 31:24-26 MON 16 MON 30 Ps 121:5-7 MON 13 MON 27 for discipleship and TUE 17 Acts 23:6-8 TUE 31 Ps 122:1-3 TUE 14 Prov 27:17 TUE 28 Ezra 7:10 fellowship programmes WED 18 Rom 6:5-8 WED 1 Ps 123:1-3 WED 15 1 Cor 3:1-3 WED 29 Isa 53:3 for Hillsong Australia. THUR 19 1 Cor 15:3-5 THUR 2 Ps 124:6-8 THUR 16 Heb 5:11-14 THUR 30 Dan 5:12 FRI 20 2 Cor 5:16-21 FRI 3 Ps 125:4-5 FRI 17 Heb 6:1-6 FRI 31 Luke 1:1-4 James Pietsch is the SAT 21 Eph 2:4-6 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 Eight Week Ten Week Twelve Week Fourteen author of Educating for the Kingdom. JUL 22 – JUL 28 AUG 5 – AUG 11 AUG 19 – AUG 25 SEP 2 – SEPT 8 SUN 22 Col 1:15-18 SUN 5 Ps 127:1-2 SUN 19 Luke 8:11-15 SUN 2 John 8:8 Melinda Cousins is MON 23 Col 3:1-3 MON 6 Ps 128:4-6 MON 20 Phil 2:12-16 MON 3 John 19:19-22 a Baptist pastor and TUE 24 Col 3:12-14 TUE 7 Ps 129:2-4 TUE 21 Acts 6:4-5 TUE 4 Acts 8:27-28 Senior Lecturer in WED 25 1 Pet 2:9-10 WED 8 Ps 130:2-4 WED 22 1 Cor 14:20 WED 5 Col 4:16 Biblical Studies at Tabor THUR 26 2 Pet 1:5-7 THUR 9 Ps 131:1-3 THUR 23 2 Pet 3:14-18 THUR 6 Rom 2:14-15 Bible College. FRI 27 Rev 21:3-5 FRI 10 Ps 132:13-15 FRI 24 Col 1:9-14 FRI 7 Rev 20:15 SAT 28 1 Cor 13:8-13 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 redeﬁ ne 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.

Bible 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 ﬁ rst 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 ﬁ rst 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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