WINTER 2021 Sower. SOCIETY AUSTRALIA.

OPEN THE BIBLE AT HOME 2 OPEN THE BIBLE AT HOME

s I write this, the team at Bible Society is working feverishly on the End of Financial Year Appeal, focussing on Bible Society’s missional work at home. Many of you are passionate about our Indigenous work, forA instance. As I am! The Bible Translation process outlined in our Autumn Sower demonstrates the complexity and biblical thoroughness of the work. In this Sower, you will read about projects our Remote Indigenous Ministry Support (RIMS) team is undertaking alongside different Aboriginal communities and other translation partners.

Earlier this year, a group of Christian leaders in the not-for-profit, church and education areas came together at our national Parliament House to discuss a Church Community Restoration Project with the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and other politicians. This enabled an impromptu meeting with the Minister for Indigenous Affairs (and Nyoongar man) Ken Wyatt. We had the privilege of presenting Minister Wyatt with a copy of the Book of Ruth in Nyoongar, along with Our Mob, God’s Story, and to talk with him about how we can best partner with Government in serving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

I pray that your heart will be moved as you read in this Sower about the people at the centre of our projects: how some of our Bible Society partners have been impacted by COVID-19; the delight of parents as they sign up their new offspring for a Toddler Bible through our ‘ for Bubs’ program; and the work of school chaplains as they help young students understand this big, complex world.

Thank you for your prayer and financial support. Your commitment is helping us honour our commitments to our project partners in Opening The Bible to all people, both here in Australia and overseas.

“...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8, NIV

GOD BLESS, Grant Thomson CEO, BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA 3

“I pray that your heart will be moved as you read this Sower...” 4 OPEN THE BIBLE AT HOME Open The Bible At Home

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ - Galatians 5:14, NIV BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA 5 TO ALL PEOPLE. BY ALL MEANS POSSIBLE.

6 First Nations

Two translators share their personal stories of what it is like to bring God’s word into their own heart languages – for the first time. BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA 7

ore than half of all Aboriginal and “Once you put your mind to it, you can really Torres Strait Islander peoples are translate anything into Adnyamathanha,” says Christians.* Only one Indigenous Lily, who grew up speaking it with her parents. language in Australia, Kriol, has a A regular at church “from Sunday School up”, Mfull Bible translation. Lily feels a sense of pride about being able to put Christian resources into her people’s own words. Let that sink in. “I didn’t think it would be easy like that; well, The vast majority of First Nations brothers I find it easy anyway to translate anything. I do and sisters in Christ do not have God’s word my best. I travel by the grace of the Lord and in their heart language. That’s a precious gift that’s how I’m getting that work done. I believe so many of us simply take for granted. While that by faith you can do anything, especially about 22 Indigenous languages have, at least, keeping the language going.” one complete Old or New Testament book, there are about 120 Indigenous languages spoken in “It’s very important to me. I don’t want to lose Australia today. the Adnyamathanha language.”

Bridging this gap in access to Scripture is According to the 2006 Census, only 107 people why Bible Society Australia remains intent on spoke Adnyamathanha at home. But the number backing in Indigenous languages. of First Peoples who identify as Adnyamathanha Like you, we see the importance of this to is much higher. Lily hopes God’s Story for identity and culture, as well as the eternal value the Outback is one positive way for the next of Opening the Bible to all people. generation to do two things at once – nurture the words of Lily’s heart language, and also be Recently, the Adnyamathanha people – from changed by words of God. the area now known as the northern Flinders Ranges in South Australia – had a breakthrough. “I would like them to get the knowledge and Not only was a hymn book of church songs understanding and pleasure out of reading this published in Adnyamathanha for the first time book,” Lily says of a book about “Jesus’ story”. (‘Tyurtya Udiapinha’) but so was a children’s book and CD, God’s Story for the Outback. “I really was excited to get this published.”

Critical to both was sole translator Lily Neville. “Now, my little ones – the grand kids – can After surprising herself years ago about how read it and learn. I know there are a couple of she could translate the Lord’s Prayer into her them on the road to doing the Adnyamathanha heart language, Lily hopes to inspire others to language. I’m thinking positive that they will get translate more and more. involved in this.” cont. page 8 8 OPEN THE BIBLE AT HOME from page 7 Luke, which took about 20 years, due to the “exhaustive process” of language work that “became the template for later translations.” The second biblical Nyoongar text was the Old Testament book of Ruth, which Little completed single-handedly last year – in just four months. “I was extremely lucky that about 98 per cent of the language I needed for Ruth was already embedded in Luke,” Little says.

“I believe that by faith But shared words were not the reason Ruth was you can do anything, picked. “It was logical to do Ruth next because especially keeping the I grew up in a household of strong-willed and faith-filled women. My mother and my aunts are language going.” all Christians.” - Lily Neville The Nyoongar translation of the book of Ruth More translation work is coming Lily’s way, now is “absolutely” a tribute to these women, says she is known for doing it. The hardest thing Little. “I made it perfectly clear to them that the for Lily is she is alone. Translating by herself. reason I chose Ruth was because of the example Not that she dwells on that. Having done the that they had set me.” song book and kids book, Lily is confident in her skills, something Tom Little – an elder of Even with the increased rate of Ruth’s the Bindjareb/Bibbulmun people – also has completion compared with Luke, Little still is developed into a powerful tool for God’s work. not sure the whole Bible can be translated into Nyoongar during his lifetime. He’s keen to give Little’s mum and his aunts told him to help them it a go, though, with ongoing support from Bible translate the Bible into their heart language. He Society Australia, its Remote and Indigenous knew what the right answer was. Ministry Support team, and the vital help of experts such as Rev. Dr. John Harris, Bible “When they gang up on you and tell you to Society’s translation consultant. Harris has jump, you only ask, ‘How high?’” says Little been Little and the Nyoongar committee’s main with serious jest, thinking back to how he first translation and theological sounding board. became involved with the Nyoongar Bible Translation Committee around 1995. A few Little was recently commissioned by a priest years earlier, Little’s mother and aunts became friend to translate one famous passage. “I’m founding members of the committee helping to working on the Sermon on the Mount at the keep alive the Nyoongar language (originating moment – Matthew chapters 5 to 7,” reveals from south-west Western Australia). Little, adding that Bible Society Australia has got behind this translation. “They said to me, ‘You’ve got to come to help us to do this’”, says Little. “I said, ‘Hang on, you “I will go back and finish Matthew completely. speak the language better than I do.’ They said, Then, I want to go back to the top and start ‘Yeah, but you remember better than we do.’” again.” Return to where it all began – Genesis?

Little says that since God’s word began to be “Yes.” translated into Nyoongar, two books have been completed. The first was the Gospel of *2016 Australian Census 9 Masterclass

Meet Maddie and Abigail, two high school students who have had their faith impacted by Bible Society’s Masterclass. cont. page 9 TO ALL PEOPLE. BY ALL MEANS POSSIBLE.

10 OPEN THE BIBLE AT HOME

Maddie Maddie’s faith and Masterclass addie grew up in a Christian home minority at school, and as she says, “Being in and her heart has always been the minority is hard, no matter who you are or consumed with sharing God with where you are.” her friends. “I was at a church camp Mbefore I started year 7 with a friend who was not While her friends ask her questions about her a Christian, and I remember really caring that faith and are open to conversations, Maddie says she listened and understood about who God is. her challenge is “being bold and speaking out of It was that time I realised how much I cared, the minority; urging those around me to listen how convicted I was that I was sinful, and that to me beyond what they hear in our school’s I need God; that’s where my faith became my weekly chapel service.” own.” The best memory of Masterclass, for Maddie, Maddie’s faith has grown throughout high was the year a friend who was seeking to know school as she has kept asking questions. A more about God attended. The talks that year student at St Luke’s Grammar school on included one on science and God, sex and Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Maddie is just one as well as a Q&A session which young person blessed during the past three years allowed students to ask questions anonymously by Bible Society Australia’s Masterclass events. through an app. Maddie says, “I remember Held annually for years 9-12 students, talking to my friend afterwards. She said that Masterclass explores contemporary issues from she hadn’t spent a day diving into those big ideas a biblical perspective – in-person and, last year, ever ... Masterclass was the first time she had online. Masterclass also includes a popular Q&A heard these ideas expressed in this way - it was session, giving students the freedom to ask our different to chapel at school. She came away so panel of speakers searching questions about the keen and excited by that.” Christian faith. “We want answers to our questions. We want to In 2018 Maddie attended her first Masterclass hear these talks. But not only that; our friends and was overwhelmed and encouraged. “It was want answers too. That’s what I’ve taken away so cool, how many people were there. A massive, from Masterclass; as much as I want to hear massive hall full of ... students from all over these things, they are really important to take Sydney were there. My Christian CRU group at back to our friends.” school is pretty small, so stepping out of that and seeing so many Christians was so encouraging.” Like other Christian teens, Maddie is in a BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA 11

Abigail

iving out your faith as a Christian understood how to live as a Christian: “That’s teenager in high school is not easy. when I learned what giving my entire life to God Thankfully, for year 12 student Abigail, looked like, as opposed to simply believing in she is well supported by her family, him. And I’ve tried since then to actually live out Lincluding her grandmother Cathryn, a Bible my faith, rather than just believing.” Society supporter. This decision proved to be challenging, day In 2019, Abigail’s grandmother heard from to day. Abigail says, “Because I go to a public Bible Society Australia about Masterclass, school, being a Christian is something almost which had been expanded to include regional unheard of. People don’t know what Christianity areas, including Orange, New South Wales, is anymore, so I find that they tend to have a lot where Abigail lives. Bible Society Australia is of misconceptions about it, and about what I committed to Open The Bible with all people, believe. Which can be really hard.” everywhere. At home, this happens across Australia, in our church communities, within Abigail found Masterclass to be enormously our families – and for our youth. encouraging; just by turning up! Before any of the talks were even delivered, the day was As soon as Cathryn discovered Masterclass, worthwhile for her. “I went by myself, since no the very next thing she did was contact her one from my school was attending. But it was granddaughter. Abigail says, “I thought, ‘Oh that encouraging to see how many other Christian sounds cool!’, so I signed up for it.” kids there are in my town. I saw kids who I Abigail believed in God from childhood but know from other contexts, and I realised that found herself with a lot of questions about I’m not on my own.” him by the time she was in her first year of high school. “I didn’t really know whether I That realisation, as well as feeling more actually believed in God’s existence as much equipped by teaching “on how to live out your anymore. That’s not to say I completely rejected faith in a situation where no one else is doing Christianity; I just had a lot of questions.” that” was what Abigail took away from the day.

It wasn’t until the following year, at a Christian camp for youth, that Abigail properly realised “God was everything he said he was in the Bible, and that he did send Jesus to die for my sins.” One year later, when she was in Year 9, she really 12 Bibles for Bubs

Thousands of Aussie Babies Opening The Bible at Home BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA 13

When a surprise parcel arrived last June, for the gift of the Bible for their beloved little Sam couldn’t quite believe what was inside: a ones, and tell us how well it has been received,” colourful new children’s Bible, packed with 140 said Belinda Faulks, Project and Relationship stories made for young children — and loads of Manager at Bible Society Australia. stickers. “It was just beautiful, and our kids loved it,” said The hard work behind Belinda and her team’s Sam. “They were stoked to be able to have a efforts is not lost on Sam Buckley. story read to them every night from the book.” “It’s a simple [program], but it’s also not Unknown to him, Sam’s wife had signed up simple,” he said. “Someone has to put in the for Bible Society Australia’s Bibles For Bubs work. It was really significant for us. The love program, after seeing an ad on Instagram. and creativity that has been poured into this has Each year, Bible Society Australia sends more blessed us. And even more so that it’s been sent than 2,000 children’s Bibles as a gift to families free of cost. I can’t believe that is what you are to celebrate their baby’s first birthday. For the all about. Thank you!” next five years, these growing bubs also receive Stella also responded to the gift, saying, “My hand-written birthday cards from Bible Society, boys absolutely LOVED their storybook Bible! culminating in another Bible for their primary Especially how the stories are simply worded school years. with many beautiful illustrations. It is perfect The Bibles for Bubs program aims to encourage for these very young children. For the children Bible engagement in families with their littlest to have access to a Bible version like this is members. With the gift of an age-appropriate so valuable in their ability to start listening Bible, it is hoped that children will learn to love to the Bible stories. It’s certainly something the Bible from their earliest days. Each year, that I didn’t have growing up, so this has been a parent guide is included with the birthday incredibly special.” cards, with simple ideas for activities and songs Registrations for babies born in 2020 are now – to further encourage families to keep reading closed. If you, or someone you know, is having God’s word and make it a key part of everyday a baby this year, fill in our expression of interest life. form at biblesociety.org.au/bubs to receive an Since the program began in 2018, more than email alert when registrations open for 2021 10,000 children’s Bibles have been delivered to babies. children and their families across Australia. “Every year parents write to us thanking us

Please, will you give to Open The Bible at Home? $40 $88 $120 can help translate and Open can provide eight children’s can help equip a chaplain The Bible for Indigenous Bibles for public school serving in prisons, hospitals Christians. Scripture classes. or similar areas with Bible resources.

PLEASE GIVE NOW Use the DONATION FORM on the back page, call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537) or visit biblesociety.org.au/sow 14 OPEN THE BIBLE AT HOME

What does Australia really believe?

IS THERE MORE TO LIFE THAN WHAT WE SEE OR TOUCH?

Do you believe Do you believe Do you believe Do you believe in a Do you believe you in ghosts? in miracles? in angels? higher power/God? have a soul?

Australians are most united in the idea that we have or are souls — that we are more than the stuff of which our bodies are made.

Overall, 69.7 per cent of respondents said they either believed in or were open to the existence of the soul. About 14.7 per cent were unsure, 5.7 per cent thought it unlikely, and 9.9 per cent said they do not believe it exists.

There is clearly something important to 21st Century Australians about the soul, because belief in, or openness to, it persists at higher rates than for associated concepts like God (57.9 per cent) or life after death (59.6 per cent). BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA 15

The Centre for Public Christianity (CPX) teamed up with McCrindle Research to take the pulse of Australians on spiritual matters. Surveying 1000 people from across the country – about half identified as Christians; 30 per cent were “nones”, and almost 14 per cent had spiritual beliefs – the survey wanted to go beyond news headlines or social media outrage.

To find out what Australians actually think about Christianity and related stuff, people were asked their view on spiritual realities (such as belief in ghosts, miracles and a higher power/God). They were also asked if there is more to life than what we see or touch, whether Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and if Christians have had a positive or negative impact in areas including politics, media and education.

YOUTH BELIEFS

32% 44% 39% 37% 49% 42% 48% I believe this exists.

33% I am open to 24% the possibility 23% that this exists. 28% 26% 28% 28%

. I am unsure if this exists. 23% 21% 22% 23% 20% I think it’s unlikely . 16% 16% that this exists. . ter death 10% 5% 8%

acles I believe this does 3% 5% 4% 9% 8% 4% fe af not exist. hos ts

7% oul . 6% 4% 4% Angels.

3% Li S God. Meaning. Mir G

You might be surprised to learn that the youngest age group — 18-26-year-olds —expressed the most openness to the non-material. About 49 per cent said they believe in the soul, and 48 per cent believe in life after death. In both cases, another 28 per cent were open to the possibility.

By contrast, the oldest age bracket (76+) were much more sceptical: a full 40 per cent said they do not believe in ghosts, and 28 per cent dismissed the possibility of life after death. 16 OPEN THE BIBLE AT HOME

DID JESUS RISE FROM THE DEAD?

When asked for their view on the claim that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, 23.6 per cent said they are certain it happened. Almost 16 per cent are certain it didn’t. Others thought it possible (19.7 per cent) or unlikely (12.8 per cent).

But the most popular answer, at 28.3 per cent, was “I don’t know”. There’s a humility to that.

If you wish to support our work through CPX visit: publicchristianity.org/sower BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA 17

IS CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE?

Given the current climate, it’s most unexpected that there was no category here in which the negative outweighed the positive.

At opposite ends of the spectrum were politics and charity. But while suspicions of self-interest cling persistently to those in public service, it is much easier for the general public to believe that charity workers are genuinely in it for the good of others. The heavy involvement of Christian organisations in service provision in Australia is a potent illustration of what it means to do good deeds which win over the watching world, even though “they accuse you of doing wrong” (1 Peter 2:12).

58 per cent of Australians think the impact of Christians on education has been a good thing, while the lowest rate of approval in this survey came when asked about the media: only 39.4 per cent thought Christian influence was very or somewhat positive in that area.

For better and/or for worse, Christians are having an impact on Australian life. The culture is different because we are here – a strong reminder to continue to sow wisely and well, in whatever patches of ground we occupy. TO ALL PEOPLE. BY ALL MEANS POSSIBLE.

1818 OPEN THE BIBLE AT HOME

Help reach Australians with God’s word, by all means possible.

Your support provided more than 200,000 Scripture portions to help Open The Bible over 18* months. Please help share the joy, comfort and guidance of the Scriptures by Opening The Bible to all here at home.

biblesociety.org.au/sow

* July 2019 – Dec 2020 BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA 19 2020 OPEN THE BIBLE AT HOME Pray with us

hank God for the wonderful opportunities in front of us to reach out with His word, and Open The Bible with all people, everywhere. Please pray for the work in our own country. Ask God that people in remote areas would be blessed by the translation and distribution of God’s Tword in heart languages. Pray for the future of Australia, for the next generation, that they would be impacted by the message of God’s love, as the Bible is opened with them.

Pray too for Bible Society work around the world, that God would bring healing and hope as the Bible is opened with people facing trauma, violence, poverty, illness and natural disasters. BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA 21

Pray for COVID resilience Pray for Indigenous work around the world Pray for Bible translation and distribution among remote and Indigenous people in our Pray for Bible Societies battling COVID-19. Pray country. Pray the work would be well supported for good health and safety for staff and their and resourced, and lives would be transformed families, and for help to come quickly: vaccines, by the message of God’s love. emergency supplies, and financial support.

Pray for Vanuatu Pray for Youth Bible Engagement

Please pray for the workshops which are being Please lift up to God young people who trust in planned to confront the impact of domestic him. Pray they would know him better, trust him violence in Vanuatu. Pray that the distribution of more, and walk with him all their days. Pray for Scripture materials will bring spiritual help and Bibles in schools, for school chaplains and SRE hope to those who receive them. volunteers – and for Masterclass – that many would be enriched through them.

Pray for Syria Pray for Bibles for Bubs

Pray that war, violence and sanctions would come Pray for precious growing minds and hearts, to an end and the Syrian people would be able to that they would be nurtured into a growing faith live in peace. Pray for those training, leading and in God as his word is read to them from their participating in the trauma healing project, that earliest days. Thank God for Bibles for Bubs, they would know God’s love and healing. and for those receiving God’s word through this project.

DOWNLOAD OUR MONTHLY PRAYER GUIDE: BIBLESOCIETY.ORG.AU/PRAY 22 OPEN THE BIBLE AT HOME How Bible Societies survived COVID-19

The whole world continues to feel the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Bible Societies in other countries face existing and continuing social, economic and political challenges on top of the pandemic. Yet even during a global crisis, good news emerges, about how God has been using his people to serve his purposes, worldwide.

PAKISTAN In the midst of the COVID crisis, the Beacon During the pandemic lockdowns, World Hope of Light literacy classes were continued - with Ministries communicated with prisoners safety precautions - in slums, urban areas, through the postal system. Bibles in different villages and among brick kiln workers due to languages and formats were sent to inmates popular demand. Despite the challenges, the and, in some cases, reached their families as people were desperate to use their time to well. Despite the pandemic in 2020, 2,644 learn. Almost 6,300 students enrolled in 330 Bibles were distributed; almost 1,500 inmates classes last year, and more than 5,000 students applied to do the Biblical Discipleship course; were still able to graduate. and more than 1,100 enrolled to facilitate the course. CHINA Despite being the first country impacted PAPUA NEW GUINEA by the COVID crisis, China’s Bible Society The COVID crisis in PNG has only escalated Partnership still reports some positive news into 2021, with just under 11,000 (officially from 2020, with 73,080 copies of the Bibles diagnosed) infections and many more people distributed for free around the country. sick in a population of 10 million and only 5,000 health workers. IRAQ Despite the total lockdown, Bible Society However, the revision of the Tok Pisin Bible Iraq was granted permission to continue to continues to progress, with 2020 spent finding distribute relief packages to refugees and other translation consultants. This year has already displaced people. In 2020, 2,400 families seen the first drafts of three books, and the received relief packages and 2,000 children team continues to work to review the text of received a Christmas gift of pyjamas and a other books. There are also plans for the new Bible. members of the revision team to undergo training in translation and technology and for new translation consultants to be brought in this year. BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA 23

EGYPT NICARAGUA Despite lengthy lockdowns and restrictions Work continues, in the midst of the pandemic, on classes, the Literacy program in had as Bible Society volunteers share the word 900 graduates last year. They were each given of God with children with cancer and their a large print New Testament as a graduation families. Thankfully, the hospital authorities gift. have kept the doors open to the work. Even with reduced visits in 2020 (to protect The literacy course also held training both the children and volunteers), 96,000 sessions for facilitators: 25 sessions with new Scriptures were distributed in waiting rooms, facilitators and 22 with current facilitators. and a further 4,109 Bibles were distributed to Work was also completed on a new literacy children, their parents and medical staff in the resource for children who have no basic skills. paediatric oncology ward.

LEBANON ARAB-ISRAEL In response to the COVID crisis and the Beirut The Arab-Israeli Bible Society (AIBS) adapted port explosion last August, Bible Society to the pandemic by creating new programs Lebanon has been supported by partner Bible to reach families and youth. Last year, a Societies, boosting the team’s morale. series of workshops was run at churches and schools for youth and families covering topics 8,435 Bibles, New Testaments and Scriptures such as dealing with anxiety. Alongside these have been distributed for free (and a further workshops, thousands of Bibles, magazines 2,955 highly subsidised) to families whose and Bible resources were distributed. This homes were damaged in the explosion. A includes over 100 devotions that were bookshop in Beirut and the Bible Society posted on Facebook during the lockdown to Centre have also been rebuilt. continue engagement within the Arab-Israeli community. TO ALL PEOPLE. BY ALL MEANS POSSIBLE.

24 24 OPEN THE BIBLE AT HOME Syria

A letter to you from Bible Society in Syria, written for Easter celebrations, 2021. BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA 25 25 Syria

One year ago, we didn’t believe we’d still be here! We had just been through the lowest point in the history of the Bible Society in Syria. At that time, we ‘cried out to you from the bottom of our hearts’. This was followed by the ‘shock’ of our lives when Syria was ‘closed down’. It had never happened, even during the hottest exchanges of violence in our civil war!

That ‘God is Good’ is something we have experienced this year, even with its horrendous and relentless challenges. The shocks have shaken us more than the nine years of this terrible war, when we have been through months of shelling, sieges for months and even years, and killings so brutal it makes you doubt in the goodness of humanity.

As we are finalising the work on the Bible House Resource Centre in Damascus, we are rejoicing that an effort which has taken more than ten years, is about to become reality.

There is such a joy in our hearts thinking this centre will be used in so many ways ... not only for the richness of the Bible, but also to bring people together for Bible Conferences, Trauma Healing Seminars, Conflict-Solving Workshops, Family Seminars and Sunday-School Teachers’ Training.

Remember that you are not the only ones who have been isolated ... It’s wonderful to know that we are all following in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus Christ who told us to go to ‘all peoples everywhere’, and he’s promised us that ‘He will be with us until the end of the age’.

In Him, George 2626 OPEN THE BIBLE AT HOME

Watch now Bible at Home on YouTube BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA 27

Watch all the videos from our recent Pitjantjatjara translation workshop that took place in Ernabella, South Australia. Hear God’s word in Pitjantjatjara, interviews with Indigenous translators and learn more about the translation process from our expert team. 28 OPEN THE BIBLE AT HOME

Faith Stories Yvonne’s tale of surprise at reading the Bible is part of an Eternity series of testimonies, compiled by Naomi Reed.

“I was born in the 1970s, in mainland China. I was lucky. It was before the one- child policy, so I had siblings. My father was a businessman, driven by creating wealth. It was his security. He had a very poor background, so he was diligent in making money. But it was also the time of the Communist Party, so making wealth was illegal. The communist philosophy is that everyone should be equal. One year, my father was taken to BIBLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA 29

gaol for operating a business. It added to the “The following Sunday, I went to the local insecurity we all felt.” Christian church. Someone gave me a hymn book. I can still remember the words of the “Then, in 1990, China opened up and the first hymn. It was called, ‘Come home, come economy changed. That’s when I became part home.’ I sang along and it felt like a song from of the family business, intent on establishing heaven. I was crying. It felt like someone was my own kingdom. It was the most important calling me home ... thing – security. I had to rely on myself. “When the service finished, I didn’t know what “At the same time, my parents practised to do. The old lady next to me went forward to ancestor worship. They wanted fortune and pray, so I copied her. I listened to her prayers. good luck, so they often went to the temple She was praying for other people. It was so to pray for prosperity. But I wasn’t keen beautiful and urgent. I had never heard a on religion. ‘Buddhism is for the fool and prayer like that. At the Buddhist temple, we Christianity is for the weak.’ I also assumed only ever prayed for wealth for our family. So I that Christianity was for the Westerners and said to God, ‘Wow, if you are real, I want you to I wasn’t interested in it. be my God.’

“When I was 25, I moved out of home. One day, “That was the beginning. I kept going back to I went to the library to find something to read. church. I purchased a Bible and I read it all. I found a book with a black cover, titled ‘Old I understood it, step by step and I started my Testament and New Testament’. I had never journey of knowing Christ. heard of it, so I opened the book and started reading. I read a story about Jacob wrestling “Now, 20 years later, I’m a pastor in a with God. I thought it was Greek mythology, so Mandarin-speaking church. Jesus is so real I borrowed it. In China, you pay money [per] to me! And his words in the Bible are so day to borrow a book, and put down a deposit. precious to me! I want to proclaim his word! Looking back, I didn’t know much when I first “I read the book as a novel. I didn’t understand responded to God. But we don’t always have a much of it, but I liked the stories and wisdom full concept of God when we respond. literature. The Psalms touched my heart. At the end of the month, I hadn’t finished reading it, “I knew I was loved by God. And I’ve been but I had to return it. I was tempted to keep it. through many hard times. But God has I had to pay more money but, when I got to the brought me into a ‘spacious place’ (Psalm library, the boss said, ‘You’ve been reading the 118:5). I’ve had to find my true security in Bible! I shouldn’t charge you to read the Bible.’ Jesus. I’ve learned to rely on him, not myself. And my favourite verse is Isaiah 43:1, ‘Do not “He gave me my money back. I was surprised. fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned I didn’t know I was reading the Bible! you by name; you are mine.’”

“I said, ‘I haven’t finished reading it. Where can READ MORE FAITH STORIES: I buy a copy?’ He said, ‘You should go to the ETERNITYNEWS.COM.AU/FAITH-STORIES local church. They will have a Bible.’ The Unforced Rhythms Of Grace

The Bible mentions rest 275 times, so God must think it is very important and also want us to enjoy it. Rest is a good thing; it heals, it restores, it renews. So, how can we rest in Jesus?

Susannah McFarlane is the Head of Publishing for Bible Society Australia.

Day 1 with him. Jesus knew the importance of resting ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy with his Father. The Gospels show him often One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is taking time out, taking time alone to refresh and your salvation, in quietness and trust is your regroup with his Father, and calling his disciples strength, but you would have none of it.’ to do the same. And he calls to us today. (Isaiah 30:15) I find it hard to hear that invitation, let alone reply to it, as I push on in a world that says busy Too often that’s what we do: we ‘have none is best and the person working the longest hours of’ rest. We say there’s too much to do, too little wins. time and too much to worry about. We put it off until we almost fall over. At least, that’s what I What time could you intentionally set aside do. I am terrible at resting, even when I know I to spend time with God? need to and even when I want to. Day 3 How are you at resting, really resting? How ‘He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the can you, in quietness and trust, find your waves, “Quiet! Be Still!” Then the wind died strength in God? down and it was completely calm.’ (Mark 4:39)

I love how this verse says, ‘it was completely Day 2 calm’. Not just settled down a little but ‘Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy ‘completely calm’. Yet, like those waves rising ... On it you shall not do any work ...’ up and crashing down, I can get caught up, (Exodus 20:8,10a) thrashing around in the storms of life, and need ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and to be commanded to be still. burdened...’ (Matthew 11:28a) I forget much too easily that if I am in Christ, I don’t have to sort everything out, fix everything God tells us to follow his lead and rest on the – and everyone. Sabbath. But it’s not any kind of rest, it’s turning I need help to stop, to walk away from the from the work of the world and resting in him, action and be quiet, be still and know that God 31

is God and let him do his thing in sorting out the Day 5 storms in my life. ‘... You will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’’ In what areas of your life do you most (Matthew 11:29b-30) need to stop, be still, and let God sort out the Eugene Peterson beautifully paraphrased storms? these words of Jesus in The Message: “... Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Day 4 Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay ‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, anything heavy or ill-fitting on you ...” for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you The ‘unforced rhythms of grace’. These are will find rest for your souls.’ (Mathew 11:29) some of my favourite words of paraphrased Scripture. The ease of living in Jesus’ slipstream It’s such a relief when someone sees us of grace; to, literally, go with the flow. struggling and asks, “Hey, can I do that for you? And all we need to do is to follow. When he Can I show you another, easier way?” says, “This the way, walk in it,” we just walk in it. A yoke is a shaped wooden crosspiece bound And all is well, even during a storm. to the necks of a pair of oxen that enables them I’d love to tell you that this is how I live all to pull together, to literally lighten the load. It the time, but it isn’t, at least not yet. But, when makes things, especially heavy things, so much I have paused to spend time with him, to ask easier to carry. before I leap, things have gone much better, felt I used to think all this yoke-taking was a much lighter; paths have straightened, storms giving in, a giving up – now I see it’s much more have calmed. a ‘getting’. Jesus is, very patiently, giving me that other, better way – and all I have to do is follow. How can you rest in Jesus more, in the So much less exhausting. ‘unforced rhythms of grace’?

Are you also sometimes straining and striving rather than just following? What might you let go of? READ MORE AT BIBLE.COM.AU 32

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