Healing in the Middle East 1 Sheep Farmer Takes Reins in Rural Town

SUMMER

SOWER 2019-20

Healing in the Middle East 1 Sheep farmer takes reins in rural town

Tim Lubke with his wife Bec and Simeon, 5, Louisa, 3, and Jude, one

enty is a small rural town in grandparents and parents, but Tim believes it is equally southern NSW, surrounded says he made a commitment important for his three children Hby sheep and grain farms. when he was 21 – as a result of to know God’s word so they can This is where sixth-generation reading the gospels. be equipped for the challenges of farmer Tim Lubke has been “I read the full Gospel of a changing world, and is sending persuaded to take over as Matthew and then when I was into them to a local Lutheran school. secretary-treasurer of Henty Bible John, I just felt compelled to make The family worships at a Living Society from David Muller, 89, a commitment to follow Christ Word church in the next town of who had run the society for an wholeheartedly instead of just Culcairn, along with a lot of young impressive 51 years. motoring along,” he says. families including Tim’s mates Tim has lived all his 40 years “It pretty much governs my from his football playing days, one in Henty, growing up in a farming direction in life in general, in of whom has become the pastor. family with a strong German- decisions that I make, in the small The biggest event on the Lutheran background and now decisions and large decisions. Henty Bible Society calendar is taking over the family farm, where Having a right standing with its annual Bike for Bibles, which he raises sheep for meat as well as God has been very important happened this year on August crops such as wheat and canola. in my life and continuing to get 25, and attracted 80 riders – an Tim considers himself a encouragement from God’s word impressive number for a town of lifelong Christian, having been has continually fed my direction 1100 – with all funds raised going strongly inﬂ uenced by his faithful in life.” to the Bibles for China appeal.

2 3 One of those riders was Tim’s eldest son Simeon, 5, who was Dear friends, inspired to fundraise for the cause s I write this editorial, it’s been 24 days since I commenced as by being presented at church with Group CEO of Bible Society Australia, and I can honestly say a Bible for Sunday school. Athat every day I go to work with a burning passion to see Bible “It was that same week he Society’s impact and infl uence grow. I’m humbled that God would grant received his Bible that he started me the opportunity to serve in this way. raising money for Bibles in China. In October, I represented Bible Society and its faithful supporters So I thought it’s already benefi ting at church conferences in NSW and Queensland, where the work of him, he’s already wanting to raise Bible Society was presented to more than 2500 church leaders and money for other people who don’t pastors who love the Bible mission work we do. The response was have a Bible. I reckon his fi rst overwhelmingly positive. week he raised over $30, so he’s Towards the back of this edition you will read the story of our COO, pretty rapt. Melissa Lipsett, who came to faith through a faithful Navy chaplain. She “It’s brought him out of his had the opportunity in October to launch the latest Navy Bible, which comfort zone at a very young age was the culmination of a collaborative endeavour between Bible Society and some of the church members and Navy chaplains at the highest level. You might also have read about could see that. There were a the new releases of Bibles to both the Army and Air Force earlier in the couple of families that had gone year. This is the fruit of your giving and literally was not possible without to the ride for the very fi rst time you. Lives are changed daily as people encounter Jesus through God’s this year as well and they can see word and the prayerful persistence of a faithful chaplain. the benefi ts and the impact it’s In September, I called on Australian churches to pray for peace in Syria, having on their children too.” a country su ering renewed fi ghting following Turkey’s intervention. Bible Tim says it’s a joy to see all the Society Syria has never closed its doors in Aleppo, despite churches in the community come the relentless bombing of its city at the height of the war together for the event. It acts as a few years ago. In 2015, our Syrian colleagues began a community outreach too, with a Bible-based Trauma Healing Program with classes riders encouraged to bring their being provided in churches. The need is huge. You will friends along and provide a way read some personal accounts in the following pages. I for people to “receive God’s word urge you to dig deep in response to their plight and or express an interest in coming to support our appeal for the training of more know Christ.” Trauma Healing facilitators to enable the Seeing the support shown for growth of these classes. Bike for Bibles this year, Tim now Thank you again for your faithful plans to support some of the support – we are very grateful. surrounding towns to get another Bike for Bibles event happening in the near future. Grant Thomson

2 3 SYRIA Pray for healing from war trauma

4 nce again Christians trauma healing centres to look and psychologists about how in Syria are facing after organisations and people a bombing of the University of Odesperate circumstances. dealing with the experience of Aleppo had a ected her. Thousands of people have fl ed trauma. “The smell is still in my nose,” their homes after renewed But George realised that for she said. “I cannot forget this fi ghting in the country’s north and the seminars to be e ective, smell of explosives, blood and many civilians have been injured they had to work with the health concrete dust. I saw dead in or even lost their lives. workers who had experienced as the streets. There was blood For us in Australia, it’s all much trauma as those they were everywhere. My own body was full too easy to turn away from the trying to help. So he set up a of glass pieces from the windows shocking reality of this war that trauma healing seminar in Beirut, that had exploded. I was in shock.” has been terrifying and displacing Lebanon, aimed at equippping Ayla told the group that the people in the Middle East for the medical professionals for the war had hit her as hard as those past eight years. Televised images challenging tasks they face. who came to her for help. of frightened families fl eeing Participants were encouraged “I have experienced many from fi ghting and grieving for lost to speak of the trauma they had disasters. I have lost close relatives are confronting. Many endured while treating victims of relatives. We have lived with the viewers change the channel with the war in Syria. sound of rockets and we’ve been just a twinge of guilt – after all, Ayla (not her real name), a in danger of losing our lives.” what can one person do? psychologist from Aleppo, told Another issue Ayla has had to Secretary-general George and the group of doctors, psychiatrists confront is the stigma that is often his team at the Bible Society in Syria have said that at times it has felt impossible for them to pray, but this is when they have experienced the sustaining power of other people’s prayers. There is hardly a person in Syria who has not been traumatised by the constant war. Nearly all have lost at least one friend or family member. Many have been numbed by grief and pain. It was this that led Bible Society to develop a plan with Syrian churches to help locals overcome their trauma. The aim is to equip churches to establish

5 Image: (c) PA Images

associated with mental illness. She would challenge the faith,” he said. neighbouring village but watched spoke of a little boy who jumped “It’s great that George and the helplessly as their father, once so from a three-storey window Bible Society, in collaboration with strong and decisive, slipped into after losing his father in the war. Syrian churches, are now focusing a deep depression. Although he survived, his mother on trauma treatment.” “Things didn’t really change never returned to collect him from Today there are many Bible- radically until my mum started hospital as his depression brought based trauma healing classes going to Trauma Healing shame on the family. up and running but more are meetings,” Amira explained. “I just cannot forget his empty needed as instability in the region “She told us that she herself eyes,” Ayla said. continues. needed healing, and that she Leading the seminar, Ismael When bombs started dropping didn’t have the strength to go on Smeir, an expert on treating on a village near Damascus, without ‘a heavenly touch.’ survivors with trauma, said Amira (pictured next page) and “After each meeting she’d come churches can take a leading role in her family were forced to ﬂ ee the home and talk about it with my breaking down this stigma. home they had lived in all their dad. Papa might never have had “Churches have traditionally lives. The bombs burnt down the that ‘meeting with Jesus’ like been suspicious of psychology. house her father had built. Saint Paul had 2000 years ago in They may have been afraid that this Amira’s family escaped to a our own home town, but he had

6 always had that beautiful simple Bible Society has focused Like many refugee children, faith guiding him in his life. The on supporting Christian Darine and her younger sister words of my mum spoke to his families and other Asraa’ had not learned to read heart and one day I saw him cry minority groups, and write before they fl ed Syria like a baby. many of whom are to live in a refugee camp in the “I believe my Dad’s life was refugees and the east of Lebanon. They are now rescued and totally changed most vulnerable enrolled in a school for refugees on that day. Yes, my mum cried in Iraqi society. set up by a church in Zahle, which with him. Maybe because they By distributing has adopted the Bible Society shared so much sadness, or Scriptures and Arabic literacy program for maybe she was crying tears for relief packages that children who are behind in their joy seeing that her husband was provide for physical education compared to their age. breaking out of his prison. needs, including The sisters live in one room “I’m thankful for the training, food, medicines and hygiene with their brother, little sister, and but it hurts inside me that the supplies, Bible Society hopes to parents. Asraa’ loves to go to e ects of our war and continuing encourage a dwindling Christian school. Her favourite story from instability have left people population to persevere in their the 365 Bible Stories book is “They traumatised. But somehow I can faith. arrived to the shore safely.” It’s see that God has been guiding me In Lebanon, where many the story from Acts 27 about the along a path, which Christian Syrian families have shipwreck that happened as the at times has been very, very fl ed, Bible Society Australia is Apostle Paul and other prisoners di cult to walk. I know that I supporting Bible-based literacy were being taken to Rome. wouldn’t have been able to do classes for refugee children Will you help us rebuild lives in it without him.” who have missed out on a basic Syria, Iraq and Lebanon through In Iraq, Bible Society is education. the power of God’s word? supporting Christians under pressure in a way that provides for their physical and spiritual PLEASE GIVE NOW needs. Since 2006 the Christian Use the donation form on the back page, community in Iraq has been call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537) or under tremendous pressure and visit biblesociety.org.au/sowurgent is su ering hardships on a daily basis. Thousands of Christians $39 teaches a young refugee in Lebanon to read have had to leave their homes due to sectarian violence, fl eeing to $52 provides a Scripture and aid package in Iraq other areas of Iraq. There are now $85 helps restore someone a ected by war well over one million internally in Syria, through Bible-based trauma healing displaced people. For this reason,

7 Devotion

ear brothers and sisters, be and mercy. (James 5:7–8, 10–11) patience and self-control. Our patient as you wait for the “Hurry up and Wait” is often hopes, goals and desires are DLord’s return. Consider the seen as typifying the tempo in being refi ned as we persist and farmers who patiently wait for the the Defence Force. But waiting persevere in things we truly value. rains in the fall and in the spring. is a normal part of everyday And our appreciation is growing They eagerly look for the valuable life – perhaps in a queue or and deepening. If things come too harvest to ripen. You, too, must tra c, for an appointment or easily, we usually don’t appreciate be patient. Take courage, for the an opportunity, for change in them as we should. So don’t coming of the Lord is near. For someone or in our circumstances. underestimate the importance of examples of patience in su ering, Waiting isn’t necessarily fun, but waiting. And remember, patience dear brothers and sisters, look at it doesn’t have to be a waste of is not just the ability to wait but the prophets who spoke in the time. Not only can we “redeem” the ability to keep a great attitude name of the Lord. We give great that time by using it to good while you wait. honour to those who endure e ect but, more importantly, Where are you struggling with under su ering. For instance, you good things can be happening lack of patience in your life at the know about Job, a man of great within us while we wait without moment? endurance. You can see how the us realising it. Devotion fi rst printed in the Army Devotional, Lord was kind to him at the end, Our character is developing a series of studies written specifi cally for the for the Lord is full of tenderness – especially in qualities such as Australian Army and published by Bible Society

8 China trek ﬁ lls hearts with emotion

By Alec Wallis

he amazing country of China the world, and had the privilege give to churches in China, and has shaped the lives of most of distributing Bibles in a local then we did just that. Each person Twho have travelled to it. I lived registered church. stretched out both hands and in Xi’an, Shaanxi province for a year Brian, one of our trekkers, spoke took this precious book from us, and came back forever changed. for the group when he said a smiling broadly, sometimes warmly Therefore, I was not surprised feeling of great joy came upon us clasping our hand. Some clutched that the recent Bible Society and as we had the opportunity to hand the Bible to their hearts and others Inspired Adventures tour to Beijing out Bibles to those for whom we stroked the cover. and Nanjing had a profound e ect had been fundraising! The China Trek team raised on those who took part. “The ﬁ rst man I went to, a tall more than $28,000 for Chinese Christians from di erent man sitting up the back put his Bibles and it was great for us at denominations and various parts hands out very humbly, and with a Amity to see the physical results in of Australia signed up to fundraise, great smile he accepted the Bible. how much paper that bought for walk the Great Wall and visit I could really relate to him,” Brian Bibles. The recent Winter Appeal the work of the Bible Society in told me later. for Bibles in China raised more Nanjing. It was without doubt the than $1 million across Australia. The Nanjing hosted us for three highlight of the trip. Our little need continues to be great, as one days as we visited Amity Printing group had been actively quarter of the world’s unreached Press, the largest Bible printer in fundraising to pay for Bibles to peoples live in China.

9 BANGLADESH When Shabetree learned to love her enemy

ife and mother Bakul Bakul initially refused to go, I also learned writing,” she reports Halder of Narikelbari in saying she was too busy at home with obvious joy. WBangladesh, pictured to spare the time. But when the “Now I’m feeling much more above, was sceptical when a facilitator came back and tried confi dent to take some decisions literacy facilitator from her village to convince Bakul of the benefi ts on my own! Nowadays, I talk to came to her home and invited her of being able to read the word my Lord God quietly in my mind. to join her literacy class. of God independently and count I also learned to live in peace and Bible-based literacy classes money to assist in day-to-day harmony with my family, friends are run by 50 rural churches tasks, she agreed to give it a try. and neighbours. across Bangladesh, meeting for “On the fi rst day I got “Finally, I decided to lead and an hour a day, fi ve days a week. something new which I never had encourage my younger son so Participants learn to read the in my life,” Bakul says. that he may be able to tell the Bengali Common Language “The class was so interesting. Bible stories to others. Please pray Bible, along with newspapers and We learned through songs and for him and for me so that my other materials. drama, and we practised reading. dream comes true.” With about a quarter of the We also talked, listened, shared Farmer’s wife Shabetree Halder country’s 165 million people personal feelings and prayed also discovered unexpected illiterate, according to the UN, together in the class. It was quite benefi ts after attending a literacy Bible Society in Bangladesh has amazing for me! class in Narikelbari. an annual target of reaching more “The stories I learned are “I learned how to love my than 1000 participants, of whom not only stories, but I found the enemies, which I never heard about half are in a second stage of deeper meaning of the stories and before,” she relates. literacy learning. related them to my personal life. “After joining the literacy class,

10 I realised that the creator God “The literacy class gave me participants all pray together for loves me and he also gave the hope in my life … I thank God one another.” command to love one another. So, for speaking to me through this Liza was sad because after we need to love our neighbours.” literacy class.” seven years of marriage, she had Thanks to her newly acquired For Liza Shaha, a member of no children. ability to count money, Shabetree Chapterpar Baptist Church, it was “So, all the participants stood is delighted that she is able to a dramatic change to be able to around me and prayed for me relieve her son in his shop in the read the Bible from the pulpit in with tears. The pastor said after village and give him a well-earned front of the congregation. the prayer that God is able to do break. “Literacy class educated me to any miracle in my life. So, I needed As well as developing their know the Bible stories. As I was to wait in faith. Within a couple literacy and numeracy skills, unable to read, I never read the of months I got pregnant and graduates of the literacy classes Bible. I was almost in the dark,” gave birth to a baby girl. So, now keenly value the opportunity to she says. I believe God can do anything pray with other members of the “The literacy class is a place to anybody. I am grateful to my class. where I ﬁ nd peace. I can share church pastor, the facilitator and Shobita Madhu, a member of my joy and sorrows and the the Bangladesh Bible Society for the Catholic church at Bethkachia, these opportunities Kotalipara, Gopalganj, was facing which turned my a lot of problems in her family life towards light when she joined a literacy class from darkness.” last year. “My husband Melvin is a daily worker. He works for others and earns a little amount of money for the family. One day, while he climbed up a tree to chop Women the branches, he fell and share their injured his cheek, left jaw and joys and sorrows at upper teeth. a literacy “I shared this matter with all class the participants of the literacy class. The group spent time praying for my husband. Slowly GIVE NOW he recovered and got the strength Please call 1300 BIBLES (1300 242 537), to work at full speed. I realised the use the donation form on the back page abounding love and pity is endless or visit biblesociety.org.au/sowlove for my family,” she says.

11 Thank you Please enjoy these stories of how your generous donations have helped bring people closer to Jesus through the word of God. Nicaragua South Africa ight-year-old Martha Pastran in the hospital, her mother was emand for children’s literacy Eand her mother, Maritza, live in desperate and turned to Bible Dbooks in South Africa is Puerto Cabeza on the northeast Society volunteers, asking them to growing dramatically, as the coast of Nicaragua. pray for her daughter. Australian material opens up new avenues Earlier this year, they made donors like you have supported for teachers and learners. Thanks the long journey to La Mascota this work through giving to the to your generosity, there has been Hospital in Managua, where Hope and Smiles for Children with a huge growth in the number of Martha was diagnosed with Cancer project. literacy books distributed this a rare kidney cancer, Wilms After several visits by year. The latest distribution ﬁ gures Tumour. While Martha had volunteers, Maritza felt the for the literacy materials show surgery and follow-up treatment call to give her heart to Jesus. a jump from 38,897 in 2018 to Afterwards, she felt at peace and 78,988 in 2019 for Book 1, and a able to leave her worries with God. doubling from 37,392 to 77,783 Maritza says: “My life has for Book 2 in the same period. changed with the Bible, because We believe this trend will the Bible is an instrument continue. of God in my life; it helps me to have peace. I thank the Bible Society for praying for us and for supporting us since that gives us strength.”

12 Please enjoy these stories of how your generous donations have helped bring people closer to Jesus through the word of God. China efore Li Yanjing knew became a Christian after BJesus, he had only reading the Bible he gave one objective in life – the her in his taxi. We at pursuit of wealth. But Bible Society Australia after he received his fi rst are greatly encouraged Bible from his father-in- by your support of our law – who had prayed for Bibles for China projects, his conversion for years – he for God’s word truly began to see the emptiness convicts and transforms in his past pursuits. Gradually, as the word of God took root in Bibles in his life, he was transformed into the children “are getting pretty a more patient person, learning schools grant profi cient at looking up the verse to put a check on his hot temper ail Morgan (above right) is or chapter I ask them to, and that and readily making peace with his Gthe wife of a drought-stricken really thrills my heart as that is a “enemies.” farmer in the Mount Seaview/ life-long ability – something they “The Bible has become my Yarras area which is near Long will not forget. Each child has a precious companion and I Flat, a rural village about 50km bookmark with their name on it treasure it dearly,” says Li, who west of Port Macquarie on the and a sticky note with their name has now been in active Christian NSW mid-north coast. But her on it on the front cover of the service at a church in Handan city life was brightened by receiving Bible, which they will be able to in the province of Hebei for the a Bibles in Schools grant to help use for the time they are at the past ten years. her in her work as a volunteer Long Flat School. It will then pass Li, 66, works as a taxi driver teacher of SRE (Special Religious on to a new student. and often puts copies of the Bible Education) at the local primary “Thank you from the bottom of in his cab. When passengers show school. “I cannot begin to express my heart for these Bibles and for interest in reading the Bible, Li the excitement and happiness I the work you do in getting God’s gives them a free copy on the felt when I arrived at school last word out into our world,” says condition that they promise to week and all the Bibles I had Gail. drop o the copy at any nearby requested from you were sitting Thanks to your support, Bible church if they change their mind there in boxes,” she wrote. Society was able to distribute about reading it. Li was greatly After using the Bibles in 9172 Bibles in Australian schools in encouraged when a passenger Grades 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, Gail says the last fi nancial year.

13 CHAMPIONING THE BIBLE 2018-2019

BSA’S YEAR IN REVIEW: TRANSLATION translating, distributing, Australia International engaging and Kunwinku Shorter Bible INDOCHINA (VIETNAM) SOUTH PACIFIC advocating COMPLETE! Bible for 2 minority Maumi NT completed for the word ethnic groups after 11 years Pitjantjatjara Audio NT of God. almost complete COMPLETE! COMPLETE! 2 other groups With your help, signiﬁcant progress here’s what we’ve achieved! DISTRIBUTION IRAQ CHINA Australia 2,800 Paper provided for 90,000 families 1.4 million scripture grants received Scripture Bibles and a care package

INDIGENOUS MINISTRIES CHAPLAINS & PARA CHURCH MINISTRIES

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I THE BIBLE 2018-2019 ENGAGEMENT N Australia International OF EACH EVENTS SOUTH AFRICA 76c DOLLAR $9.2m raised goes mission 3,200 people 105,000 students toward our expenditure reached in 235 schools mission at Youth Masterclasses learnt to read using Bible resources and other events DONATIONS BY STATE PAKISTAN PUBLISHING 5,200 women 35+ books were presented with a 0.9% free Bible after graduating published 9.1% 11.2% for readers in Australia and overseas from Bible literacy classes 9.9% LEBANON 48.2% 10,000+ special 1.6% 1,000 refugee 15% edition Bibles published in partnership with children 4.1% schools and churches gifted a Scripture and audio CD following literacy class graduation MISSION EXPENDITURE % ADVOCACY 35.6 International Eternity The Centre for Public Christianity 600,000 55 articles & appearances in mainstream media 4.6 Scripture Grants reached 5.9 Remote & Indigenous per month in print and digital 100,000 Videos downloads 23.4 Campaigns & Advocacy Over 330,000 of Life+Faith podcasts mins 1.4 Youth & Schools watched 360,000 people 18.1 Publishing & Eternity watched For the Love of God 11.0 Church & Community Relations documentary on ABC TV 15 SUPPORTER SURVEY 2018-2019

SATISFACTION Reasons to support Bible Society Supporter Supporters feel extremely/very Supporters strongly/somewhat agree: satisfaction satisfied with Bible Society: I support Bible Society because 86% of its clear focus on translating 97% Thanking you and distributing Bibles appropriately 84% 86% of you are I trust Bible Society to extremely/very use my money wisely 96% Giving you satisfied with opportunities to 82% your experience, support Bible Society Bible Society has a supporting Bible good reputation 95% Making it clear why Society your continued 80% support is needed I have a strong affinity with its cause 94% 16 SUPPORTER Anna McGahan: SURVEY 2018-2019 I follow

Thanks to those who participated in our recent supporter survey! The results were encouraging and insightful. In short, a big thumbs-up for our focus on translating and distributing the Bible and helping people to engage with confidence. And another my body’s thumbs-up for how we serve you. As you requested, we will better consider your generational needs when communicating too. FOCUS journey Top four programs supporters believe are Supporters value a local and global focus important for Bible Society: The top two areas you think Bible Society should currently focus on for Bible nna McGahan is an – that is bought and sold as was like, “Well, this is the story I 1 International literacy programs 2 in 3 supporters translation and distribution programs are: using the Bible (64%) place Australian actress, best merchandise – to transforming know I believe.” This person sort equal priority on known for her work in into a sanctuary or temple. From of came out of the page and was 2 overseas work A Global Bible distribution programs Underbelly, Picnic at Hanging having no worth, to being of on my side and was my friend. I and work within Australia Rock and 100 Bloody Acres. Read extraordinary, priceless value. felt this deep alliance from him about her journey to faith in her What did you need to be and acceptance. I felt like I had 3 Global Bible translation Aboriginal and China new book, Metanoia. healed from? an ally in Jesus when I didn’t have Torres Strait Islander Why is the book entitled I had an eating disorder for anybody on my side. 4 Youth and school Bible programs communities in Australia Metanoia? ten years that was healed. I was What do you want people to “Metanoia” is Greek for a able to see clearly what drug use take away from the book? transformational change of did to my body and what an act My giving of it is not to state SATISFACTION heart or a repentance. I thought of worship it could be to share a some sort of absolute exclusive Reasons to support Bible Society Supporter it was an incredibly powerful, meal with somebody else. truth but to share something I Supporters feel extremely/very Supporters strongly/somewhat agree: satisfaction dynamic word to describe what When you met Jesus, he was hope can resonate, particularly satisfied with Bible Society: I support Bible Society because I experienced when I had what not at all like you expected. with people that have questions 86% of its clear focus on translating 97% was essentially a conversion I expected to meet a Jesus or similar experiences. Thanking you and distributing Bibles appropriately 84% experience and was reconciled to that was on the side of Christians 86% of you are I trust Bible Society to extremely/very use my money wisely 96% my body at the same time I was and of the people that I, at that Metanoia Giving you satisfied with reconciled to God. time, didn’t identify with. I was by Anna McGahan. opportunities to 82% support Bible Society your experience, Tell us about the journey you so rejected and broken and this $24.99 RRP. supporting Bible Bible Society has a 95% good reputation document regarding your body? person [of Jesus] just disarmed Published by Acorn Press. Making it clear why Society your continued 80% I follow my body’s journey from me, because it was so personal. Available at Koorong and support is needed I have a strong affinity the idea of [being] a marketplace As soon as I started to read it, I all leading booksellers. with its cause 94% 17 AUSTRALIA When Bill met Melissa s a 21-year-old grace and mercy of Christ, the a Christian leadership camp he midshipman in the shame and guilt was completely decided to sing Amazing Grace ARoyal Australian Navy, lifted o . Not needing to carry until Melissa came forward and Melissa Lipsett looked good that incredible burden completely gave her life to Christ. on the outside, but inside she transformed who I was and the “He looked straight at me and Right: Melissa with Bill at his home felt broken. The tall, slim Navy accusing voice in the middle of I think we sang it three or four Inset: At the launch of the communications o cer who had the night was gone,” she says. times. Then I remember praying Navy NT, with BSA CEO, run away to the Navy at age 17 After 15 years of Naval and the sinner’s prayer with Bill – he Chief of Navy, Melissa and Head didn’t have a very high opinion Naval Reserve service, led me through that – but really of Chaplaincy of herself and she carried a lot of Melissa went on to have a fulfi lling it was the conviction that I wasn’t shame and guilt about her life. career in Christian ministry – 20 who I thought I was, but I was “I came from a di cult family years in the Uniting Church, in who God said I was that reshaped environment where there were which she was ordained, and for everything for me.” di cult and very stroppy – he also personal. Even if they don’t read just need support. signifi cant challenges, and quite the past three years as COO of Reminiscing about his time ended up making a commitment it that much in everyday life, they “The provision you make of honestly, some of the choices Bible Society. as Chief Protestant Chaplain of his life and he confessed to me carry it and feel it protects them. o ering the word of God to them I’d made since I was 13 years old In this role she launched a new in the Navy in the 1980s, Bill later that he wanted to kill me. It’s important to them. When is very much appreciated. These were very poor,” says Melissa, who Bible Society New Testament remembered that when at sea But I was under God’s protection, they’re on deployment, they’re camo editions – we leave them today is Bible Society Australia’s for the Navy on HMAS Canberra he never went to the movies and it didn’t ever worry me.” away at sea for a long time. They in chapels, and they just go. It’s Chief Operating O cer. III, in Sydney in October, in a that were screened nightly in the Because she became a can sail at reasonably short notice amazing just how many people Having little knowledge of the moment that took her back to her wardroom because he would hold Christian as a result of a Navy if there’s a confl ict. They are ask for them and read them in Scriptures, Melissa was amazed beginnings. a fellowship group every night. chaplain who had a Bible separated from family and loved their cabins when they are alone.” when a Navy chaplain, Bill Rosier, “It is an incredible joy for me to “I did it every night because the available, Melissa is passionate ones. They have each other but Will you support the provision sat her down and opened up the see my life come full circle,” she senior sailors and o cers were on about Bible Society continuing of Bibles for Australia’s Defence Bible with her. As he shared God’s said then. watch, so I had to do it every night to provide Bibles to the Defence Forces? word over several months, Melissa “Those of us who are of faith just to see them growing. This was Forces. gradually saw that she was not believe that the Bible is the book my ministry and I really loved it. It Navy chaplain Monsignor Peter the person she thought she was for life and for living. It changes was really very special,” he said. O’Keefe says it’s amazing how but that she was the person God the way we live, serve and lead. “I remember coming down from many people carry the “camo” GIVE NOW said she was. All of us will be better for what we Hong Kong to Singapore and we Bible with them, particularly on Please call 1300 BIBLES “I was the Creator God’s child fi nd in its pages.” had been on HMAS Stuart frigate deployment. (1300 242 537), use the and he had a plan and purpose for Melissa recently took a trip to where we had a mini-revival – we “This New Testament Bible donation form on the my life. Knowing that changed my visit Bill to thank him for leading had lots of sailors committing that’s been created for them back page or visit life. her to Christ so many years their lives to Christ. We had a – they identify clearly with it. biblesociety.org.au/sowchaplain “When I truly understood the ago. She recalled how during young lieutenant who was very It’s theirs and it’s much more

18 19 When Bill met Melissa

Right: Melissa with Bill at his home

Inset: At the launch of the Navy NT, with BSA CEO, Chief of Navy, Melissa and Head of Chaplaincy

di cult and very stroppy – he also personal. Even if they don’t read just need support. ended up making a commitment it that much in everyday life, they “The provision you make of of his life and he confessed to me carry it and feel it protects them. o ering the word of God to them later that he wanted to kill me. It’s important to them. When is very much appreciated. These But I was under God’s protection, they’re on deployment, they’re camo editions – we leave them and it didn’t ever worry me.” away at sea for a long time. They in chapels, and they just go. It’s Because she became a can sail at reasonably short notice amazing just how many people Christian as a result of a Navy if there’s a conﬂ ict. They are ask for them and read them in chaplain who had a Bible separated from family and loved their cabins when they are alone.” available, Melissa is passionate ones. They have each other but Will you support the provision about Bible Society continuing of Bibles for Australia’s Defence to provide Bibles to the Defence Forces? Forces. Navy chaplain Monsignor Peter O’Keefe says it’s amazing how many people carry the “camo” GIVE NOW Bible with them, particularly on Please call 1300 BIBLES deployment. (1300 242 537), use the “This New Testament Bible donation form on the that’s been created for them back page or visit – they identify clearly with it. biblesociety.org.au/sowchaplain It’s theirs and it’s much more

19 January 12-18 the lost churches and replace all the literacy materials, March 8-14 Prayer points Jordan: Pray for wisdom and protection for Bible books and Bibles for every student. Iranian Bible Society: Please pray that the Iranian Bible Society sta who are working in public book fairs. Pray Society in Diaspora will meet the Scripture needs of the December – March that refugees in Jordan will know God’s loving presence. February 9-15 various dispersed Iranian communities. Praise God for the Australia: Please pray as we prepare to print the Australia: Praise God for the work of chaplains in signifi cant growth of Persian Christians around the world. December 15-21 revised edition Gumatj New Testament, in response to correctional centres. One chaplain says, “The men have Southern African Bible Societies (Botswana, Australia: Please pray for our new CEO, Grant demand. Gumatj is spoken in Arnhem Land. a real hunger for the Scriptures. We now about 10 per Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia): Please pray that as Thomson, as he settles into the role. Pray that he would cent of our whole prison population doing Bible study.” these Bible Societies work together there will be many lead and grow Bible work in our country and beyond. January 19-25 Philippines: Please pray for Bible Society sta as opportunities to distribute Scripture in their countries. Haiti: There is a desperate need for prayer for an end Australia: Praise God for the opportunity to supply they help Filipino women who have su ered trauma to escalating violence, rioting and crime. Pray that Indigenous language Bibles through our grants through violence by leading them in healing sessions March 15-21 every Haitian will have access to basic necessities. program. Praise God for a mother in Queensland who and introducing them to the Scriptures. Vietnam: Give thanks for the recent joyful was able to connect her eight long-term foster children celebration of one million Bibles published and December 22-28 to their faith in a culturally appropriate way. February 16-22 distributed in Vietnam since 1994, when the Bible Australia: Please pray for Bible Society’s outreach Arab-Israeli Bible Society: Please pray that Bible Australia: Please uphold those working with children Society reopened after being suspended for two campaign for Christmas this year, as we give away copies Society will be a voice of hope and peace during times through Special Religious Education in schools. Pray decades. of The Who, What, Why and How of Christmas. Pray that of confl ict, that more people will fi nd comfort and that as children’s hearts will hear the message of love Malawi: Give thanks for the launch of literacy classes many will be reached with the good news of Jesus. refuge in the Lord and his word. and new life found through Jesus in the Bible. with local churches to ensure the new translation of Chile: Please pray for a peaceful and just solution as Slovenia: Please pray for a Bible Society healing the Yao Bible can be well utilised. the country su ers with vandalism amid angry protests January 26-February 1 project that is helping women who have faced various against living costs and inequality. Cameroon: Please continue to pray for Project Esther, traumas, such as violence and abuse, to experience the March 22-28 which supports teenage mothers and girls who have freedom of the love and truth of God. Nepal: Please pray for the successful translation, December 29-January 4 been victims of sexual exploitation. Pray that these production and distribution of the Nepali Bible and Australia: Thank God for the printing of the new revised women may be healed from trauma. February 23-29 related materials for Nepali speakers. edition Pitjantjatjara Shorter Bible “Tjukurpa Palya” which South Pacifi c: Please pray for the Bible Society’s Suriname: Please pray for a Bible Society project that Australia – Publishing: Please pray for Amanda includes Daniel and 1 Samuel for the fi rst time. e orts to encourage the spiritual life of people in the is seeking to reach children with the message of God’s McKenna as she looks after custom Bibles and seeks to Algeria: Please pray for reopening of churches that South Pacifi c by providing Scripture for eight island love through events at schools and orphanages. encourage schools, churches and other organisations have been closed by the authorities and for the nations. Pray also for harmony among the churches. Bangladesh: Pray for women who have completed to get their communities to read it. release of a container of 5000 Bibles. the two-year literacy course that they may help other February 2-8 believers who still cannot read or write. January 5-11 Australia: Pray that patients and families who have March 29-April 5 Australia: As a new year begins, pray for chaplains and fl eeting encounters with hospital chaplains will March 1-7 Australia: Pray that the recent launch of an easy to use para-church organisations who work with students. Pray remember the conversations and be drawn to Scripture Australia: Pray that the Centre for Public Christianity AUSLAN Bible website will encourage Deaf Christians their students will keep seeking the God of the Bible material while in hospital and when they go home. will inspire Christians to show that they have beautiful in their faith and reach other members of their Cambodia: Please pray for safety and protection for Mozambique: Please pray for partners in Beira, and credible answers to life’s biggest questions. community. the distribution team who travel extensively. Pray that who were running a literacy project until the China: Please pray for newly graduated seminary World: Give thanks that 305 million Bibles were God’s word will bring salvation to those experiencing cyclone devastated the city in March. Thank God for students and newly appointed preachers as they adjust distributed worldwide in the past decade by the United poverty, bringing transformation to their lives. emergency funding from Australian donors to rebuild and develop skills in their roles. Bible Societies.

20 21 the lost churches and replace all the literacy materials, March 8-14 books and Bibles for every student. Iranian Bible Society: Please pray that the Iranian Bible Society in Diaspora will meet the Scripture needs of the February 9-15 various dispersed Iranian communities. Praise God for the Australia: Praise God for the work of chaplains in signiﬁ cant growth of Persian Christians around the world. correctional centres. One chaplain says, “The men have Southern African Bible Societies (Botswana, a real hunger for the Scriptures. We now about 10 per Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia): Please pray that as cent of our whole prison population doing Bible study.” these Bible Societies work together there will be many Philippines: Please pray for Bible Society sta as opportunities to distribute Scripture in their countries. they help Filipino women who have su ered trauma through violence by leading them in healing sessions March 15-21 and introducing them to the Scriptures. Vietnam: Give thanks for the recent joyful celebration of one million Bibles published and February 16-22 distributed in Vietnam since 1994, when the Bible Australia: Please uphold those working with children Society reopened after being suspended for two through Special Religious Education in schools. Pray decades. that as children’s hearts will hear the message of love Malawi: Give thanks for the launch of literacy classes and new life found through Jesus in the Bible. with local churches to ensure the new translation of Slovenia: Please pray for a Bible Society healing the Yao Bible can be well utilised. project that is helping women who have faced various traumas, such as violence and abuse, to experience the March 22-28 freedom of the love and truth of God. Nepal: Please pray for the successful translation, production and distribution of the Nepali Bible and February 23-29 related materials for Nepali speakers. Suriname: Please pray for a Bible Society project that Australia – Publishing: Please pray for Amanda is seeking to reach children with the message of God’s McKenna as she looks after custom Bibles and seeks to love through events at schools and orphanages. encourage schools, churches and other organisations Bangladesh: Pray for women who have completed to get their communities to read it. the two-year literacy course that they may help other believers who still cannot read or write. March 29-April 5 March 1-7 Australia: Pray that the recent launch of an easy to use Australia: Pray that the Centre for Public Christianity AUSLAN Bible website will encourage Deaf Christians will inspire Christians to show that they have beautiful in their faith and reach other members of their and credible answers to life’s biggest questions. community. China: Please pray for newly graduated seminary World: Give thanks that 305 million Bibles were students and newly appointed preachers as they adjust distributed worldwide in the past decade by the United and develop skills in their roles. Bible Societies.

21 SOUTH AFRICA African children compete to learn Bible verses

ife in Westbury, a suburb Ministries we like to say, ‘we fl y Australia, which have a di erent of Johannesburg, can be under the radar.’” theme each year to encourage Ltough, with prominent gangs With 10,000 children’s and motivate learners. This year’s controlling everyday life. A recent calendars handed out each year, theme was My Friend Jesus. newspaper report said Westbury the program provides a precious “Most of our kids come from residents bury a victim of gang opportunity to bring God’s word broken homes and do not have wars every weekend. not only into schools but also friends, let alone true friends that But in one of the primary into families as children take their they can talk to and confi de in,” schools in Westbury, children are calendars home. comments Pastor Willy. learning up to 35 Bibles verses in “The Bible Memory Verse “Kids can lose focus and the a year, spurred on by the prospect Calendar Program is widely and devil can use those opportunities of winning a certifi cate and a enthusiastically received in our to get a foothold in these precious Bible in an awards ceremony at schools, especially in the schools lives. Through the calendar, they the end of November. situated in Soweto,” says Pastor have the opportunity to learn The program’s success is graduations, a Muslim teacher “We’ve never been turned away “We saw Muslim children in Willy. about Jesus and get to know that demonstrated by the fact that 600 came up and asked if she could but always received with open their Muslim attire stand and “Soweto has about ten million he wants to become our friend Bibles are given out each year to have a Bible. She also asked if she arms. What an opportunity!” recite 20 to 30 verses,” says people; there’s a number of and a true friend that we can trust children who learn 35 Bible verses. could use a Bible story for her Will you help increase the Pastor Willy Dengler of World African schools where the and confi de in 100 per cent.” Those who learn fewer than 35 class. We were blown away but impact and scope of this valuable Hope Ministries, who has been children memorise the verses as Pastor Willy says in some of the verses receive just a certifi cate. praise God for these opportunities program? Pastor Willy would love running the Bible Memory Verse part of their curriculum. One of schools they have visited this year, “There’s a great interest among we get as a result of the Bible to give away 1000 Bibles and Calendar Program for ten years in the results that we look at is that Satanism has gained a foothold. the Catholic schools. Many Memory Verse Calendar Program. 15,000 calendars each year. ten schools in South Africa. the calendars are hung in their “The school heads are petrifi ed Christian teachers are encouraged “We saw the joy on their faces homes and visible to the parents, and have pleaded with us to place as well and have the opportunity to when they received their very own even to those who are Muslims Bibles in each and every class at express their faith and confi dently GIVE NOW Bible. It opens up an opportunity or from other religious groups. their schools,” he says. teach the learners about the word for us to teach the Bible. We value There’s a witness to the word of “By distributing Bible memory of God, says Pastor Willy. Please call 1300 BIBLES these opportunities because God right there!” verse calendars and Bibles, we are However, there is also an (1300 242 537), use the donation politically we are not supposed Thanks to your support, combating Satanism ... The gates opportunity to be a witness form on the back page or visit to share the gospel of Jesus in the calendars used are those of hell shall not prevail against the to all the teachers and sta of biblesociety.org.au/sowverses our schools, but at World Hope published by Bible Society word of God.” these schools. “After one of our

22 23 SOUTH AFRICA African children compete to learn Bible verses ife in Westbury, a suburb Ministries we like to say, ‘we fl y Australia, which have a di erent of Johannesburg, can be under the radar.’” theme each year to encourage Ltough, with prominent gangs With 10,000 children’s and motivate learners. This year’s controlling everyday life. A recent calendars handed out each year, theme was My Friend Jesus. newspaper report said Westbury the program provides a precious “Most of our kids come from residents bury a victim of gang opportunity to bring God’s word broken homes and do not have wars every weekend. not only into schools but also friends, let alone true friends that But in one of the primary into families as children take their they can talk to and confi de in,” schools in Westbury, children are calendars home. comments Pastor Willy. learning up to 35 Bibles verses in “The Bible Memory Verse “Kids can lose focus and the a year, spurred on by the prospect Calendar Program is widely and devil can use those opportunities of winning a certifi cate and a enthusiastically received in our to get a foothold in these precious Bible in an awards ceremony at schools, especially in the schools lives. Through the calendar, they the end of November. situated in Soweto,” says Pastor have the opportunity to learn The program’s success is graduations, a Muslim teacher “We’ve never been turned away “We saw Muslim children in Willy. about Jesus and get to know that demonstrated by the fact that 600 came up and asked if she could but always received with open their Muslim attire stand and “Soweto has about ten million he wants to become our friend Bibles are given out each year to have a Bible. She also asked if she arms. What an opportunity!” recite 20 to 30 verses,” says people; there’s a number of and a true friend that we can trust children who learn 35 Bible verses. could use a Bible story for her Will you help increase the Pastor Willy Dengler of World African schools where the and confi de in 100 per cent.” Those who learn fewer than 35 class. We were blown away but impact and scope of this valuable Hope Ministries, who has been children memorise the verses as Pastor Willy says in some of the verses receive just a certifi cate. praise God for these opportunities program? Pastor Willy would love running the Bible Memory Verse part of their curriculum. One of schools they have visited this year, “There’s a great interest among we get as a result of the Bible to give away 1000 Bibles and Calendar Program for ten years in the results that we look at is that Satanism has gained a foothold. the Catholic schools. Many Memory Verse Calendar Program. 15,000 calendars each year. ten schools in South Africa. the calendars are hung in their “The school heads are petrifi ed Christian teachers are encouraged “We saw the joy on their faces homes and visible to the parents, and have pleaded with us to place as well and have the opportunity to when they received their very own even to those who are Muslims Bibles in each and every class at express their faith and confi dently GIVE NOW Bible. It opens up an opportunity or from other religious groups. their schools,” he says. teach the learners about the word for us to teach the Bible. We value There’s a witness to the word of “By distributing Bible memory of God, says Pastor Willy. Please call 1300 BIBLES these opportunities because God right there!” verse calendars and Bibles, we are However, there is also an (1300 242 537), use the donation politically we are not supposed Thanks to your support, combating Satanism ... The gates opportunity to be a witness form on the back page or visit to share the gospel of Jesus in the calendars used are those of hell shall not prevail against the to all the teachers and sta of biblesociety.org.au/sowverses our schools, but at World Hope published by Bible Society word of God.” these schools. “After one of our

22 23 abc

The Birth of Jesus New Beginnings The Power of Words Overcome Caring for the Last, By Laurel Mo att By Adam Ch’ng By Ryan Kerrison By Tess Delbridge Least and Lost By Matt Prater Pastor & church planter Online & Academic Writer & Writer & researcher Cross & Crown, Melbourne O cer, C3 College Moore College graduate Senior pastor & radio host

Week One Week Three Week Five Week Seven Week Nine DEC 16 – DEC 22 DEC 30 – JAN 5 JAN 13 – JAN 19 JAN 27 – FEB 2 FEB 10 – FEB 16 MON 16 Luke 1:1-4 MON 30 Gen 1:1 MON 13 Matt 3:2 MON 27 Ps 13:1-2 MON 10 1 John 3:17 TUE 17 Luke 1: 11-15 TUE 31 Gen 12:2–3 TUE 14 2 Cor 3:18 TUE 28 Ps 88:3-8 TUE 11 Luke 14:14 WED 18 Luke 1: 16-17 WED 1 Exod 6:7 WED 15 Rom 12:2 WED 29 Ps 22:1-2 WED 12 Zech 7:8-10 THUR 19 Luke 1:18-22 THUR 2 Deut 30:19–20 THUR 16 Col 1:9-11 THUR 30 Ps 6:6-7 THUR 13 Isa 58:6-8 FRI 20 Luke 1:23-25 FRI 3 2 Sam 7:12 FRI 17 Eph 2:12-13 FRI 31 Ps 3:5-6 FRI 14 Isa 58:9-11 SAT 21 Luke 1:26-28 SAT 4 Dan 1:1–2 SAT 18 Rom 8:9 SAT 1 Ps 31:9-10 SAT 15 Prov 31:8-9 SUN 22 Luke 1:29-33 SUN 5 Jer 29:10 SUN 19 Gal 2:20 SUN 2 Ps 10:14 SUN 16 Prov 22:22-23

Week Two Week Four Week Six Week Eight Week Ten DEC 23 – DEC 29 JAN 6 – JAN 12 JAN 20 – JAN 26 FEB 3 – FEB 9 FEB 17 – FEB 23 MON 23 Luke 1:34-38 MON 6 Ezra 3:12 MON 20 Eph 4:22-24 MON 3 Ps 25:16-18 MON 17 Prov 3:27-28 TUE 24 Luke 1:39-45 TUE 7 Mark 1:14–15 TUE 21 2 Pet 1:3-11 TUE 4 Ps 34:17-18 TUE 18 Prov 11:25 WED 25 Luke 1:46-56 WED 8 John 4:21 WED 22 Acts 4:12 WED 5 Ps 42:9-11 WED 19 Deut 15:4-5 THUR 26 Matt 1:18-25 THUR 9 Acts 1:8 THUR 23 Ps 51:10 THUR 6 Ps 16:9-10 THUR 20 Deut 15:7-8 FRI 27 Luke 2-1-7 FRI 10 Rom 6:4 FRI 24 Ezek 36:26 FRI 7 Ps 88:13-14 FRI 21 Deut 15:10-11 SAT 28 Luke 2:8-18 SAT 11 Eph 2:19–20 SAT 25 Titus 3:5 SAT 8 Ps 13:5-6 SAT 22 Matt 25:35-36 SUN 29 Luke 2:25-35 SUN 12 Rev 21:1–2 SUN 26 Mark 1:14-15 SUN 9 Ps 27:13-14 SUN 23 Matt 25:37-40

Part of the wonderful We all live with regret and we Words can shift from Sometimes life just seems strangeness of the arrival all long for a second chance. culture to culture over time. too much. Pressures push in of God’s Messiah on earth On every page of the Bible, The words “repent” and from every side. And then is the fact that he was born, God o ers us a fresh start. “transform” are two words there’s that unexpected news just like us. How marvellous And he invites us to join him with an array of meanings. that tips us over into full- that our deliverer was ﬁ rst in extending that o er to the These are key biblical ideas, blown panic or depression or delivered! In the promise world. Why not give others and so how do we treat them anguish. Though it’s hard to of his coming, and the the new beginning Jesus has when we encounter them in see, our God is with us even news of his birth, we will given you? Start a workplace Scripture? The way we handle then. In the moments when consider the purpose of his prayer group, pioneer these words in our culture has we need to sit in a dark room, coming, di erent responses evangelism to new migrants tremendous impact on how curl into a ball and weep, he to this news, as well as our or even plant a church. we engage with God’s word is there with us, and has some response to him today. and let it transform our lives. surprisingly comforting things to speak into our hearts. Caring for the Last, I Believe Living Above God’s Big Story Least and Lost By Ben Myers the Mess By Melinda Cousins By Matt Prater By Katie Haldane Writer & Moore College graduate Senior pastor & radio host Director of Millis Institute “Trash Your Bible” creator Educator & pastor

Week Nine Week Eleven Week Thirteen Week Fifteen FEB 10 – FEB 16 FEB 24 – MAR 1 MAR 9 – MAR 15 MAR 23 – MAR 29 MON 10 1 John 3:17 MON 24 Ps 34:8 MON 9 Ps 40:2 MON 23 Isa 46:9-10 TUE 11 Luke 14:14 TUE 25 Rom 8:15-16 TUE 10 Eph 3:20 TUE 24 Gen 1:1-3 WED 12 Zech 7:8-10 WED 26 John 1:1-3 WED 11 Isa 60:1-2 WED 25 Gen 3:6-8 THUR 13 Isa 58:6-8 THUR 27 Phil 2:9-11 THUR 12 Jer 33:3 THUR 26 Gen 12:1-3 FRI 14 Isa 58:9-11 FRI 28 Luke 1:46-49 FRI 13 Ps 123:1 FRI 27 Exod 3:7-10 SAT 15 Prov 31:8-9 SAT 29 Gal 2:19-20 SAT 14 Rev 19:16 SAT 28 Exod 19:3-6 SUN 16 Prov 22:22-23 SUN 1 1 Cor 15:55 SUN 15 Ps 8:1-4 SUN 29 Judges 2:10-13

Week Ten Week Twelve Week Fourteen Week Sixteen FEB 17 – FEB 23 MAR 2 – MAR 8 MAR 16 – MAR 22 MAR 30 – APR 5 MON 17 Prov 3:27-28 MON 2 Ps 110:1 MON 16 Eph 1:18-19 MON 30 Jer 25:4-6 TUE 18 Prov 11:25 TUE 3 Matt 13:29-30 TUE 17 Isa 63:4-5 TUE 31 Ps 33:20-22 WED 19 Deut 15:4-5 WED 4 Acts 2:8 WED 18 Psa 1:1-3 WED 1 Mark 1:14-18 THUR 20 Deut 15:7-8 THUR 5 Gal 3:27-28 THUR 19 Rev 4:1 THUR 2 Luke 24:5-8 FRI 21 Deut 15:10-11 FRI 6 Rom 3:27 FRI 20 Rev 4:2 FRI 3 Acts 2:42-47 SAT 22 Matt 25:35-36 SAT 7 1 Cor 15:51-52 SAT 21 Hab:3:19 SAT 4 Rom 12:1-2 SUN 23 Matt 25:37-40 SUN 8 2 Cor 1:20 SUN 22 Isa 40:30-31 SUN 5 Rev 21:1-4

All through God’s word The Apostles’ Creed is the At times you can feel like The story of God is a good we are reminded of baptismal confession of you are only able to get your story – one of hope and God’s heart for the poor, the ancient church. When head above the mess of life promise, welcome and the widow, the orphan we recite the creed, we are every now and then for a restoration. It’s also a story and the ones who are joining our voices to a great quick breath. Come with us of broken humanity, with downtrodden. In this communal voice that calls as we journey through the dark and complicated devotional series, out across the centuries from Bible to help lift up your eyes twists. It’s a story we are Pastor Matt Prater will be every tribe and tongue. We to heaven and live above the invited to enter into and sharing some key verses are joiners, not initiators, mess. See afresh the God who live out. It’s one we need in Scripture about caring of the Christian movement. is above our thoughts, above to keep retelling and for the last, the least The creed reminds us that our understanding, exalted reimagining, so that we ﬁ nd and the lost. God doesn’t just speak to us above every problem we face. our place within it, and that individually; he speaks to the And feel the empowerment of it might be received by new whole church. heaven as you exalt him daily! generations.

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Ellomwe in Malawi Surinamese Javanese Hadiyya from Ethiopia

“I thank God that ﬁ nally my At age 77 Rosemay Pawironadi When Pastor Tesfaye Abebe was constituents have their own Bible, glowed as she held a Bible in her working on the Hadiyya Bible because they have been reading own language for the ﬁ rst time. translation, he went back to his Bibles in other languages. I am “It is a good feeling! I have waited village of Odakicho in southern grateful to God that I can witness for this day to purchase my own Ethiopia. When Tesfaye read this in my lifetime,” said Senior Bible in my own language. I am Psalm 28, his mother, Bincho Chief Nazombe, as she joyfully looking forward to reading this Bufebo, exclaimed: “Today there held up the Ellomwe Bible at Bible. I have a lot of families and has been a wonder here with us. its launch in Malawi on August friends who are also Javanese, but God has spoken to us in our own 10. This is just one of the stories they have not yet converted to language!” Aleminesh Tagese, of transformation that Bible Christianity. Now, having this Bible pictured with her daughter translation is bringing to people available, it will be easier for me Tesfaya, aged 8, said: “When we across the world thanks to the and for my family and friends as deeply know a language, we also vision of United Bible Societies. well to share the gospel.” understand the text deeper.”

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