GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE
ISSUE 1, 2021
INTERACT Working Together Partnership in the pandemic
EarthFirst The Bible and our planet
Anatomy of a Bible Resource How we created The True Light
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 1
09/12/2020 12:10
CONTENTS 04 08 10 12 14 Working Together Partnership in the pandemic
News
The latest news from the Lifewords global family
EarthFirst
The Bible and our planet
Anatomy of a Bible Resource How we created The True Light
Get involved
Lifewords and you
Issue 77 / 1–2021 Editorial team Jess Bee Kris Calver Steve Bassett Photographs Lifewords unless otherwise stated Cover: Felipe Jonsson Lopes Design S2 design & advertising Ltd Print Yeomans Creative
Lifewords is the operating name of Scripture Gift Mission (Inc), registered charity in England and Wales, 219055 Registered oďŹƒce 1A The Chandlery, 50 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7QY
Interact is free, available three times a year from your nearest member of the Lifewords global family of organisations (see page 15)
2
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 2
09/12/2020 12:10
WELCOME
“A new command I give you:
Love one another.”
How has 2021 begun for you, for your church and community? For many of us, Christmas and New Year were tinged with sadness and uncertainty: yes, there was hope for the future, and longing for God’s purposes and presence; but the sense of haunting was palpable. The world simply hasn’t behaved as it “normally” does – in 2020 so many things collided; shaking, breaking and re-making the world in the process. However, as we look towards the “True Light”, the complexities of this troubled world are met with three words that Jesus spoke, lived and entrusted to those that would follow him: “Love one another”. The name Lifewords embodies our desire to follow Jesus; our passion for the Bible; our desire to serve the church and reach the world; and our heart to invite people to experience the love of Jesus. There is much to learn, and unlearn, through this time. But our experience of sharing life words is that it is not primarily our theology, our programmes, our preaching or teaching that make a difference on their own.
John 13:34 NIV
All these things are important, but the real difference is how we demonstrate those three words: love one another. From Lincoln to Nairobi, Jakarta to Luton, and around the globe, this issue of Interact reflects how we have adapted in a time of Covid-19, how we have reached vulnerable children online, supplied life words with health supplies, helped people relate the Bible to their experience, and much more. But most of all, we have tried to show love. A booklet or a programme or project is nothing without that. As the apostle Paul puts it, without love it is just a “clanging cymbal”. So, let’s be kind to others and to ourselves; let’s reach out with love, and let’s rejoice in following the example of Jesus, even in these most challenging days.
3
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 3
09/12/2020 12:10
PHOTO: FELIPE JONSSON LOPES
Working Together Words Jess Bee
“Lockdown put many in more difficult situations”
So much of the work of Lifewords operates through partnership – a response to God’s values of relationship, collaboration and community. Last spring when the UK and many other countries went into lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, life suddenly looked very different. For Lifewords and its partners here was an opportunity to offer safety, hope and support to vulnerable people all over the world. “From the beginning of the national lockdown in March 2020, we entered into a busy, vibrant, challenging, painful and beautiful time,” says Emma Turner from Azalea in Luton, UK, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities presented by lockdown restrictions. Azalea, who Lifewords partnered with to create Consider the Wildflowers, works with those who are trafficked and sexually exploited. “Lockdown put many in more difficult situations,” says Emma. “There was an increase in the violence enacted against our women. We received a huge number of disclosures of violence and rape – seven times more than in the same time period in 2019. Homelessness was more worrying due to the
inability to self-isolate.” Azalea also saw a huge rise in the number of women, and men, going to them for emergency support through their foodbank.
A PLACE OF REFUGE Azalea adapted to the new circumstances in order to keep serving its community. It responded by opening its doors daily, so that the women they work with could visit if they were in need. “We saw many at all times of the day, coming forward because they had just been attacked, or in desperate need of food, or to contact the council to be placed in accommodation,” says Emma. Azalea also expanded its foodbank offering, including a mobile foodbank for those who
4
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 4
09/12/2020 12:10
ent nly n ple
were isolating. Between the end of March and the beginning of June, 103 vulnerable and exploited women accessed a safe and healing space away from the streets; 200 people were fed at the daily foodbank; drivers delivered donations and essential items to those who needed them. Virtual Bible studies and befriending also took place. “Pains were shared, people prayed together, life was shared, and hope offered. So many of our guests commented on how peaceful it is here, and how listened to and welcomed they felt.” This peaceful, safe space was where Lifewords worked with some of the women to create Consider the Wildflowers. Through this partnership emerged a resource that reflects who these women are, and offers insight and hope for those who read it. “We find it communicates so beautifully the depth of the realities our women face, and the hope they have in Jesus,” says Emma.
POSITIVE OUTCOMES The process of relationship and collaboration with others is key to much of the work Lifewords does, and it’s been so encouraging to hear how Azalea have been able to continue their mission despite the pandemic. But social distancing has meant adapting and rethinking some of the ways it does its ministry – in
some cases this has led to more effective ways to serve. “One of the beautiful things that has come out of the lockdown is our walking outreach,” says Emma. “In order to maintain social distancing (impossible in a car) we established a small walking team who go out twice a week around the streets of Luton to bless, love and serve whoever they meet. This is a collaboration between Encompass [the team who work with exploited women] and Flint [who work with the men who buy sex]. Already we are seeing such incredible things and increased engagement as a result of this. Our team take out boxes full of helpful flyers, gifts and cakes. Most nights, if not all, the team come back empty handed.”
SPACE TO FLOURISH As part of its emergency response to Covid-19, Azalea developed an art area – a socially-distanced therapeutic art space, a part of their Flourish Centre where women can go to recover and heal. “This was to provide a place for those who are experiencing trauma and abuse, to be able to ers A6 2018.indd
Consider the Wildflow
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 5
1
“Pains were shared, people prayed together, life was shared, and hope offered”
16/05/2019 17:56
5
09/12/2020 12:10
“Social distancing has meant adapting and rethinking some of the ways it does its ministry”
find some safety and a little restoration,” says Emma. “Art-making and creativity is inherently therapeutic and grounding, it can be extremely beneficial to someone during, or after, disclosing an account of sexual trauma. We have seen many women around our art table, and many of those are now thriving. They are finding out for themselves what creativity does for our mental wellbeing and they love it. It’s a beautiful, flourishing space, which has continued to develop in our new recovery centre, aptly named Flourish.”
MOVING FORWARD
“Adapting to the new circumstances of the crisis has been inspiring, creative, and hopeful”
For some of Azalea’s women, the requirement to self-isolate gave them the motivation and the conditions within which they could flourish. Some women have now moved on with their lives and are beginning the process of recovery and healing. Azalea is extremely thankful for its team and volunteers. Emma recounts a team meeting right at the beginning of the pandemic where the question was asked: “Would we be anywhere else? The answer was a resounding ‘No!’” says Emma. “Whoever of us was able to, stayed, and had possibly one of the most, simultaneously, rich and difficult experiences of our lives.”
AROUND THE WORLD
It’s through partnerships that Lifewords has been able to reach out to those in need during the pandemic. Adapting to the new circumstances of the crisis has been inspiring, creative, and hopeful; reminding us that God makes a way in the darkness. As we’ve adapted, we’ve found new ways of connecting with and ministering to one another. For Lifewords this has meant developing new ways of sharing good news online, alongside responding to people’s practical needs.
PAVEMENT PROJECT With limited access to water, sanitation and health care, the places Pavement Project operates in are home to some of the most vulnerable communities during the pandemic. The team have been accelerating the development of a Pavement Project app which has revolutionised the way
6
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 6
09/12/2020 12:10
counselling can be done. Where it is unsafe for workers to meet with vulnerable children, they have started online counselling (with appropriate safeguarding measures), reaching children in their own homes.
ONLINE TRAINING IN INDONESIA Last summer, over 500 children and teenagers joined a fullday online event in Indonesia – sharing Scripture through song, games, and interaction. Even in very poor communities, many have easy access to smart phones and screens, and the Indonesian government plans for 100% of citizens to have internet access.
INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS In Africa and India, Lifewords teams have linked with partners to respond to both spiritual and physical needs. Examples of a “resource plus practical help” approach includes partnership with the Young Mentors Initiative in Kibera, Kenya, who are reaching the community by supplying food, masks and sanitisers for vulnerable families. In Bangalore, India, Lifewords helped establish a helpline for local residents – panic calls, needs of the elderly, and suspected Covid-19 cases are just some of the issues handled by the volunteer team of the helpline.
NINE BEATS online
NINE BEATS Last October, NINE BEATS launched online teaching modules – including a new webinar series – focussing on the intersection of the beatitudes with current cultural issues. The Ninefold Path’s online Learning Labs explored how the beatitudes can shape how we live in and through the pandemic. Two nine-week labs took place last year, with more planned.
YOUNG PEOPLE In Kenya, there has been great interest in children and teenage resources, with a call for more digital and physical materials. Working with partners, the Lifewords team have been providing content for students who have not yet returned to school, equipping parents and children’s workers with more downloadable resources.
PRAY Give thanks for Lifewords partners who work with us to share good news. Praise God for how organisations and churches all over the world have adapted to help the vulnerable.
Children in Kenya
Pray for continued resources and innovation for those working in difficult circumstances. 7
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 7
09/12/2020 12:10
world NEWS Going online in Indonesia
In Indonesia, the Lifewords team have been finding new ways of communicating and training using online platforms. Much of the usual activity and travel by the team has been curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic, so, last year they started a series of training webinars for around 250 pastors from across Indonesia. The teaching focussed on reaching young people and talked about how to use Lifewords resources such as The Visible Story and the flip cards. Another webinar series takes place every Friday with around 50 pastors. Each week has a different theme, and promotes Lifewords resources and offers training. “Praise the Lord that through these webinar programmes we can reach more people, in many more places, and many more islands, all at the same time,” says Gunar Sahari, Lifewords Indonesia Director. “This is our opportunity in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.” The team also ran an online event for nearly 500 children last summer. During this National Children’s Rally, young people prayed for Indonesia and each other, engaged in worship, listened to Bible stories, and also took part in a quiz and a cooking demonstration.
day
to him, near to those who call Psalm 145:18 y. erit sinc with him
day: God’s Word for each om www.LCWords.c
by
for us by sending his God showed his love , so that we might only Son into the world 1 John 4:9 have life through him. to God ... he will If we confess our sins purify us from all forgive us our sins and John 1:9 1 g. gdoin our wron
day
hear my words and Jesus said: “Those who me have eternal believe in him who sent d, but have judge be not will life. They to life.” John 5:24 death already passed from e who comes anyon “I will never turn away to me.” John 6:37
ve. Yes, Lord! … I do belie
God, have pity on me, a sinner! Luke 18:13
John 11:27 Lifewords Day by day © 2020 from: Bible text taken S, 1992 GNB © ABS/BFB
New design for Day by Day At the end of last year, Lifewords printed 90,000 copies of a new version of these popular who call to him,resource Day by Day. by The Lord is near to tho y. Day was originally designed erit sinc Day by with who call to him in 1977 for a UK English-speaking audience and has also been available in several other languages. This new version has been redesigned for a global audience, using brand new Psalm 145:18
day ay d
day: God’s Word for each om www.LCWords.c
ISBN 978-0-7213-1050-3 English DBD
8
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 8
09/12/2020 12:10
illustrations commissioned especially for this booklet. “We needed a more global feel in terms of graphics,” says Jarek Jankowski, Lifewords Bible Resources Director, “and a more standardised format making production and distribution more efficient. The graphics have been created with a global audience in mind – the pictures show ordinary scenarios in different parts of the world. Also, the content has been revamped and simplified, making the publication more accessible. “The work for the booklet began during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has made the core themes of the publication – walking with God day by day, experiencing his presence, and asking for guidance and protection – very special. As the crisis continues, the need, validity and importance of the message of Day by Day remains important and timely.” The newly designed resource is now available in five of the most high-demand languages: English, Polish, Portuguese (for Brazil), Spanish and French. More language versions will be prepared this year. “Pastoral titles like this are very popular and used in several areas,” says Jarek, “in hospitals, with the homeless, international tourists, students, in outreach. We hope the new Day by Day will bring encouragement to many lives.
New perspectives with NINE BEATS
NINE BEATS PRESENTS :
Notebook
Last October, as the pandemic continued to force us to change how we connect, NINE BEATS facilitated a series of online events helping people engage with the Bible and Jesus’ perspective on our world. Following the themes from NINE BEATS and the Ninefold Path, webinars took place that continued the conversation around the beatitudes. One, which focused on justice, looked at how we can engage with a chaotic and hurting world through courage and trust, rather than anxiety and fear. Eric Leroy Wilson and Mark Scandrette from NINE BEATS, together with Heather Cracknell from Fresh Expressions in the Church of England, challenged participants to consider how we can be part of genuine change amid a climate of fear, scarcity and unbalanced power by engaging with Jesus’ invitation to be open and trusting. In another online event, Mark was joined by pastor and musician, Michael Kim-Eubanks to explore the potential of lament to bring personal and collective healing. There were also three online music events, centred around “Dance of the Deep” the latest EP from NINE BEATS, released in collaboration with Heatherlyn, who is part of NINE BEATS Collective. According to louderthanthemusic.com, “‘Dance of the Deep’ is a haunting collection of songs to provide soul medicine for these heavy times”. Visit www.9beats.org to find out more. MARK SCANDRETTE with Danielle Welch
GROUP GUID E
Mark Scandrette with Danielle Welch
9
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 9
09/12/2020 12:10
EarthFirst Words Jess Bee
“A challenge to consider our place in God’s created world and the responsibility we have to look after it”
Last year – via social media and shaped by Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount – VerseFirst’s EarthFirst campaign looked at what the Bible says about the climate emergency and our stewardship of the planet.
“Blessed are the debonair, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). In a French translation of verses known as the beatitudes, the phrase the English-speaking world know as, “blessed are the meek”, is translated as, “blessed are the debonair”. The dictionary defines “debonair” as confident, stylish, and charming, but when the Bible was translated into French in the mid-1500s, to be “debonair” meant something quite different:
1 “His God Story,” in The Eloquence of Grace: Joseph Sittler and the Preaching Life
A person who is not an idolater, one who hasn’t gotten hooked up in anything worldly, one who is so sophisticated as to know wealth for what it is, and that it isn’t everything
… This is a person who has a kind of centeredness that doesn’t let the idols of this world capture it. It’s a kind of debonair in which you sit lightly on the offerings and temptations of this world because you have a vision of something better.1 This reframing of “debonair” and its insight into the statement from the beatitudes was a starting point for EarthFirst – a challenge to consider our place in God’s created world and the responsibility we have to look after it; a challenge to throw off the temptations of consumption and greed, and instead, love outrageously.
10
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 10
09/12/2020 12:10
t
SEEKING OUT TRUTH Between 19 October and 27 November 2020, EarthFirst posted images on Facebook and Instagram, alongside blog posts, that highlighted what the Bible has to say about our planet, our inherent privileges, and how our choices can make a difference to the world around us. The introductory post read: “There’s no getting away from it. The world is simply not as it should be. From racial injustice and plastic in the food chain, to poverty and oppression in return for cheap clothes, we have gone drastically wrong somewhere. The good news is that’s not the end of the story. The Bible has a lot to say about how living our best life is actually in the best interests of the planet and of the whole of humankind.” Another post talked about environmental justice and “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, colour, national origin, or income.”
MOBILISING YOUNG PEOPLE VerseFirst was created with the aim to reach young people and encourage them to start their day with a Bible verse. The EarthFirst campaign built on this, tapping into an issue that is close to their hearts. “Activism against climate breakdown is being strongly led by young people,” says Elizabeth King, from the Lifewords UK team. “This campaign from VerseFirst is a great platform to encourage them to be introduced to Scripture that relates to this touchstone issue of our times.” Over the course of the campaign Earthfirst reached just over 60k people online. They were challenged to put the Bible’s words into practice and to think differently about what we consume, and how we respond to our planet and the people we share it with. Not just tipping our hat at the idea of consuming less, and loving more, but choosing to do it. Choosing to be debonair, and dancing lightly where we have been conditioned to stomp. Find out more about EarthFirst at www.versefirst.com
“Activism against climate breakdown is being strongly led by young people”
PRAY Give thanks for the way EarthFirst helped us engage with the climate crisis. Praise God for the way the campaign reached young people with God’s Word. Pray that we would consider the part we can play to look after our planet.
11
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 11
09/12/2020 12:10
Bible Resource ANATOMY OF A
Words Steve Bassett
“Our challenge is always to tell the story in a way that resonates with the times”
When William Walters founded Scripture Gift Mission in 1888, he believed that a proffered gift of an attractively produced copy of one of the Gospels, with a “winsome word of testimony”, was a sure means of evangelism. This combination of outreach, Scripture and artistic excellence has continued through to today, 133 years later.
Formats and technologies may have changed, but the anatomy of each Lifewords resource still contains the same DNA, namely: the Bible’s own words set in an aesthetic framing; a resonance with readers’ lives; a resource that is released, freely, into a contemporary context, providing ways into Scripture for all people.
RESONATING WITH THE TIMES To explore how this tradition plays out today, let’s consider our newest Bible booklet, The True Light, released across the UK and beyond throughout advent 2020. Creating a Christmas resource in the context of a global pandemic was not easy, but our challenge is always to tell the story in a way that resonates with the times. Advent loomed in a world where for many, there would be an empty chair at the Christmas dinner table;
or exhaustion from fighting for justice to prevail, or from working flat-out to comfort the sick 24/7. A world where people were locked down, their mental health suffering; where pressures on the economy, stress on the NHS and essential workers, and fear among the most vulnerable all added to the feeling that this was a haunted festive season, a Christmas unlike any other. This was the context where the Bible’s message of goodwill to all and peace on earth needed to resonate. In line with Walter’s vision for people to connect with the Bible’s message, we worked on both a physical booklet and an online format, inviting people to reflect – and journal – on where “the true light” would find them. On a local church level, it needed “shareability” online and in real life, as much as might be possible with Covid-19 restrictions. And, it
12
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 12
09/12/2020 12:10
e
could be an individual resource for people to engage with personally, to reflect and make their own connections with the text.
“These ‘glad tidings’ came to everyday people in a range of contexts”
A VITAL MESSAGE
These links formed a core arc for the telling of the story. Still, every booklet needs a “capstone”, and for this one it was the wonderful lyricism of John 1, book-ending the narrative with the True light coming in to the world: “And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son” (John 1:9-14 NLT).
The idea came to build the text around verses describing intersections between God’s heralding of the coming Prince of Peace and those who were the initial recipients of that news. These “glad tidings” came to everyday people in a range of contexts, very often along with the assurance of “Don’t be afraid”: what a vital message right now! Where and among whom did this message come to earth, become grounded? In the text, we read of shepherds doing their vital, physical work in the open air: the message effectively came to a group of key workers. How could we root that in our storytelling? Perhaps a nurse coming off shift after a day on a Covid-19 ward, or a shop worker, or a bin lorry crew. Then, we looked at how the Bible recounts that the True Light found people in the unexpected, in the joyful, in confusion; when we need clarity, when we feel worthless; in our desperation, grief and exhaustion. There were characters and places that reflected all this – Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, the shepherds, Magi, Rachel, even lowly Bethlehem itself.
PRAY Give thanks for how the Bible is always relevant and connects with our lives. Praise God for the resources Lifewords has to communicate good news. Pray for those who read The True Light at Christmas – ask that God would continue to speak to them.
This article is adapted from a longer piece – visit www.lifewords. global/blog to read more.
13
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 13
09/12/2020 12:10
GET INVOLVED LIFEWORDS AND YOU
God’s hope in Nairobi Charles Kabogoza is based in West Pokot, Northern Kenya. But since the coronavirus pandemic, he has been reaching out to children in the slum areas of Nairobi. Here he shares about the work he’s been doing: “Your gospel resources have helped us to reach out with the good news of Jesus. Many lives of little children were touched and encouraged during the difficult times of lockdown. The little booklets such as I Am Welcome, I Belong, Who Cares About Me and How’s Life were a great blessing to many little children especially in Dandora and Kitale [slum areas]. The booklets were read carefully, and they valued them so much. “After reading the story in the booklet How’s Life, I saw children in Dandora praying for God’s healing. It was both a quiet time and a wonderful time. These booklets brought a lot of hope to children and their parents, they prayed for going back to school. Some prayed together to receive Jesus into their lives.” In October, he also visited Kakuma refugee camp to minister to refugees from DRC Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, Burundi, and Northern Uganda after hearing of the urgent need for Christian literature. “These Lifewords booklets were helpful for refugees because they bring hope, help and healing,” said Charles. Please pray for Charles as he continues to minister to children in these slum areas of Nairobi.
14
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 14
09/12/2020 12:10
Serving the community Sue and Arnie Hensby lead a small Baptist church in the heart of the Lincolnshire Fens in the UK, in a village called Sutton St James. Sue shares about how they have been reaching their community during the coronavirus pandemic: “This year has been challenging as our doors have been closed for much of the time – but we have still wanted to find ways of sharing God’s Word with those in our community, and especially with the children. We ordered Lifewords resources for last year’s Easter school celebration, but sadly it was cancelled due to Covid-19. However, I spoke with both of our local primary schools and arranged to drop off the booklets, enough for one per child. For Pentecost, we made up goodie bags that we were able to give away to 40 children who are part of our wider church family.” In December, Sue and Arnie also created advent bags for the families in their community, which included Lifewords Christmas resources. They also gave copies of Meet the Cast to children at the local schools, and shared The True Light and OUTSIDE/IN with people in their community. “We are very conscious of making sure we work within all the Covid-19 guidelines,” says Sue, “but also we are not waiting until things get better – it is about what we can do now.” How will you share good news this Easter? Visit www.lifewords.global to order from our range of resources.
CONTACT US Get in touch with the Lifewords global family. Find us online at www.lifewords.global, or contact your local office.
AUSTRALIA australia@lifewords.global
BRAZIL projectoc@lifewords.global
CANADA +1 905 683 6482 info@sgmcanada.ca
KENYA +254 20 2730100 kenya@lifewords.global
INDONESIA +62 81294210986 indonesia@lifewords.global
INDIA +91-80-25296587 india@lifewords.global
POLAND europe@lifewords.global
UK & INTERNATIONAL OFFICE +44 (0) 20 7730 2155 uk@lifewords.global 15
Interact_1_2021_MK6PRESS.indd 15
09/12/2020 12:10
LIFEWORDS EASTER RESOURCES At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Mark 15:33 NLT
Very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb. Luke 24:1 NLT THE STORY OF THE DAY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING Day Three: Believe the Women tells the compelling story of the women who followed Jesus.
It’s a story of those who believed and those who could m alive for ever not. It’s a story about the And I hold the keys you may share in thisit’s life nd the grave.” women. And a story that begins at the end… The one who gives life appeared! We saw it happen, and we are witnesses to what we have seen. Now we are telling you about this eternal life that was with the Father and appeared to us. We are telling you what we have seen and heard, so that
with us. And we share in it with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
To find out what the Easter story can mean for you, visit a church this Easter, or ask the person who gave you this leaflet.
1 John 1:2-3
Revelation 1:18
ving one who died.
To read the whole story, pick up a Bible. You might like to start with the Gospel of Luke.
Also available this Easter:
Witness Easter Voices 24 HOURS, 14 EVENTS, ONE FRIDAY
Jesus’ friend John 09/01/2018 10:38
One Friday 2018.indd 1
04/01/2019 13:55
Find out more and order your free Bible resources at:
www.lifewords.global/easter
Day Three Believe the Women - Interact backcover.indd 1
27/11/2019 19:31
