Africa, still under the British and Foreign Bible Society. On 1 November 1965, the Bible Society of South Africa became an autonomous Bible Society in its own right.
ANY VISION IS NEVER WITHOUT ITS CHALLENGES. WHAT WERE YOURS WHEN YOU STARTED IN SA AND WHAT ARE YOUR CHALLENGES LIKE NOW? Well, I wasn’t there in 1820, but I should imagine that transport and logistical infrastructure would have presented a practical challenge. Perhaps, nowadays, our challenges are more internal – many do not see the relevance and value of the Bible. Of course, financial sustainability is always a challenge for any non-profit work, and this challenge is intensified with the current economic crisis following in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. This calls for much faith, creativity, and courage – the same qualities that enabled our forerunners to overcome their GOD’S WORD, challenges.
are currently at a serious disadvantage in our educational system when it comes to literacy. The materials will be used within a structured Early Childhood Development (ECD) context. They will also, hereby, be introduced to the Bible at an early age. Each gift of R100 will ensure that one person will receive a Bible, one child will receive literacy material and also, support will be given to three translation projects for people in South Africa who do not yet have the Bible in their heart language. We will rejoice if the people of South Arica share the gift of God’s Word in celebration of Bible Society’s 200th birthday.
FOR SOME READING THE BIBLE IS A DIFFICULT TASK. HOW CAN ONE START TO CULTIVATE A LOVE AND PASSION FOR BIBLE READING?
Firstly, it is important to understand that the Bible is no ordinary book. Unless one has been reading the Bible for some time, it is a mistake to read it WHEN from beginning to end. In a sense, RECEIVED IN FAITH, it is the only book that should be THE “YEAR OF THE BIBLE” IS A read backward, in that the Old INSPIRES FAITH, HOPE, REMARKABLE THEME. WHAT Testament should be read in the ARE YOUR OBJECTIVES WITH AND LOVE. WE LIVE IN A light of the New, and the entire REGARD TO THE THEME FOR BEAUTIFULLY DIVERSE Bible should be read in the light 2020? NATION, WITH MANY of the person, teaching and saving Our primary objective is twofold. work of Jesus Christ. DIFFERENT LANGUAGES Firstly, to get Bibles to people I advocate that one begin with CONTRIBUTING NOT ONLY who need them – to make an the Gospels, and use a reading impact on the current need in TO OUR CONVERSATIONS plan, or something that provides South Africa for some 23 million BUT ALSO TO OUR SOUTH contextual background. Randomly Bibles (according to research we AFRICAN LITANY OF PRAYER selecting verses is not a good idea. did with Ipsos). Bible poverty With these in hand, firstly, look AND PRAISE TO GOD. is also a reality in South Africa. up and ask God to speak to you Secondly, to encourage those who through the passage. Secondly, do have Bibles to read them and look down and read the passage carefully to understand engage more deeply with the Bible’s message of hope, it. Thirdly, look inward and ask yourself how this may forgiveness, redemption, and integrity of life. In 2020, apply to you and your life. Fourthly, look out and ask how as has ever been the case, more love is what we need. this may apply to your life in the context in which you I believe there is also a poverty of spirit that must be live – family, community, etc. – and how you behave in addressed. What guides the choices we make, and the that context. The journey becomes very exciting as God’s way we treat each other? Word begins to shape and transform your life.
PLEASE SHARE WITH US ABOUT THE 2 MILLION BIBLES PROJECT.
Our aim again is twofold. Firstly, that over two years (2020 and 2021), 2 million South Africans, who otherwise would not have their own Bibles, should each receive a Bible. These people will fall into three main categories –those living in extreme poverty, those in prison as well as Grade 7 learners. Secondly, that 2 million South African children should receive our Biblebased literacy material. These children will be those who
HOW CAN OUR READERS GET INVOLVED WITH INITIATIVES RUN BY THE BIBLE SOCIETY SA? Visit our website at www.biblesociety.co.za to learn more about our projects. For more information, or to support the 2 Million Bibles project, visit www.2millionbibles. co.za. Alternatively, contact your local Bible House, the details of which are on our website. Prayer, partnership in distribution and financial support are all meaningful ways in which your readers could get involved.
THE CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE
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