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PRAYER CIRCLE
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21 Aug - 4 Sept 2017
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Great excitement at the launch of the Revised Tiv language Bible in Nigeria .
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The LORD of Heaven's Armies has spoken-who can change his plans? When his hand is raised, who can stop him?"
God's message to his chosen people was clear - He had plans, and no-one would stop them. Not the mighty nations standing against His people, not the enemy himself and not even their own sinfulness.
We can take great hope from this. When all around seems to be in turmoil and it feels like everything is against us, we can hold on to the truth of this verse. God's plans will not be changed. His will is perfect and He will continue to work out His perfect purposes here, on earth. When things don't go quite the way we had hoped or expected, we can still trust that God is working for our good and for His glory.
Let us not forget who is in control - 'The Lord of Heaven's Armies' has a plan and no-one can stop Him!
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"I have been praying for this new Bible," smiled Rev Gideon Gandekaka, who travelled more than 100km to attend the launch. "I am so happy to have lived long enough to witness its publication." |
Revised Tiv Bible Launch
Great excitement in Nigeria
Nigeria's large Tiv-speaking community received a powerful new tool for evangelism this month. 750 people gathered as the Bible Society of Nigeria launched the Revised Tiv Bible on August 10.
These events are always fascinating. Along with the many excited believers were the state governor's chief of staff, traditional rulers and church leaders of various denominations.
The vast majority of the country's more than four million Tiv people are Christians. They have had the full Bible in their language since 1964, but many of them, particularly young people, find the language outdated and difficult to understand.
"We are so privileged to receive this Revised Bible in our language when there are people all over the world still waiting for the Bible in their mother tongue," noted the Anglican Bishop of Makurdi, the Rt Rev Dr Nathan Inyom.
Professor Daniel Uzar, who chaired the dedication event, urged the gathering to share the Bible. "Do not get your copy of this new Bible and then keep it at home for yourselves. Instead, share it with others." This message was repeated by other speaker and seemed to be the resounding theme of the occasion.
People are excited by the clear language in this revision and many were talking about how it would help them in evangelism, particularly in reaching into the rural areas.
The Bible is currently available in 24 Nigerian languages, and there is ongoing translation or revision work in a further 10. Please pray for this work which requires dedication, funding and local support. May God greatly use this revised Tiv Bible to open the eyes and hearts of many to Him.
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Praise God that ministry like this Braille distribution in Ouagadougou are able to continue in the midst of tension.
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Terror in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso was once again the target of terrorist attacks on the night of Sunday 13 to 14 August 2017. The attack took place in a restaurant in the capital, Ouagadougou and latest reports seem to be reporting 22 dead and 18 wounded. It is reported that two of the terrorists were also killed.
We hear of so many terror attacks now that some of us are almost unresponsive, but we must pray. Burkina Faso has been subject to waves of terrorist attacks in recent years. The whole country feels the desolation and sadness caused by this latest violence.
Please pray for the families of the victims and for the wounded as they receive medical attention. Pray that their physical wounds would heal and that God would bring healing and forgiveness to their hearts also.
Thank God for the Bible society staff who are all safe. Please do pray that they would know God's ongoing protection, enabling them to continue to make His Word known in a country where people are reeling and afraid for their futures. Pray for the whole team led by General Secretary Dramane Yankiné as they work on a wide range of projects and ministries.
Thank God that they are able to continue working on number of Bible translations and revisions as well as running Bible listening groups for people who are unable to read. They also work on making the Bible available in Braille for the visually impaired community.
Praise God that nothing can stop the Lord God Almighty! Pray that the team would know that confidence in their heavenly Father as they continue to serve Him faithfully in such sad days.
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Damascus International Book Fair
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A father and son read the Bible together at the book fair in Damascus.
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Opportunity for Ministry in Syria
"What a joy that the Damascus International Book Fair is back and to be part of it again!" says George Andrea, Director of the Bible Society in Syria. The fair, which began in 1985, was halted in 2012 due to the escalating war.
This year, despite very short notice that it would go ahead, the Bible Society team were delighted to be back sharing the Bible at this important cultural event, which took place from August 2-12.
After almost 30 years of attending the fair, the Bible Society know how important it is. This is an opportunity to bring the Bible into the heart of Syrian society. Many are interested in the Bible but do not feel safe to go into a church and ask for one but they can go to a book fair!
This year the Bible Society was the only Christian publisher at the book fair. George says that throughout the years they have always received 'royal treatment' from the organisers and the people who come to the stand are from all kinds of backgrounds, often whole families arriving looking for items relevant to each of them.
The Bible Society are not there to shift stock as fast as possible, rather, they are helping people engage with God's Word in a meaningful way. What an incredible opportunity.
"Please pray for all those who visited our stand - that the Word of God will continue speaking to their hearts, and that we will be able to continue taking part in this event." - George
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NEWS at HOME
Bible Sunday 2017
The theme is 'ACTIVE', based on Colossians 3:12-17
Will your church join us for Bible Sunday? Why not chat to your minister about setting a Sunday aside?
Sun
29th October
(Church of Ireland) or
Sun
10th December
(Presbyterian/Methodist)
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Speaking Engagements, Events & Visits
COMING UP
Dramatised Mark's Gospel: Fri 25th Aug, 7.30pm
St Mark's Parish Church in Newtownards are hosting a special evening of drama and music in their bicentenary year. Actor Geoffrey Darling will bring the Gospel of Mark to life through Solo Theatre, with musical interludes by his wife Rose, an accomplished musician.
Joy Scott (Bible Society NI Board member) will be attending with an information stand. Admission is free with donations for Bible Society NI. All are welcome.
Sun 3 Sept, 11am - Catherine at Loughaghery Presbyterian Church
Sun 3 Sept, 12.30pm - Catherine at Cargycreevy Presbyterian Church
THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY 28TH AUGUST.
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If you have any questions, give us a ring on
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