|
PRAYER CIRCLE
|
26 June-10 July 2017
|
Exciting day in Ghana at the launch of the first ever Study Bible with an African perspective.
|
|
|
|
"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
John 14:12 (NIV)
Each of us who follow Jesus have a calling on our lives, not just those who lead churches or work for mission agencies. Do we all live as if we are called? This verse in John 14 is clear in the assumption that 'whoever believes' in Jesus will continue His 'works'. Perhaps we could each take a moment to ask a few questions? Am
I
continuing 'the works' that Jesus did? Are we doing 'even greater things' than Jesus did?
Jesus often responded in compassion to show the way to the Father. Like Jesus, we (individual believers, churches, Bible Societies etc) are called to act in compassion and share the same gospel.
This Prayer Circle is focused here on 3 Bible Society projects in Africa, where people are living out their call to both show compassion and share the gospel. Thank you for your part in answering the call of God in this way.
|
|
|
Drought & Violence in Kenya
 |
|
|
Click the image for a short video showing how the Bible Society in Kenya is helping. |
Kenya is experiencing a severe drought.
The drought has resulted in violent skirmishes amongst pastoral communities as they fight for land for grazing and crops. The skirmishes led to forceful eviction of families, their homes were burnt and many families lost their livelihoods. Over 4,000 people have been displaced and are in need of shelter, food, clothing and a message of hope and healing.
As is often the case, the women and children have been most deeply affected by the violence. Many children are sleeping in the bushes while some are able to shelter in schools or churches.
The Bible Society in Kenya is working hard to bring some help into the situation by providing emergency relief support. They are offering food, water, clothing and Bible-based counselling through a special programme called 'Trauma Healing'. Sessions are being run for the children and women who are suffering deeply. This project provides food to vulnerable people whose lives have been torn apart by recent violence. Spiritual support is also vital so the Bible Society provide a message of hope and healing and distribute scripture portions.
Please pray for the communities that have lost so much, that they will be able to begin rebuilding their lives and that the Lord will restore to them everything they have lost. Pray that the violent skirmishes in Northern Kenya will come to an end and that enough relief will be given. Pray for long-term livelihood solutions for the communities living in Northern Kenya. Pray too that the Trauma Healing programme and scriptures distributed in this project will bring hope, healing, and reconciliation to the communities.
|
|
|
|
Africa Study Bible was launched in Accra, Ghana |
God's Word Through African Eyes
The first ever Study Bible to offer a deep understanding of the Bible from an African perspective was recently published in Accra, Ghana. The Africa Study Bible was described by a Nigerian church leader as 'God's Word through African eyes'. This is the work of 350 contributors from 50 African countries.
Among the publication's 2,400 features that offer insights into the Bible text are the linking of well-known African idioms and proverbs with passages of Scripture. "Proverbs are part of the upbringing of every African child," explains Bible Society of Ghana General Secretary the Rev Dr Erasmus Odonkor. "Their parents and elders use proverbs to advise and admonish them from a young age, and most of these proverbs completely agree with Scripture."
Christianity is growing faster in Africa than in any other part of the world. In fact, by 2060, 4 in every 10 Christians will live there. It is important that Christians do not simply grow in number, but in faith - and a love for and knowledge of the Bible is key.
"This new Bible should not be put on shelves to gather dust, but should be read to transform lives," noted the former Vice President of Ghana, Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, at the launch of the Africa Study Bible in April.
Will you pray for the growing Church in Africa? Pray for widespread access to the Africa Study Bible and a deepening of faith as a result. Pray for those who lead churches with few resources and many challenges including poverty, illiteracy, unrest and frequent drought.
|
|
|
|
It took a lot of courage for housewife Ozoonwa to attend literacy classes
|
Fish and Literacy? South Sudan
Fish are central to the Shilluk people's way of life. Their whole lives revolve around catching, eating and selling fish.
The Shilluk people live in South Sudan and only 30% of men and 10% of women can read and write. The Shilluk people are amongst the poorest and least educated in the country. The Bible Society in South Sudan published the first Shilluk Bible in 2013 but have battled to get people to learn to read!
Then it was noticed that when passages were read about fish, people sat up and paid attention. Passages like Mark 1:17, "Come follow me...I will make you fishers of men", and the feeding 5,000, drew many people into literacy classes.
Some have now gone through the literacy classes and can read Shilluk. Others have not only learned to read but have accepted Christ and are living for Him.
It took a lot of courage for housewife Ozoonwa to attend literacy classes, "When I started going to the literacy school many people just thought I was lazy, trying to avoid doing my work at home," she explains. "But when they saw me doing the readings at church services the criticism turned to praise! Other women have also started attending classes now."
The Bible Society are preparing to hand over the literacy project to the churches. They believe that the churches are the right platform to reach people and make a real difference.
Please pray for peace in South Sudan, and for God to bless this literacy programme, which could change lives.
|
 Ministry Report 2016
The Ministry Report for 2016 can be accessed by clicking on the image.
It has been wonderful to continue in partnership with many individuals, groups, churches and organisations here at home, as well as partnering with other Bible Societies in ministry all over the world. We hope you are encouraged as you think of the part you play in this vital Bible mission.
|
|
Speaking Engagements, Travel & Events
Thank you for continuing to pray for the team here in Belfast. Over the next weeks, we will all be taking some time off to rest and have a break. We always try and keep the office open though, so if you need us, someone should be here during office hours.
Travel
Sydney: United Bible Societies Roundtable
Catherine is in Sydney to take part in a United Bible Societies Roundtable Exchange from 3-7 July and other meetings with international colleagues in advance of this event. Please pray that her time spent in discussion with other Bible Society Leaders at the Roundtable Exchange will be guided by the Lord.
|
If you have any questions, give us a ring on
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
