Some years ago, the Bible Society in Chile had a dream of seeing isolated and lonely elderly people brought into fellowship around the Word of God.
Their plan emerged into a simple but effective model. Through volunteers from local churches, they invite elderly people in a local area to gather in small Bible study groups. They gather in churches, homes or even residential homes.
Each group member receives a large or giant print Bible. The dream is of course, to see people coming to know Jesus, growing in faith and sharing with those around them.
It has been a joy for us here in Bible Society NI to be part of this project as many of you have prayed and supported it in response to our magazine and website. We love how the eldery in Chile are being honoured.
It was lovely to receive this feedback from Rodolfo in Chile:
"We thank the Lord for the Churches, Pastors and Leaders that have taken on the challenge and commitment to study the Word with elderies. It is very satisfying to talk to "grandparents" who are integrated into communities and are given the space to share their concerns with others.
"With great joy we hear the testimonies of grandparents who like to share with others as they study and reflect on the Word of God and praise the Lord. They tell us that they have grown in knowledge and wisdom, that they have learned that the Bible is a guide for each day, that the Lord cares for them and knows each one of their thoughts.
"When we ask them what they like most, they say they come to a place where they feel cared for and loved. They express that they have understood about the dependence of God, that the Lord always covers them, accompanies them and listens.
"We thank the Lord for the "grandparents", that their lives have been transformed through the gospel."
