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PRAYER CIRCLE
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2-16 April 2018
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Trying to grab a peek at the Okrika language Bibles being dedicated in Nigeria.
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Christ Jesus who died - more than that, who was raised to life
- is at the right hand of God
and is also interceding for us.
Romans 8:34
While we live in the light of the cross at all times, Easter is a special time of remembering the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Without our risen Saviour, there would be no Gospel to tell, there would be no hope, no answer for despair, fear and even death.
Yet because of the resurrection, we have a Lord who has defeated sin and death itself and now prays for us while we live in the assurance of salvation through faith in God's grace.
That's why we work so hard all over the world to reach those who don't know Jesus. Thank you for being with us!
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 Answered Prayer in Honduras
Honduras is a country that has been on our heart for some years. Thanks to each person who has prayed and supported the Bible Society ministry there. We wanted to share something with you that feels like a significant answer to prayer, and encourage you to continue pressing in to God for more.
When we share about Honduras, we usually remind you that it is home to some of the most violent cities in the world. San Pedro has often been quoted as the 'murder capital of the world'. However, it seems that years of prayer are making a difference. According to the authorities,
the murder rate in 2017 had fallen by of 26.4% on the year before. Our friends in Honduras say 'This is miraculous!'
Praise God for the wonderful openings to share God's Word with the Police. The Bible Society in Honduras are currently producing 3,500 Bibles due to be ready for distribution in May. They have a strong partnership with the Police Christian Ministry who have developed an effective ministry and have a passion to train Christian leaders within the Police Force who can then lead others in Bible Study.
There is also a programme running in prisons, at the end of which prisoners receive a diploma and a Bible, more than 1,500 prisoners have graduated from this and many lives have been changed thanks to God's Word.
There are also great encouragements in the Armed Forces with a Christian in a senior position and a real openness to placing chaplains and developing ministry.
Thank you for your prayers for these opportunities, we know you will be encouraged to hear how God is opening doors. Please keep praying for the team in Honduras and for continued change in the country as a whole.
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Modern Bible for  Poland
The Bible Society in Poland has been celebrating their newly published modern language Bible. This has taken 22 years of hard work and fervent prayers so there is much excitement around it. Leaders from 11 Church denominations participated in the project, showing that the Bible is for all.
Our former General Secretary, John Doherty, led a Study Visit to Poland in 2009 and we were excited by the project to create a modern Polish Bible, accepted by all Churches. We invested in the translation for a number of years, so we are thrilled that it is now available!
On Friday 16 March, clergy and members from various Churches joined in a thanksgiving service for the new Bible. The ecumenical service was held in the Evangelical Reformed Church with a sermon from the president of the Bible Society in Poland, the Head of the Evangelical and Methodist Church, Fr. Bishop Andrzej Malicki.
A more formal event took place the following day in the State Ethnographic Museum.
This event was described as historical for Polish biblical studies. Małgorzata Platajs, director of the Bible Society in Poland, greeted the gathering and a panel discussion followed with some of the translation team. The event was recorded by the local media and will be broadcast in April.
Praise God for this modern Polish translation that will make the Bible more accessible for many people. Pray for a great impact as the truth brings freedom and life to many. Pray that Christians will grow deeper in their love for Jesus.
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The King in attendance at the dedication of the Kalabari Language Bible.
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Double Delight in Nigeria
In the last Prayer Circle, we asked you to pray for two first time Bible dedications due to take place in Nigeria at the end of March. We asked you to pray that the people would receive the Bibles with joy. We simply had to share with you the reports we have heard following these incredible occasions.
'The speakers of Kalabari Language in Rivers State, south Nigeria came out in their hundreds, dancing and singing as they received their Bible. They were led by their King, His Majesty, Professor T.J. Princewill, Amachree XI who defied his health status as he came in a wheel chair accompanied by his wife and his chiefs to receive their Bible which they had longed to see since 53 years ago. The King was excited that the Bible was dedicated during his reign.'
'Large turn out, shouts of joy characterise dedication of Okrika Bible at St. Peter's Cathedral, Okrika... the venue... was not enough to contain the large crowd that turned out to behold Okrika Bible which they had waited for over 46 years. So many people who could not be accommodated inside the church were outside under the canopy provided for them, while others stood beside the windows struggling to catch a glimpse of the Bible. Excitement and joy were on the faces of the crowd from the Traditional rulers, the Clergy, the Laity and many others who came for the dedication of the Bible.'
Praise God for the blessing of joining with these people as they receive the Word of God for the first time. Pray that God's Word will bring hearts alive, change families and restore communities. God is able to do so much more than we can ask or imagine.
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NEWS at HOME
Easter brings a lull in speaking engagements and a welcome few days off, but we still have lots to think about! Pray for us as we work on implementing a change to Data Protection laws, produce resources and continue to strengthen relationships with churches and other organisations working both locally and around the world.
Speaking Engagements
Sun 15 Apr, 11.30am
- Catherine is speaking at Ebrington Presbyterian, Londonderry
Other Events
Mon 9 April, 6pm - Bible Society NI Finance Committee
Tues 10 April - Catherine will be attending the Church of Ireland Council for Mission in Swords, Co Dubin.
The office will be closed on Mon 2nd
- Tues 3rd April.
We will reopen on Wed 4th April.
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Catherine has bravely signed herself up to run the Edinburgh Half Marathon - pray for her and get behind her!
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Bible-a-month... EXTRA!
You are sure to have heard of our Bible-a-month and you may even be part of it. We want to make sure it hasn't passed you by and that you aren't missing out on a great way to make a difference.
Bible-a-month is simply what it says... £5 is the average cost of making a Bible available to someone, somewhere around the world. So if you give £5, someone gets access to Scripture.
If you are not part of this already, you can find out more here or get in touch on 028 9032 6577, or by email through
info@biblesocietyni.co.uk
Bible-a-month partners receive:
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a colourful and attractive calendar,
- prayer information in our Word at Work magazine (3 each year) and
- the Bible-a-month extra email (if they sign up).
This month is focusing on Bible ministry in Algeria. We have just received an urgent cry for prayer from the Bible Society there.
More prayer information here.
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If you have any questions, give us a ring on
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