The large new truck can hold 60,000 Bibles.

In pursuit of its vision of achieving the widest possible  distribution of  Scriptures, the Bible Society of Nigeria has acquired a bigger distribution truck.

The General Secretary of the Society, Rev Dr Fred Odutola, who led staff in a prayer of thanksgiving for its acquisition, said that the new vehicle, which is capable of carrying about 60,000 Bibles, would reduce  the costs of Bible distribution and the frequency of distribution trips. 

Wikipedia ranks Nigeria as the 32nd-largest country in the world, with an area of 923,768 sq kms (356,669 sq miles). The Bible Society has depots in Lagos, Oshogbo, Aba, Abuja and Jos.

“This is what helped me understand the Old Testament,” said one man, pointing to an illustrated Bible in our booth. Likewise, many others would point out the various Children’s Bibles that students have received throughout the past years. “This book helped to establish me in my reading! I read it all the way through!” said a grateful parent, thanking the staff for the school distribution project.

Visitors to the Cairo Bookfair in 2009

Bookfair crowds this year were estimated at 1 million visitors, 50 per cent less than past years. There was a distinct attitude of freethinking and independence in the air, with discussion and debates taking place all day long in all of the venues. We praise God for this occasion to provide the Scriptures to such a diverse audience, knowing that his Word is relevant to each individual and each circumstance.

Many faithful prayers

We are grateful for so many faithful prayers with us during this strategic time. In light of the crumbling security and increasing lawlessness, one never knows what to expect. We praise the Lord for keeping us safe from any problems during this time, despite the return of the annual harassers.

One young lady purchased a New Testament and the staff suggested that she discreetly put it out of view because of the people outside who would harass her and insist that she return the item. She boldly replied, “Give me some more!” and purchased several Bibles instead of one. As she went out, those waiting began to badger her. She yelled at them loudly, saying they had no right to tell her what to do! Another lady, who was older, was given the same treatment as she left our booth. She responded in quiet, motherly tones, giving them the same message however, refusing to give up her rights. In fact, none of our customers returned any of the things they had purchased.

Around 4,000 New Testaments sold

As usual, a large portion of our customers were people who wait for these bookfair discounts and new items, which many purchase in bulk for their various ministries. The other regular customers are the unchurched who appreciate the opportunity to purchase a New Testament for just 1 Egyptian Pound (15 cents)! About 4,000 New Testaments were sold on the fairgrounds this year.

More than one person, both staff and non-staff, remarked that when in need of encouragement during these difficult days of turmoil, just watching the eagerness of people as they purchased Scriptures at the Bible Society booth provided renewed vision and passion for God’s Work in Egypt!

Please continue to pray with us, that God’s Word will yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness in the hearts and lives of those who were able to access the Scriptures at Bookfair 2012.

Graffiti saying 'I Love Haiti' on a wall in the Pétionville area of Port-au-Prince.

In January 2012, Claire Bedot, United Bible Societies’ Francophone Communications Officer, returned to Haiti at the invitation of the Haitian Bible Society to assist it in completing its web site, working with webmaster Lyonel Maxi.

The country is gradually starting to rebuild, but what impact has the earthquake had on the lives of the survivors? On Church life? On the life of the Bible Society? The revival which the Churches have experienced over the last two years continues to strengthen and Christians are continuing to request Bibles, especially in their mother tongue. People are clearly very grateful to the Bible Society. Hearing again from Maxine and the Rev Lacroix, first encountered in November 2010, it is nevertheless clear that some earthquake survivors are managing better than others.

One of the lorries that remove the rubble created by the earthquake of January 12, 2010.

• Haitian Bible Society distributes ‘over 100,000 Bibles’
  Interview with Haitian Bible Society General Secretary Magda Victor
• Haiti’s unprecedented revival
• Maxine grasps her second chance
• Two years later, earthquake victims feel abandoned
  Interview with Rev Raymond Lacroix
• Speaking the language of Haiti’s young people
  Interview with Haitian Bible Society webmaster Lyonel Junior Maxi 
• Haitian Bible Society doubles fundraising from Bible Festival
• “Now we read the Bible as a family”
  Interview with ‘Ti Frère’, driver at the Haitian Bible Society
  

Haitian Bible Society’s Facebook page, web site and Twitter account

Sunrise in the Delmas area of Port-au-Prince.

A man at the launch of the 'Proclaimer' in Peru in 2007.

When they got married, Jorgé and Maria dedicated their lives to serving God and promised to raise any children they might have in a Christian home. Subsequent events tested their faith beyond what they could ever have expected, but hearing God’s Word brought them out of the depths of despair and doubt.

Finding it difficult to make a living in the city after their marriage, Jorgé and Maria moved to Peru’s jungle area. There was a group of believers in this community, so they began to meet for church services. However, terrorists in the area were opposed to them meeting: they threatened them and then burnt their church.

But Jorgé, Maria and the other believers continued to meet in each other’s homes. The terrorists retaliated by rounding up the men and taking them to their base. There, they mistreated them for two days and subjected them to forced labour before letting them go.

After this, the believers began to pray only in their own homes. Still, the terrorists killed one of the men and his wife, leaving their two small children traumatised.

‘I became hard of heart’

Then one day, Jorgé and his family were praying at home. The terrorists discovered them, burst in and murdered Jorgé and Maria’s two children right in front of them.

Jorgé says, “I started to renounce God and became hard of heart. I didn’t want to know God any more because I believed he had killed my children. My children were consecrated to God; they didn’t deserve this.

“We left all our property in the jungle and returned to town. It was very difficult to overcome this trauma and I became a prisoner of resentment and hatred towards God. Many people came to talk to me, but I never wanted to open up my heart to him again.”

One day Jorgé’s house burned down. He, Maria, and their new child would have been homeless if a pastor and his church had not helped to replace everything they had lost.

The day the church delivered the donations, its members held a small meeting of thanks in Jorgé’s house. He says, “They made us listen to the Proclaimer audio Scripture player.”

‘God touched  me’

And God’s Word touched Jorgé and changed him.

A woman at the launch of the 'Proclaimer' in Peru in 2007.

“When I was listening to the Beatitudes, God touched my heart. At that moment I felt like I was being rescued from the devil and my feelings of hatred toward God. I asked God for forgiveness, and for the first time I thanked him for the death of my children, because I knew they were in his glory.”

Since then, Jorgé and Maria have returned to church and their son has accepted Jesus into his heart. They hold cell groups for their family and neighbours, where they listen to the Proclaimer. Jorgé says, “We believe that in the way that God touched my heart through the Proclaimer, he will touch the hearts of our neighbours too. The Word of God is comfort for our lives.”

Taken from Faith Comes By Hearing Church Partner Report, February 2012

Some South Sudan church leaders with UBS staff and the head of the new Bible Society, Dr Edward Kajivora (far right)

South Sudan, which split from Sudan to become the world’s newest country last July, now has its own Bible Society. The Bible Society in South Sudan was officially registered on January 24 and is already working hard to serve the Scripture needs of a country facing enormous challenges.

This month, for instance, together with American Bible Society it led a workshop to equip church leaders and others for trauma counselling – a much-needed ministry in a country wracked by two decades of civil war.

Violent conflict is far from being a thing of the past in South Sudan: there is unrest on its borders and violent clashes between ethnic groups are escalating, leaving thousands dead and many more homeless.

Yet to experience peace

“Our new nation has yet to experience peace – both from outside and and inside our borders,” comments Bible Society Executive Secretary Dr Edward Kajivora. “The internal conflict is not new – tribes have always fought over cattle, which are highly prized in our society.

Carts carrying water tanks in Juba, the country's capital city.

“But the 21-year civil war has placed firearms in the hands of many South Sudanese people and the fighting has become more deadly and harder for the government to get under control. The worst clashes are between the Lou-Nuer and the Murle, who are killing and maiming each other,  stealing cattle, abducting women and children and burning whole villages to the ground.

“This cycle of violence will only get worse unless drastic measures are taken. The Christian Council of Churches is doing its best to bring reconciliation, talking to both sides and trying to stop the attacks. Everyone in South Sudan is concerned and special prayer meetings are being held in churches.

Visiting the wounded

“As a Bible Society we are visiting the wounded who are brought to the hospital in Juba. We pray and talk together and try to comfort them. They always smile and thank us. One man told us that although he’d heard about Jesus at church, it was only during this difficult time that he had really come to know him.

“We asked him if he had read the Bible but he said that he could not read. This is not surprising: the illiteracy rate here is more than 80 per cent. The years of war have deprived a whole generation of education. Today, the youth of our country are roaming the streets aimlessly and are easily enticed into crime. They need guidance, support and opportunities.”

Working in trying circumstances

David Hammond, who co-ordinates UBS’s work in Africa, says, “The Bible Society in South Sudan is working in trying circumstances, based in a bomb-damaged warehouse with no electricity or internet connection. It needs proper office facilities, a steady supply of Scriptures, solar panels and a vehicle among many other things.

“Please pray that these things can be put in place so that we can move ahead with our dreams to develop Bible work in this fledgling country.”

Children taking an interest in Scriptures at the Bible Society of Egypt's stand at the Cairo Bookfair in 2010

One year after the January 25 uprising in Egypt the Bible Society there is taking part in the Cairo International Bookfair, which was cancelled last year due to the unrest. Bible Society General Secretary Ramez Atallah says that it is ‘thrilled’ to be taking part and asks for prayers for peace during the event.

“The bookfair runs from January 22 to February 7,” he explains, “and we pray that there will be no turmoil or violence during this time. The number of publishers participating this year is considerably fewer than in the past, and we have no idea what to expect!

Economy in tatters

“With accelerating inflation and unemployment, Egypt’s economy is in tatters.  A nationwide fuel crisis has led to long queues and clashes.  Mass protests and sit-ins have built up momentum through the past year, with protestors regularly blocking major highways and railroads and disrupting daily life.

People from all walks of life visit the bookfair.

“Despite these troubled times, we hope that many families will see the bookfair as an inexpensive outing during the mid-year school break, and that there will indeed be good attendance.

“This year we have decided to have two different Bible Society stalls, one inside the large tent area, and one outdoors.  In this new atmosphere of freedom and openness, this is a wonderful opportunity we don’t want to miss!

Wide variety of people

“The bookfair has always been a unique occasion to make the Scriptures easily available and affordable to a wide variety of people who would rarely enter a Christian bookstore or church.  This will be the 20th year that we have participated. Over the years we have had many discussions with both adversaries and truth seekers and have seen an increasing openness to and interest in the Scriptures.

“Please pray that many people will come to the bookfair and for peace and security at the event. Pray also for our team at the bookfair – that they will feel encouraged to share God’s Word with sensitivity and boldness, and that people will be open to what they say.”

2011: A fruitful year for the Bible Cause

And God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity (2 Cor. 9:10)

2011 was an extremely fruitful year for the Bible cause in Brazil. I would like to invite you to join me in a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the great blessings He has bestowed upon us. In May, the Bible Press reached the incredible milestone of 100 million Bibles and New Testaments produced in just about 16 years; a milestone that was celebrated in June, with a special Service of Thanksgiving to the Lord, our God, who blessed us with the abundant production of this very special seed of hope.

Then, in the first week of January, I received another piece of extraordinary and inspiring news for us, as well as for the work of the whole fellowship of Bible Societies: in 2011 the Bible Society of Brazil distributed a total of 6,783,255 full Bibles to the Brazilian people (14.54 per cent above the distribution in 2010), which is another record. So, we have to thank God even more for this increase in the sowing of his Word. If we consider all types of Scripture, more than 242 million seeds of hope have been spread in all regions of Brazil. It is important to mention that 26.3 million of these seeds have been sown through the holistic Bible programs of special social impact, a sowing that is 2.89 per cent above that of 2010 (See table) .

Bibles being unloaded for distribution to flood victims in south-east Brazil last year.

More than numbers, this data represents the importance of working on different fronts, never losing sight of the mission of spreading the Bible and its message to all people, in a language they can understand and at a price they can afford. Thank God we can count on a very dedicated staff who believe in and work towards this mission.

So I would like to emphasise some points that have played a key role in helping us to reach these results.

1. Relationship with the churches: To intensify and seek closer relationship with all Christian churches has been crucial for our sowing of the Word of God. The churches are the heart and arms of Bible Societies, and it is through them that the people are reached with the Bible message.
2. Relevant and diversified editorial projects: Great emphasis has been put into developing Scriptures that meet the needs of our different audiences, in formats and language that are adequate to them. Our challenge still is to make that the Word of God be communicated to all segments of the population with relevance to their lives.
3.  Holistic Bible programs: Increasing development of programs that holistically meet the needs of individuals and groups in social risk has been another important factor. These aim at exercising fully the example and teachings of Christ, so that the Word becomes nourishment, comfort and motivation for human development
4. Strategic partnerships: Bible work is, in many ways, grandiose and highly challenging. So, we seek to join forces with other organizations that hold the same missionary spirit, in order that this work is developed in a more extensive way. We are so grateful for the hundreds of partners in Brazil, and several key international partners, that have joined in this mission.
5.  Technology: The technological development is advancing, and the Bible text must also be up for grabs in all available formats and platforms; this is now requiring very special attention.
6.  Newer generations: More emphasis in reaching out to youth, teens and children is moving us. It is all-important to bring the truths and values contained in the Word of God into the lives of the newer generations, so that they keep pace with their development.

As you can see, there are still many challenges ahead. May God guide and help us as we respond to his call to take the transforming Bible message to all people. Let us join in prayer to ask our God that the sowing of his Word continue to be extraordinary in Brazil, as well as in every country in the world.

Fraternally yours, in Christ,

Rev Dr Rudi Zimmer

Rows of homes in Tserovani

Tserovani is a strange place. It is located only half an hour’s drive from Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, yet it is seems to be almost on another planet. Around 2,500 identical small houses stretch as far as the eye can see across the plain. The living conditions for the people here, forced from their homes in South Ossetia during the 2008 Russian-Georgian war, are basic. The houses have the facilities they need for daily living, but Tserovani lacks many of the other features of life in a normal settlement of this size. There are no buildings where people can get together for social events, for example. The only buildings of any size are the school and the kindergarten.

Nowhere to hold the distribution

It is this lack of a developed infrastructure that presented a particular challenge for the UBS Representation when it came to distributing Scriptures in Tserovani. Where would the distribution take place? With no community buildings, the school and kindergarten were the only suitable venues. However, there was a major problem: Georgian law prohibits the distribution of any kind of religious literature in places where children are educated.

During the first part of the year, the staff of the UBS Representation had a number of meetings with the authorities to try to find a way forward. Every time the response was the same: the project is a good idea in principle, but if you are going to distribute Bibles you must have permission from the Patriarchate (the office of the Georgian Orthodox Church). The staff knew from experience that this would not be easy, since some parts of the Patriarchate are strongly opposed to collaborating with an interconfessional organisation.

An ideal solution

Kindergarten children with their new books

In the end a solution was found. It would be possible to act through the kindergarten, it was decided, since it could be seen as not solely an educational institution. And taking this route proved more successful than the UBS Representation staff could ever have imagined, since the kindergarten workers were extremely welcoming and enthusiastic. Finally distributing children’s Scriptures there was a very moving experience, says Executive Director Avtandil Guruli.

“It’s impossible to describe the distribution without stirring up strong emotions,” he says. “The children were so pleased to receive such attractive books. And the impact of our visit will go far beyond the short time we spent there. The children, their parents and local officials now know that there are people, both in our country and abroad, who care for them. It’s very important for them to know that they are not alone in their troubles and pain.”

A bishop’s support

Later, it became clear that the impact of the visit had spread even further than Mr Guruli had realised. News of the UBS Representation’s work among war-affected children reached one of the Georgian Orthodox Church’s leading bishops.

“He recently visited our office and thanked us for this “beautiful work”,” says Mr Guruli. “He also offered to support similar work in the future. So perhaps in the future things will run more smoothly.”

The centre’s residents follow a strict regime of academic work and rehabilitation treatment, but the staff try to ensure that there is time for relaxation and fun, too. On December 18, their efforts received support in the form of a Bible Society visit in collaboration with the Religious Charity Foundation.  The visitors brought Children’s Bibles, fruit and toys for 32 eager recipients.

“We spent nearly two hours there,” says Bible Society Executive Secretary Vera Mitic. “All of the children have been living at the centre for many years and their life stories are full of sadness. In most cases, their parents have divorced and they greatly miss parental warmth and love.

“Life seems different here, somehow:  priceless, irreplaceable and so precious. The ordinary concerns of life don’t really exist when the most important thing is to battle physical challenges. Everybody’s efforts are directed to this. The treatment is complex and the children need patience, determination and hope to achieve a good outcome. Their hearts turn to God because they see that life is gift from God and that they need God’s grace and help.”

By Thomas Tharao, Head of Operations, Bible Society of Kenya.

Children in Naotin

The truck that arrived in Lodwar on December 9 brought 11 tonnes of food to feed 500 families for one month. From Lodwar, the team departed for Moruesse, 50kms away, but had to return to a closer village, Naotin, when it became clear that the truck would not be able to cross a dry river bed where the terrain was very soft. Some teenagers who had hitched a lift on the truck had to disembark and walk the rest of the way, 35kms, to Moruesse, to bring the news that the people there would have to walk to Naotin to collect food.

With the help of local people, the truck was unloaded in Naotin and distribution began early the next morning. The team were surprised to find that the villagers from Muruesse had already arrived, having set off at 1am and walked until 5am, taking advantage of the cool of the night.

Getting things going quickly, community leaders selected a spot with several acacia trees for shade and there was a time of worship and preaching before the distribution began.

People lined up calmly, their names were called out and each family received a food pack to last them for one month. The people from nearby villages then started the journey home, while those who had further to travel decided to wait until late afternoon when the temperature would be more bearable for the long trek.

The people

Simon Esinyen

Simon Esinyen: Simon is an intelligent, energetic child who, unlike many of his peers, speaks fluent Kiswahili.  He does not know how old he is, but he looks around 10. He attends Naotin Primary School, where he enjoys English and playing football. His ambition is to become a doctor, but his learning is hampered by the fact that he has no textbooks or notebooks and his father has no money to buy any. For all the villagers here, the main concern is getting enough food. Simon has gone to bed hungry many times: his father has no job and relies on his goats, while his mother makes brooms from palm leaves. The family is struggling even more than usual at the moment because they lost most of their goats during the drought.

Alex Ekai: Alex is a young man who lives in Nepeikar village. What he wants most in life is education. He and his friends have attended some adult education classes, but finding a teacher and being able to pay for classes are real challenges. Thanks to the little adult education they have received, they are able to use mobile phones and to handle money when trading, but they really want to be able to read properly. They try to farm in their village but it is difficult to get the water to the farms. Sometimes they suffer three consecutive years of insufficient rain, and now the severe drought has killed many of their goats.

The outcome

Thanks to this distribution trip, 500 families will have a secure source of food for a month. This will in turn allow them to save the few animals that they have and give them hope of having a sustainable short-term livelihood. In the midst of their practical difficulties, people have a hunger for the Word of God and for education. This project will meet this need by providing Bibles, New Reader Portions and audio Bibles.