shareyourstorynow.org

“Young Christians take the Scriptures throughout Libreville”

GABON — “It is clear that many people are thirsting to receive God’s Word”. This is the conclusion reached by the Rev Georges Thierry Mabiala Tchibinda, General Secretary of the Bible Society in Gabon, only days after the Society launched its Bible Marathon 2006. Through a team of committed young Christians working throughout Libreville, the Society plans to meet at least part of this need.

The Bible Marathon, the second of its kind organised by the Bible Society, was launched at Bible House on July 25. It began with a training session for around 20 young people from local churches at which they were introduced to the Bible Society’s work, its various products and its distribution methods. They were then sent out across the city to take the Scriptures into homes and public places such as hospitals and offices. Guided by the vision One Bible, One Person, they will continue this ministry until September 9, meeting each morning for prayer and returning each evening to report to Bible Society staff on what they have achieved during the day.

Within the first five days, the young Christians had distributed 331 full Bibles, along with 137 New Testaments and 57 other Scripture products, a reflection of the warm response they received. At the city’s hospital, for example, a doctor reported that “the patients are spending most of their time reading the Bible. Their faces display great joy and hope.” This doctor has now bought a Bible for himself.

Following this encouraging start, the Bible Society aims to distribute 6,000 Scripture products, as long as sufficient stocks are available. As well as boosting sales during a quiet time of year, the Bible Marathon will serve to encourage the young participants on their journey of faith and give them confidence to explain God’s Word to others.

“We are very encouraged by the testimonies we have received so far,” says Mr Tchibinda. “May God be praised for the impact that the Bible is having on people’s lives.”

Story courtesy United Bible Societies: LATEST NEWS # 365, August 21, 2006.