Latest News #233 - USA
February 13, 2003

American Bible Society shares nation’s grief over loss of space shuttle

NEW YORK, USA — Newspaper and radio advertisements are a “concrete way of reaching out to a grieving public” following the loss of the space shuttle Columbia on February 1, according to American Bible Society (ABS) President Dr Eugene Habecker. The advertisements are designed to express the sadness felt by the ABS itself at the death of the seven astronauts and to communicate that “the Scriptures provide the ultimate answer, that God is still with us even in the depths of our grief”, Dr Habecker said.

In a campaign similar to the one the ABS ran following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack (see Latest News #163), the advertisements feature an eye-catching photograph of the stars, earth and moon taken by the astronauts themselves. The text reassures people that, “in confusing times such as these”, God’s Word can provide comfort: “The Scriptures overflow with promises of God’s love and how the majesty of our loving Creator is reflected in the pioneering spirit of those with the courage, confidence and creativity to reach for the stars”.

The advertisements invite people to call a toll-free number or visit the ABS website (www.americanbible.org) to obtain copies of the Scripture booklet The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted, one of the eight Scripture booklets produced by the ABS under the Project Constant Hope program in the wake of the September 11 attack (see World Report 368/29). This booklet is based on Psalm 34: “The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope” (CEV).