FUNDRAISING IN THE UBS

New ‘Bike for Bibles’ Tour  – Around Turkey
Mother and Son’s Savings Help Launch BAMC (Argentina)

New ‘Bike for Bibles’ Tour 
– Around Turkey 

SWINDON, England — People who enjoy cycling and would like to raise money for the British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS) whilst having a holiday will have the perfect opportunity later this year – in Turkey!

The Bike for Bibles (BfB) team will be cycling 300 miles over eight days around the seven churches in Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation. And this time cyclists won’t have to rough it on church floors – three and four star hotels are on the agenda!

Mike Sheppard, BfB co-ordinator, said he hopes to find a team of 60 people who will pay $1,200 for the 10-day holiday and commit to finding at least $1,600 in sponsorship in order to raise $96,000 for translation projects in Turkey.

40 miles a day

Cycling about 40 miles a day, the tour, which takes place November 6-15, includes visiting: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. The cost of the holiday includes the use of new bikes, an accompanying coach carrying baggage, an English-speaking guide, and half board.
“This is a holiday as well as fundraising, and a great experience for Christians,” Mike explained. “We are looking for anyone who enjoys cycling – but they must commit to raising at least $1,600.

“We are directly helping the Bible Society of Turkey, and it will be a great opportunity for Christians to see the Book of Revelation come to life! And it’s guaranteed warm weather!” (WR 343/34 - 9.99)

Mother and Son’s Savings 
Help Launch Bible a Month Club

The mother and child who personally delivered
their $400 savings to Bible House

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — With a $400 donation from a young woman and her son, a Bible-a-Month Club has been launched in Argentina. And judging by the response to date, the Club is set to mark a turning point in the Argentine Bible Society’s fundraising history.

Supporters are calling by phone, writing, and visiting the Bible Society area offices as well as Bible House to find out more about the Club – and many are deciding to use this channel for their giving.
The mother and child who personally delivered their $400 savings to Bible House were the first people to join BAMC after the Society’s staff members.

“This woman and her son came to the office with the Club envelope they had received the previous day,” recalled Claudia Sugameli, the Bible Society secretary who has worked to develop BAMC.

“They had saved money with the intention of donating it, but they did not know where to send it. They told us they had been praying and, when they received the BAMC envelope, were in no doubt that they wanted to give.

“The woman told us that this was what they wanted to do: that by giving to the Bible Society through this program, they were participating in the task of extending the Word of God.”

The launch of BAMC has also had a great impact on Bible Society staff, Claudia recalled. “We all worked together, with colleagues from different departments, to pack and send out 3,500 envelopes. This was the first time that a large number of us were involved in something real and tangible relating to fundraising.

“We all identified with the program and, as a result, we employees were the first members. We had great expectations, and it was moving to see the first memberships.”

Some supporters have contacted the Bible Society with their thanks for being included in the Club. One person said: “I would like to wholeheartedly thank you for including me. I am truly delighted.” Another lady called to check that her father’s donation of $40 had been received.

“Don’t ring him, because he is 99 and deaf, but he didn’t want to be excluded from participating,” she added. (WR 343/35 - 9.99)

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