Latest News

Summaries of stories which have been e-mailed in the Latest News series since the publication of World Report 375:

USA — The American Bible Society (ABS) is running newspaper and radio advertisements in response to the loss of the space shuttle Columbia on February 1. The advertisements express the sadness felt by the ABS itself at the death of the seven astronauts and feature a text reassuring people that, “in confusing times such as these,” God’s Word can provide comfort. They also give details of how to obtain copies of the Scripture booklet The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted, produced by the ABS in the wake of the September 11 attack. (WR 376/31 - 4/5.03) e-233

DENMARK — The Rev Morten Aagaard is being succeeded in March as General Secretary of the Danish Bible Society by the Rev Tine Lindhardt. Mrs Lindhardt was previously a pastor and a producer at Danmarks Radio. (WR 376/33 - 4/5.03) e-233 February 13, 2003

BURUNDI — The General Secretary of the Bible Society in Burundi has called on the UBS to pray for “God’s protection and peace” as fighting between the army and rebels continues, despite the signing of a ceasefire agreement in December. Burundi’s inhabitants are living under the shadow of uncertainty and fear. For the Bible Society, the main challenge is to provide biblical material to people faced with hunger, crime and violence. There are also problems associated with the Bible House construction project. (WR 376/34 - 4/5.03) e-234

ETHIOPIA — The Bible Society of Ethiopia has appointed Yilma Getahun as its General Secretary following the retirement of Kebede Mamo in December. Mr Getahun, who has a background in computer science, joined the Society in 1994 and has served in various capacities, most recently as Acting General Secretary. (WR 376/35 - 4/5.03) e-234

EGYPT — Poor general attendance at the Cairo International Bookfair, which ran for two weeks until February 7, was potentially a very serious problem for the Bible Society of Egypt, which relies heavily on the event as part of its Scripture distribution work. However, staff found a number of innovative ways of attracting visitors to the Society’s stall, and sales were often similar to those achieved by larger stalls on a day-by-day basis. The Society’s total sales during the bookfair season have been only slightly down on last year. (WR 376/36 - 4/5.03) e-234

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC — Bible House in Bangui was razed to the ground on Sunday February 16 as part of government plans to build a 20,000-seater sports stadium. Bible Society staff left church and rushed to Bible House as neighbouring buildings were destroyed, and managed to recover most of the Society’s property, including computers which held more than 20 years’ work on the Sango Bible translation project. The Bible Society has now set up a temporary office in a private home. (WR 376/37 - 4/5.03) e-235