Leading Bible agencies bring a united challenge to the nation for 2011
Three leading Bible agencies, Bible Society, Scripture Union and Wycliffe, today announced plans for a co-ordinated approach to stimulating Bible reading across Britain and Ireland as part of Biblefresh in 2011.
The E100 Bible Reading Challenge is based around 100 carefully selected Bible readings (50 from the Old Testament and 50 from the New Testament) designed to give people a good understanding of the overall Bible story from Genesis to Revelation. The E stands for Essential and each of the Essential 100 readings ranges from a few verses to a few chapters. The programme is very flexible and can be adapted to the context of the local church. Through completing the challenge, participants are encouraged to build a regular habit of spending time with God through Bible reading and prayer.
James Catford, Chief Executive of Bible Society said 'We want to see people everywhere using, trusting and living the Bible. The E100 Bible Reading Challenge provides a wonderful means of encouraging Christians to read parts of the Bible that are unfamiliar to them. Then they become more confident in their regular Bible engagement.'
Keith Civval, Chief Executive of Scripture Union in England and Wales said 'We long to see every Christian engaging enthusiastically with the Bible and growing in their faith. We hope that through this programme more people become inspired to meet God through the Bible daily – not just for the period of the challenge but beyond.'
Eddie Arthur, Chief Executive of Wycliffe UK said 'E100 will not only give participants an overview of the whole message of the Bible but they will also gain a sense of just how much God longs to communicate not only with them, but with people in every part of the world..'
The E100 Bible Reading Challenge will be launched to churches in the autumn of 2010 and it is hoped that there will be widespread take-up in the Year of the Bible in 2011.
ENDS
Media Contact
Keith Civval 07813 640 360
Notes to Editors
1. The E100 programme was pioneered by Scripture Union in the USA where it is now a joint project with American Bible Society. Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Argentina are implementing or planning nationwide E100 Campaigns. The programme has been licensed to American Bible Society for distribution among US Military personnel and their families.
A consortium comprising Wycliffe UK, the national Bible Societies and the Scripture Union movements of England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland has been formed to promote the programme throughout Britain and Ireland.
2. Bible Societies exist because millions lack the Bible in a language they can understand, in a form they can use or at a price they can afford. At the same time millions still have no understanding of the Bible’s value for them and their communities. They are working to see a day when the Bible’s God-given revelation, inspiration and wisdom are shaping the lives and communities of people everywhere.
3. Scripture Union is an international charity working with churches in around 130 countries providing resources to bring the good news about Jesus to children, young people and families – and to encourage them to develop spiritually through the Bible and prayer. As well as a network of volunteers, staff and associates who run holidays, church-based events and school Christian groups they produce a range of publications and provide support through training programmes.
4. Wycliffe exists to serve the worldwide church, partnering with churches and individuals to make the Bible available to every people group. The aim of Wycliffe is to partner with others to carry out Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations. Their vision is that by 2025, together with partners worldwide, a Bible translation programme begun in all the remaining languages that need one.
5. The website www.e100challenge.org.uk will carry more details as soon as they are available.