Media release: Scripture Union invites Bible readers to Share the Light

A bold new Scripture Union initiative, designed to enthuse and encourage people to get into the Bible, is set to launch on Bible Sunday, October 26.
 
Share the Light is a challenge to Christians from all denominations and traditions to pray once a month for a year, asking that God would move in the hearts of believers to show them afresh the life-transforming value of regularly reading the Bible. It seeks to get 10,000 individuals and groups of all ages involved during the year.
 
‘The campaign started because we know that so few people regularly read the Bible,’ said campaign coordinator Andy Twilley. ‘In a recent survey, we heard that only 16% of Christians read the Bible on a daily basis. This is a sad state of affairs.
 
‘We believe that many Christians are missing out because they are not discovering all that God wants to give them in his Word. The ramifications are far reaching, affecting their personal relationship with God, the life of the local church, and ultimately society as a whole.’
The team behind the campaign, which includes Scripture Union’s Director of Bible Ministries John Grayston, believes that by praying at least once a month, a committed army of prayers can start to turn the tide.
 
‘We’ve no illusions,’ commented John Grayston. ‘If more Christians are to get an appetite for the Bible and find the opportunity to read it for themselves in life-giving ways, some doors will need to swing open. We believe that prayer is the key to unlocking the power of the Bible for this generation.’
 
The campaign, which begins officially on 26 October, has received support from all quarters of the church, including the Evangelical Alliance.
 
EA’s UK Director, Rev John Smith, commented, 'God's Word works! The transformation of society which we seek depends on every Christian taking God's Word seriously. It is for this reason therefore that I am happy to commend Share the Light.'
 
David Coffey (Baptist Union), David Cornick (URC), Gerald Coates (Pioneer), Greg Haslam (Westminster Chapel and NFI), Derek Tidball (LBC) and many other key leaders are also backing the campaign.
 
Churches and individuals with a passion for the Bible are being encouraged to get involved in the campaign. More details can be found in the Share The Light launch pack, which contains resources for running meetings and services, a sermon outline, a children’s talk and publicity material and an audio presentation.
 
‘Our dream is to see lots of people making this commitment to pray,’ adds Andy Twilley. ‘As God starts answering those prayers, we believe we’ll see a tide of excitement sweeping across the nation as people start to take the Bible more seriously once more.’
The Share The Light launch pack is available from Scripture Union, by calling 01908 856 029, emailing sharethelight@scriptureunion.org.uk, or visiting www.scriptureunion.org.uk/sharethelight.
Andy Twilley and John Grayston are available for interview about Share the Light. To arrange an interview or for more information about the Share the Light campaign, contact Alistair Metcalfe, Communications Manager on 01908 856 165 or via media@scriptureunion.org.uk.
Available pictures: Andy Twilley, John Grayston, the Share the Light launch pack, pictures of people reading the Bible