God got there firstThe Poverty and Justice Bible launches in Canada in 2009

Good News for a Modern ManA spontaneous decision to drop in to a cbs bookstore begins a journey of redemption

District Profile: South AlbertaDistrict Director Reg Graves talks about the exciting work being done in South Alberta

A single step taken in 18th century Wales inspires a mission to meet the Scripture needs of the world.

The pursuit of God’s Word ends Bible poverty

from the canadian bible society • winter 2009

in this issue:

03 | word at home

The Poverty and Justice Bible – God got there firstThe Poverty and Justice Bible launches in Canada in 2009.

05 | word facts

Committed to The Word. For Life.Not only producing the Word; but getting it into waiting hands and hearts is what really matters.

06 | donor profile

Good News for a Modern ManA spontaneous decision to drop in to a cbs bookstore begins a journey of redemption.

09 | word for the world

The Pursuit of God’s Word ends Bible povertyNew Christians in Africa and China, where Bibles are scarce, walk long distances in pursuit of God’s Word.

11 | word on the street

Bike for Bibles 2009cbs is putting God’s Word into the hands of men, women, and youth at the 2010 Winter Olympic games in Vancouver.

12 | ask the bible expert

Scripture questions… answered!Hart Wiens’ regular column answers Scripture questions submitted by our readers.

13 | district profile

South AlbertaDistrict Director Reg Graves talks about the exciting work being done in South Alberta.

14 | acknowledgments

In RecognitionRecognizing, with gratitude, those who have shared God’s Word through their thoughtful gifts.

district office phone email

St. John’s 1.709.722.7929 lpritchett@biblesociety.ca Halifax 1.902.455.2211 wmccarther@biblesociety.ca Charlottetown 1.902.892.6931 charlottetown@biblesociety.ca Saint John 1.506.634.1760 info@getbibles.com Québec 1.418.692.2698 ptherrien@biblesociety.ca Montréal 1.514.848.9777 biblesocietymontreal@bellnet.ca Ottawa 1.613.236.3910 ottawa@biblesociety.ca Toronto 1.416.689.3437 centralontario@biblesociety.ca Hamilton 1.905.522.9104 dhillis@biblesociety.ca London 1.519.432.6663 wdawson@biblesociety.ca North Bay 1.705.474.3890 dbroadworth@biblesociety.ca Winnipeg 1.204.257.8835 winnipeg@biblesociety.ca Saskatoon 1.306.664.2480 saskatoon@biblesociety.ca Edmonton 1.780.439.7729 edmonton@biblesociety.ca Calgary 1.403.261.4827 calgary@biblesociety.ca Vancouver 1.604.872.6691 vancouver@biblesociety.ca Bermuda 1.441.236.2955 info@biblesociety.ca Secteur francophone 1.514.524.7873 lgordon@biblesociety.ca Translations Office 1.519.741.8285 hwiens@biblesociety.ca

Our Vision is to reach every person with the life-giving Word of God and to encourage its use.If you have any questions or require more information, please contact the District Office nearest you or call the National Support Office: 1.416.757.4171 or 1.800.465.2425.

Address all correspondence and change of address (include label) to:

Canadian Bible Society 10 Carnforth Road, Toronto, Ontario m4a 2s4 tollfree: 1.800.465.2425 fax: 416.757.3376phone: 416.757.4171 email: donorenq@biblesociety.ca

Visit our websites to learn more about our work:

website:www.biblesociety.caonlinestore: www.biblescanada.com

publicationdesign:riordondesign|www.riordondesign

07 | word for the world

Bible-a-Month ends the waiting…Can you ever remember the feeling of waiting for a Bible? Probably not, because five minutes at the bookstore counter isn’t very long.

In Kenya today, families are gathered under a tree in a remote village, listening intently to the message of God’s love for them in their heart language. In Afghanistan today, Canadian soldiers are lining up to receive their own camouflage Bible, seeking peace in the midst of unrest. In Canada today, a prisoner is reading a New Testament, finding hope and forgiveness – all because you have partnered with us to spread The Word. For Life.

The Canadian Bible Society (cbs) is fulfilling an important mission perhaps the most important mission there is – delivering the Christian message of life and hope. In this new issue of Word at Work, you will be introduced to our updated magazine (formerly Our Bible Matters) where we present ourselves to all those who have relied on the Canadian Bible Society to distribute the Word of God for more than 100 years.

Over the past few months, we’ve been working on redefining what our brand stands for and preparing ourselves for the future. While our brand is the visible and tangible example of our values, it is more than just a logo. It provides recognition and reassurance to all audiences we interact with – be it through our printed material or online communications.

We have also been building a more comprehensive way of expressing our unique attributes across all areas of our ministry in the four key areas of Bible translation, publication, distribution, and engagement. The entire cbs family plays an essential part in championing and growing our organization as we evolve to fulfill our mission in a rapidly developing world.

Our promise, The Word. For Life. brings with it a wealth of encouragement for people who are malnourished when it comes to the truths found in God’s Word. It is our goal to bring the Bible’s life-giving message to a Bible-poor world that is desperately in need of forgiveness and hope.

We certainly appreciate our generous donors as they help us start new projects and continue supporting established cbs initiatives. This year, a new partnership with Faith Comes By Hearing will sweep across Canada allowing thousands of Canadians to become engaged with God’s Word by listening to the dramatized New Testament through the You’ve Got The Time Canada program. When people take time to listen to God’s Word it transforms their lives.

Together we’re taking important steps toward a new future, and I thank you for joining us as we share The Word. For Life. with individuals and communities all over the world.

For the Bible cause,

Ted Seresnationaldirector

02word at work

As I look forward to 2009, not only have I set some personal goals, I am also focusing on Bible Society goals that will allow us to continue to share the stories, share the challenges, and to also share the life-giving hope that is found only in God’s Word.

a message from our national director

Dear Friend:

“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’ ” Jeremiah 28.11 nasb

the charge: The Bible is dusty and irrelevant and people can’t connect with it.

the plea: Not guilty.

the proof: A new Bible that will open your eyes to the fact that on one of the biggest issue of our day – an issue close to many people’s hearts – God got there first.

word at home03

The Poverty & Justice Bible – God got there first

The Poverty and Justice Bible launches in Canada in 2009 – the first Bible ever to highlight more than 2,000 verses on God’s attitude toward poverty and injustice.By tapping into a climate of increasing social awareness among young people, politicians, and influencers, The Poverty and Justice Bible is part of the Bible Society’s mission to show that Scripture resonates with today’s issues and culture.

Leading thinkers such as, Rob Bell, Tony Campolo, and Mike Pilavachi have backed this new Bible. But it was U.S. pastor Rick Warren who started the ball rolling. He had studied theology, he said, he’d been a pastor for decades – so how did he miss more than 2,000 verses that speak of God’s heart for the poor? If Christians don’t speak out against poverty and injustice, he claims they lose their credibility as God’s witnesses.

In response to this, British Bible Society staff spent months scouring the Contem-porary English Version (cev) Bible, locating verses relating to poverty and justice. After weeks of debate, the team was left with more than 2,000 sections. Some verses, which simply make reference to poverty

– or a poor person, were not highlighted.

However, verses that tell us about God’s attitude towards poverty and injustice made the final cut. From the words of

Genesis to Revelation, almost every page emphasizes just and fair behaviour. The picture is clear. These issues have always been on God’s heart. When it comes to fighting poverty and injustice, God got there first.

Martin Luther King often pointed out that it was the Sermon on the Mount that inspired the non-violent resistance of the civil rights movement. And William Wilberforce sparked a campaign that freed millions from slavery – after being challenged by Scripture.

Action is also a focus for The Poverty and Justice Bible. Produced with support from aid agency,s World Vision, it includes a 32-page study guide written by bestselling authors Nick and Claire Page. Topics range from equality to education, and from farming to Fair-trade. The studies highlight the fact that concern for the oppressed is foundational to faith, and they encourage action – from giving, to praying, to living responsibly each day.

“Our goal is for the world to realize that God’s Word is life-giving and not just full of rules and irrelevant stories that are not for today’s culture,” said Canadian Bible Society’s National Director Ted Seres. “It is critical that we make the Bible available and that we point out what God has to say about issues close to people’s hearts. Bible engage-ment is part of our vital work to end Bible poverty in Canada and around the world.”

There is a generation of young Christian adults who are passionate about connect-ing with a Bible that they can apply to life.

The Poverty and Justice Bible starts where young Christians are – with issues they care about, and with issues that resonate with them – showing that the Bible connects with the fabric of life.

You can purchase The Poverty & Justice Bible at your local Canadian Bible Society store or online at: www.biblescanada.com

So that others around the world can receive a Bible and become engaged with God’s Word, you can join Bible-a-Month for a monthly gift of $25.00. As a token of our appreciation, you will receive the Poverty & Justice Bible. To join, please visit: www.povertyandjusticebible.ca

Judy Graveshousingadvocate,cityofvancouver

“You have no idea how much I appreciated you telling me about The Poverty and Justice Bible. I’m phoning the Bible Society on Monday to find out when I can pick one up for myself – and I now know what I am giving all my favourite people this year.”

Brian Stromboardofgovernorschair,canadianbiblesociety

“When people see a Poverty and Justice Bible on my desk, their interest is immediately piqued. In the space of a couple of months, I’ve given away several copies. It is great to have a Bible that highlights God’s teaching and relevance to us in regard to these very important social issues of our day.”

Kristin Lucianoage13

“The Poverty and Justice Bible has really helped me understand more about God and the way he wants the world to be. It also helped me comprehend and see more of the problems the world faces.”

04word at work

word facts05

Committed to The Word. For Life.

For many centuries the Bible has been used to spread the Christian message of hope – delivering new life through inspiration, comfort, and strength for millions around the world.

The Canadian Bible Society seeks to deliver God’s message by the most direct, resource-ful and relevant means at our disposal, in a language that people can understand, and in a format that directly benefits their lives. Now more than ever, we embrace the challenge of delivering The Word. For Life.

The icon in our brand identity is how we present ourselves to all those who rely on us. It’s what makes us visually unique in the

world we live in and it continues to be grounded in the timeless tradition that is rooted in the parable that Jesus told of the sower. The sower embodies the revelation of God and exemplifies the action of sharing His life-giving Word.

The seeds in the icon symbolize the four key areas that we focus on – Bible translation, publication, distribution, and engagement.

New life is one of the most positive benefits of the Word of God. Delivering

The Word. For Life. is our mission. It’s not enough just to produce the Word; it’s getting it into the hands and hearts of people that really matters.

All of us are born equal in God’s sight. Yet our circumstances could hardly be more different. For every Christian who has access to the life-giving Bible message, there are many more people that live in dire spiritual need. Whether finding God for the first time, or in becoming a better Christian, the Bible helps all hearts find new life.

At the Canadian Bible Society we believe in the transformative power of the Word of God, and the bold dream of a better society in a better world – focused on The Word. For Life.

Translationcbs provides support to at least a dozen First Nation & Inuit translation projects in Canada and to more than

1,000 translation projects worldwide through the distribution and implementation of our computer tools.

Distributioncbs distributes Old and New Testaments, complete

Bibles, and other Scripture resources in English, French, and more than 120 other languages - a number that is

growing and that includes 23 Native languages. Through national Scripture distribution programs, CBS reaches

out to Canadian youth, prisoners, newcomers to Canada, seafarers, visually impaired, and our Canadian Forces.

PublicationFor more than a decade the Translations-cap (Computer Assisted Publishing) office of the Canadian Bible Society has been at the forefront of the development and deployment of processes and computer tools called Paratext, which enable a smooth path from translation to publishing.

EngagementIn today’s culture, the Bible is often seen as irrelevant and outdated. This presents cbs with an exciting mandate – creating opportunities for people to become engaged with God’s Word through current initiatives and new programs.

donor profile

In 1974 I never imagined I would be involved with communication design and marketing for the Canadian Bible Society. Back then I was a rebellious, long-haired teenager lost in my unbridled ambition, far from faith and living in a world of drugs, sex and rock ‘n roll.

Growing up in a Christian home where the Bible was respected as God’s Word provided me more of a foundation than I neither recognized or appreciated at the time. I had been seduced by things less noble and was far from all that is sacred. Disappointment with the Church and the struggle to find my place in the world had left a void in me.

I had just started at H. B. Beal Tech in London, majoring in the Special Arts Program, and I recall a brief encounter with a Canadian Bible Society store that happened to be en-route to downtown – just blocks from the school. I passed it each day and it always intrigued me.

I recall one particular rainy and bleak Fall evening when I felt compelled to drop in and check out the store after school. I’m sure the grey-haired lady who greeted me as I entered, wondered what sort of specimen had strutted into her domain. I reeked of cigarette and attitude, but I was seeking some peace for my troubled soul. I meandered around for a bit and I remember feeling welcome. Frankly, it smelled like church and felt a bit uncomfortable, but I sensed her genuine interest in me as a person, and I left the store with my new copy of Good News For Modern Man, which she gave me.

This marked one of a few very significant steps that God used to take me on a journey of redemption, through the life-giving power of His Word. To this day it remains an important memory.

Fast forward to 2008. My wife and I own a design communications company in Oakville, Ontario and recently we had the privilege of working with The Canadian Bible Society to refresh their branding and communications. It has been an honour to offer our expertise to them and assist in creating a strong new identity for the current culture

The tag-line we designed as part of their new branding sums it up best for me,

“The Word. For Life.”

06

Good News for a Modern Man A spontaneous decision to drop in to a Canadian Bible So-

ciety bookstore begins a journey of redemption.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3.5,6 niv

By: Ric Riordoncorporatedirector,riordondesign

Now take a moment and imagine waiting for a Bible in your own language. Imagine not being able to read it in a language that you can understand, and as a result you think that God must not be interested in you or your community.

For millions, this is a reality. In fact, it’s true for 4,500 languages that still wait for even one book of the Bible. This is a stark reality called Bible poverty – and Bible-a-Month is working to end it.

It is because of faithful Bible-a-Month supporters that the Canadian Bible Society along with other Bible Societies around the globe, is able to bring new translations

to birth – sometimes into languages that have never even been written down. We also provide the Bible in other accessible formats like audio and video so that others can receive God’s Word in the language of their heart.

Bible-a-Month is working to connect the Bible with the fabric of everyday life so that God’s Word can be applied daily in various countries around the globe.

indiaThe power of the sun is bringing the life-changing power of God’s Word to the people of 22 different villages across India. Hundreds are listening to the Toluga New

Testament, played on a solar-powered digital player, developed by Faith Comes by Hearing and distributed through the Bible Society.

kenyaFollowing one of the darkest times in Kenya’s history, the goal of the Bible Society was to promote healing in the nation. To achieve this goal, they used the launch of the Gikuyu Bible as an opportunity to distribute Path to Healing, a Portion published in both English and Kiswahili. This Portion contains Bible verses relating to hope and reconciliation as well as a commitment on the front page that requires a signature. In full view of the

We all know what it’s like to wait. Whether it be for a coffee at Tim Horton’s or waiting for a bus – it can be frustrating waiting for things to speed up. But can you ever remember the feeling of waiting for a Bible? Probably not, because five minutes at the bookstore counter isn’t very long – someone has already spent years translating it and making it readily available for you.

the power of monthly giving ends the waiting

Bible a Month07

“The good news is spreading all over the world with great success.” Colossians 1:6a cev

08word at work

President Mwai Kibaki holds a copy of the Bible Society of Kenya’s Portion ‘Path to Healing’ at the launch of the new interconfessional Gikuyu Bible in Nyeri, Kenya, on July 12, 2008.

“I thank God that I’m privileged to be a Kenyan. Understanding what our country experienced in the early months of 2008, I commit myself to repent, forgive, seek reconciliation and bring hope to our beloved country.”

Word Reach

crowd, the president of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki, signed the promise on the front page, which states: ‘I thank God that I am privileged to be a Kenyan. Understanding what our country experienced in the early months of 2008, I commit myself to repent, forgive, seek reconciliation and bring hope to our beloved country’. Bible Societies around the world praise God for the peace that our brothers and sisters in Kenya are now experiencing.

haitiOne of the Bible Society’s goals in Haiti is to take God’s Word to the people in the country’s ghettoes. So far thousands of Haitian New Testaments have been

gratefully received. For one young man, the gift proved to be a lifesaver. While walking home one evening, he found himself in the midst of a gun battle and before he had time to duck, he was struck by a bullet which ripped through his shirt pocket. Amazed that he was still alive, the young man reached into his pocket and pulled out a pocket-sized New Testament that had been given to him earlier in the day. “Take this and have a good read,” the man had said. “Trust me – it will save your life.” The young man says, “Before the shooting incident, I was just ‘a regular Christian’. Now, I make it my duty to be a beacon for the spreading of the Gospel.”

egyptRelentless teasing from his classmates prompted one 12-year-old boy in Egypt to leave school. When he heard that free Bibles were being distributed, he returned to get one. But since he was no longer a student, his request for a Bible was denied. When the delivery driver saw the young boy’s distress, he talked and prayed with him, promising that if the young boy returned to school, the driver would see that he got his Bible. After being re-en-rolled, the boy received his copy. Following the successful completion of the school year, the boy contacted the Bible Society to express his heartfelt thanks.

Courtney Stewardgeneralsecretaryofthebiblesocietyofthewestindies.

“When you receive the Word of God in your own heart language, the Scriptures come alive. They become real – translated out of a setting 2,000 years ago, and God speaks to you now. And you see a fresh probably for the first time.”

Elizabeth, a Maasai woman from an indigenous African ethnic group located in Kenya waited 22 years after coming to faith before hearing the Bible in her own language.

“Now that the Bible is available in Maasai for me to listen, I hear God speak to me in my own tongue. The Bible is part of me and my life and I meditate on God’s Word while I tend the goats and make food.”

It seems like a lifetime ago, when one night in Medellin, Colombia my missionary parents stopped our Jeep in the darkest part of the city, and went over to a cardboard box where two little children were huddled under a dirty piece of cloth. The next thing I knew, two young boys were in the back seat with my 6-year-old brother and me. Several thoughts began to fly through my 9-year-old mind. Where were their parents? Why were they sleeping in a cardboard box and when was the last time they had eaten or had a bath? What were my parents doing? I scooted over as close to my brother as possible. I had been in this country for two months and I was getting used to the indescribable poverty – just not quite this close.

word for the world09

Mary Jones walked 28 miles in her bare feet to buy a Bible. It sounds just like the experience of new Christians in Africa or China today. But Mary Jones was a 15-year-old girl who lived in Wales over 200 years ago when Bibles were expensive and scarce. Her story helped lead to the founding of the Bible Society so that the Bible would be made available throughout the world.

The pursuit of God’s Word ends Bible povertyBy: Marta LoFrancodirectorofcommunications,canadianbiblesociety

left:Members of the clergy arriving at the launch of the Vute New Testament on December 2, 2007. Yoko, Central Province, Cameroon.

right:Peng lost his sight as a child. He was an atheist until a colleague invited him to a Christian meeting where he learned that Christ could banish his spiritual darkness.

Thirty-six years later, I am thankful that two Canadian missionaries took their children to Colombia, South America to be God’s hands and feet – feeding the hungry and sharing the love of Christ found in God’s Word, with Colombia’s “gamines” (street children) – offering them hope, a good meal, a hot bath, and a night in a warm bed before taking them to an orphanage where they would receive care.

It is hard for those of us living in the affluent western world to believe that most of the world lives on $1 to $2 dollars a day. According to the United Nations, close to 25,000 people die every day from hunger or hunger-related causes – one person every three and a half seconds. When I hear that the call to care for the world’s poor has never been of more concern to Christians and humanitarian aid organizations, I am thankful that the world is noticing and trying to help, just as my parents did for 35 years of their lives.

But there is another poverty that we must consider, another poverty that must be made history – the poverty of not knowing the God who made you – Bible poverty.

As Jesus said, “The Scriptures say: ‘No one can live only on food. People need every word God has spoken’” matthew 4.4 cev

It’s the plea of Bible Societies all over the world that we would open our eyes and our hearts to Bible poverty. It is a poverty that too few Christians are even aware of; yet at its root are language barriers, blindness, illiteracy, and the fact that people are simply too poor to own a Bible. Others are Bible-poor because they live in a ‘sophisti-cated’ culture where the Bible is written off as irrelevant and so it is rarely opened.

bible poverty facts

The Bible is a luxury that a billion people cannot afford

More than half the world’s languages still wait for even one book of the Bible

A billion people may never learn to read – yet only 3% of languages have the Bible in audio

The Bible no longer shapes our own nation

Bible poverty is robbing people of knowing the very God who made them, the friend who knows their pain, the love that knows no bounds, and the truth that sets them free.

Mary Jones walked 28 miles in her bare feet to buy a Bible. It sounds just like the experience of new Christians in Africa or China today. But Mary Jones was a 15-year-old girl who lived in Wales over 200 years ago when Bibles were expensive and scarce. Her story helped lead to the founding of the Bible Society so that the Bible would be made available throughout the world.

cameroon200 years after later, the Vute New Testa-ment was welcomed in a “feast of colour and sound” by hundreds of people in Cameroon; many of whom made enormous efforts to attend the event. One chief and his entourage made the 130 km journey on foot. In the words of a Vute speaker, “If I die today, I will not be able to say that God did not love me.”

chinaForty years ago, the Bible was banned in China but today the country has one of the biggest Bible factories in the world. The Amity Press began production in 1987 with the help of the United Bible Societies. To date, the press has printed 54 million Bibles – 43 million of which have gone to Chinese churches. God has embraced China by preparing the way for His Word to penetrate hearts and bless the lives of thousands of Chinese men and women.

Imagine longing for the life-changing message of the Bible but knowing that you can’t ever read it. Peng was only young when he lost his sight. Living in rural China he soon adapted to life without it. Years later a friend told him about Jesus. “He may not remove your physical blindness” she said,

“but He’s able to banish your spiritual darkness”. Peng dreamt of owning a Bible and eventually his dream came true when he was able to invite his visually impaired friends to listen to an audio version of God’s Word. Today, Peng plans to become a pastor and share the Bible’s message with many others in his homeland – China.

A commitment like that of Mary Jones is needed from caring people like you in order to create a world where the Bible’s life-giving message of forgiveness, justice, and love is transforming the lives of people everywhere.

That’s the vision of the Canadian Bible Society and the joint goal of 145 national Bible Societies around the world. Together, we distribute most of the world’s Scriptures

– more than 391 million last year.

10word at work

What is Bike for Bibles?

Bike for Bibles is an annual fundraising activity by the Canadian Bible Society.It originated in 1984 in Australia with three cyclists and now takes place in many countries, including Canada. Money to provide Bibles for those without the Word of God is raised through the sponsorship of cyclists. By participating in Bike for Bibles, people of all ages, walks of life, and denominations can achieve fitness, fun and fellowship with a great Christian purpose.

olympic objective

The Canadian Bible Society is putting God’s Word into the hands of men, women, and youth at the 2010 Winter Olympic games in Vancouver.

The funds received through the 2009 Bike for Bibles rides, will be used to distribute an Olympic New Testament, and the Book of Hope. The Book of Hope is a youth Scripture book designed to engage young people with God’s Word through parables, testimonies, verse memorization, and fun activities – sharing The Word. For Life. with the world that is coming to Canada!

For Bike for Bibles information please contact your local cbs district office or visit www.biblesociety.ca

Updates >

India Nepal

In the last cbs magazine, many donors had the opportunity to send bookmarks to India’s orphans. “We had the privilege of distributing the book marks which were gratefully received by the children as a token of the donors love for them. The children have preserved them carefully in their Bibles and they pray and thank God for these donors everyday.”

W.R. Paulrabiblesocietyofindia

Also in the last issue, we mentioned how challenging it has been to start a Christian church in the country of Nepal. However, this past December, Nepal celebrated Christmas as a national holiday and our donors sent more than 3,000 Christmas greetings to our Nepalese brothers and sisters. “Most of the cards have already been distributed. Heartfelt thanks to the entire Canadian Bible Society family for your thoughtfulness and for rejoicing with us as we celebrated this first Christmas as a government declared public holiday.”

Tej Jirelbiblesocietyofnepal

Upcoming >

Who can help?cyclists Enjoy exhilarating exercise outdoors

roadies Feed, encourage and care

medical personnel Care for health needs

sponsors Give generously

prayer partners Pray for safety

word on the street11

Scripture Questions Answered…Hart Wiens is the Director of Scripture Translation for the Canadian Bible Society. With his extensive knowledge of Scripture translation, Hart provides valuable support to hundreds of translation projects worldwide and he welcomes donor questions in every publication.

Good question! The word “Lord” in small caps in most Bibles is used to refer to God’s name. The technical term for the Hebrew Which it represents is the Tetragrammaton. The Tetragrammaton in Hebrew is simply the following series of Hebrew consonants which looked like this: ~~ The Hebrew language did not originally use any vowels. The Tetragrammaton was understood by the Hebrew people as God’s name. The Hebrew people considered God’s name to be sacred to the point that they could not actually pronounce it. So whenever they came to the Tetragrammaton in the biblical text, they substituted the word “Adonai” which means Lord. This is how the tradition began to use the word “Lord” in place of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton. At some point scholars in Europe decided that the name Jehovah should be used in some languages. They came up with this word by taking the consonants of the Tetragrammaton and inserting the vowels from another Hebrew term for God. Most scholars today reject this invention. There is still some debate however as to whether some representation of the Tetragrammaton should be used in translation, but at this time the majority of translators still choose to follow the convention of substituting the word “Lord” using small capitals.

Thanks to D.S. of Duncan, British Columbia for this question.

We would like to receive your Scripture questions. Please send them to Hart Wiens, Director of Scripture Translation: Canadian Bible Society, 10 Carnforth Road, Toronto, Ontario m4a 2s4 or email: donorenq@biblesociety.ca

Why is the word “Lord” in small caps in so many Bible versions?

Q:

A:

ask the bible expert 12

Focus on South Alberta: Reg Graves districtdirectorforcbssouthalberta

Ask District Director Reg Graves about the Canadian Bible Society’s work in southern Alberta and he beams with delight.

“So many exciting things have happened in just the past year,” says Reg. “We purchased a new building which houses our offices on the top floor and our new bookstore on the ground floor. Since its official dedication in October last year, we’ve enjoyed a dramatic increase in store traffic and sales.”

According to Reg, the past three years have been marked by a growing interest and participation among churches in the event known as Proclamation. “It’s a powerful way to sow the seed,” says Reg.

“And the readings have produced some powerful testimonies.”

It was during the Proclamation event in Cranbrook b.c. that a number of men from the addiction centre took part. For one former addict, the occasion was particularly significant. Following his reading he was heard to remark,

“Here I am reading the Bible across from the hotel where I was selling drugs just six months ago.”

Dan Gaynor, former publisher of the Calgary Herald, has an equally dramatic story to tell. As a teenager, he described himself as a proud atheist. Today, as a result of a devastating avalanche that took the life of a family friend, Dan is a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ.

As he sat in the First Alliance Church celebrating the life of his friend, he was moved to make two important decisions: one to return to the church and two, to buy a Bible. Today that Bible is almost worn out. It is marked and a little dog-eared but it occupies a very special place in Dan’s heart and home.

a young boy’s gift

Recently, Reg Graves paid a visit to a couple in Hanna, Alberta to thank them for their generous participation in the Bible cause. Although he had never met them, he received a very warm reception. After praying with mom and dad, Reg was delighted when their 10-year-old son rushed up to him holding a piggy bank in his outstretched hands. “I’ve got $14,” he said. “I want you to buy a Bible for someone who needs it.”

A very moved district director made his way back to his Bible Society office – thanking God for the faith of a child, and for the opportunity to give Bibles to people who need them.

Ingrid Ilgert (left) and Sylvia Wolf (right) are part time staff in our retail bookstore and are both fully committed to the ministry of cbs. Their warm spirit and good knowledge of our products enable them to provide excellent service to our customers.

district profile13

acknowledgments 14

In Recognition

We recognize, with gratitude, those who have shared God’s Word by giving to the Canadian Bible Society. Gifts have been made in loving memory of the following people.

Mr. Donald J. Bartley Mr. Bert Bearman Mr. Leonard Benson Mr. Lewis Beson Mr. Philip Berg Mr. Charles Bird Mr. Chris Bird Arnetta & Art Black Mr. Bill Black Mr. Albert BlakeMs. Claire Bourdon Sadie Boutillier Mr. Gary Brady Pauline & Elizabeth Brett Mr. Edwin Brown Mr. William Brown Mr. Mike Burnett Olive Carter Mr. Leslie Charters Ms. Marion Churchill Rev. Russell Clark Mr. Jim Cockburn Mr. Ed Colbert Ms. Dorothy Colley Norman & Ruth Cooper Mr. Jimmy Coxson Mr. Dick Cruickshank Ms. Peggy Diamond Mrs. Gerald Dobson Ms. Elta Ellis Ms. Doris Elrick Mr. Harold Owen Peter Engen Ms. Christine Farnsworth Mr. Ralph Fosterson Mr. Gilbert Fraser

Mr. James Freeman Mr. Edward Henry Funk Ms. Sonja Graham Mr. Don Gray Sadie Gertrude Bodden Gunter Ms. Elisabeth Haigh Mr. Ken Hammond Rev. Anders Hanson Mr. Richard Harder Mr. Murray Hawkins Mr. Ralph Hayes Mr. Ralph F. Hayes Mrs. Betty Hegedies Mr. Gerald Hicks Mr. Mel Hodder Mr. Joanne Hoeppner Mr. Simone Hould Ms. Ida Ingleton Marnie Johnson Ms. Ellen Johnston Pastor John Josupait Ms. Ellen Kartirus Jan Kennedy Ms. Veronica Kil Mrs. Clara Elva Krogman Mrs. Evelyn Knox J Mitchell Lakin Milton and Dorothy Lakins Ms. Thelma Larson Mr. Jim Lawrence Mr. Timothy Lawrence Mr. Carey Legere John and Tina Loewen Mrs. Christine Loose Alda Lytle Mr. James MacVicar Ms. Irene Magee Rev. Charles Angus MacDonald Karl & Anne Maslyk Ms. Marjorie Masters Mr. John McCall Ms. Meredith Lee McPhee

Ms. Charlotte McCammon Ms. Myrtle McQuarrie Ms. Betty Meagher Mr. Frank Miller Mr. Merlin Mooers Mr. William Vincent Moo Sang Mr. James Moorison Mr. Marshall Munro Mr. Wilson Noseworthy Ms. Hazel Palmer Mr. John Pasishnik Dr. Frank Peters Mrs. Frances Paterson Ms. Pat Pishl Ms. Violet Presber Ms. Edith Prescott Mr. Samuel Raymond Alfie and Leila Redbourne Ms. Amanda Reimer Mr. Henry Reimer Ms. Therese Renaud Mr. Don Roblin Mr. Clifford Rogers Mr. Frank Romp Mr. Charles Ross Philip and Allan Rupprecht Mr. Iver Ruten Ms. Hazel Schellenberg Dr. Yvonne Sheppard Ms. Sara Smith Tammy Smith Mrs. Kathleen Smith Ms. Tressa Smith-Groff Mr. Allen Sorensen Koos Spec Ms. Rita Stanford Miss. Jean Stewart Mr. Trent Dale Streicher Ms. Ethel Sullivan Mr. Earl Tally Mr. Kathie Teape Ms. Myrtle Van Der Schoot

Ms. Martha Van Ryssen Ms. Robina Vince Mr. Harold Wallace Ms. Muriel Walton Mr. Norman White Mr. Frank Wiebe Mr. Hubert J. Wilson Mr. John Wilson Mr. Mac Wilson Ms. Joyce ZaharaIvadell Cambell Ms. Isobel McLean Mrs. Norma Mumford Nyette Murphy Haus Heinrich Schaefer Mr. Nicholas Stecenka

We recently learned with sorrow that the following friends of the Canadian Bible Society have passed away. Our prayers and condolences to their loved ones.

Rev. Howard Smith Mr. Duncan Mcculloch Mrs. Dulcie Lister – Cunningham Ms. Mary Peckover Mr. George Daymond Mrs. Mervin Eaton Mr. Adam Herbert Mrs. Rena Carman Mr. Richard Black Ms. Mona Thomas Ms. Margaretha Bax Mr. John Ellis Rev. Robert Hood Birch Mr. Donald Tatlock Ms. Mary J. Krueger Mr. Alfred Mackinnon Dr. R.M Clark

Memorial gifts and Celebration gifts are wonderful ways to honour the memory of a loved one or to remember the special occasion of someone dear to you.

For more information about making In Memoriam or Celebration gifts, please call 1.800.465.2425.

You can receive the Poverty & Justice Bible Today

Now you see it! Over 2,000 verses – from Genesis to Revelation – capturing God’s heart for justice and good news for the poor. In easy-to-read cev translation.

You know God cares for the poor Now you can know how much• This new Bible highlights more than 2,000 verses that reveal what God has

to say about poverty and injustice

• 32 unique study pages highlight practical ways to respond

• It’s a Bible to surprise a watching world, to engage with, and to enrich your life

To purchase the Poverty & Justice Bible visit: www.biblescanada.com

You can join Bible-a-Month

for a $25 monthly gift, and receive The Poverty & Justice Bible as a token of our appreciation.

To join, please visit: www.povertyandjusticebible.ca

or call: 1.800.465.2425