YOUR MONTHLY MEMBER’S REPORT NOVEMBER 2024
Uganda
In 1885, Uganda was colonised by the British before gaining independence in 1962. In the 1970s, the country suffered under the brutal dictatorship of Idi Amin. In 1987, the Lord’s Resistance Army began a reign of terror. In 1986, President Museveni came to power and was later elected five times in a row.
Today, the country continues to face many issues, including 42 per cent of people living in poverty. However, 84 per cent of people identify as Christian.
Research suggests there are over two million people with a visual disability (PVD). The Bible Society of Uganda is implementing a project which aims at helping people with visual disabilities to attain Braille literacy. It helps them to gain access to Braille Scriptures, audio and large print formats, and it advocates for their inclusion in church activities.
One person who knows firsthand the value of this work is Pastor Paul. Affectionately known as “the man with the big Bible,” Pastor Paul lost his sight at twenty-nine years old. He enrolled at a Braille Primary School to learn Braille, mastering the subject and discovering a new passion for the Braille Bible.
A degree in primary education followed, after which he secured a teaching position at the Braille school. His connection to the Bible grew deeper, leading to him becoming a preacher. He enrolled in a theological school, graduating as the top student out of 51. Through his ministry, Paul has touched countless lives, leading many to Christ.
Your gift to Bible a Month Regular Giving will help to support this project this month.
View the PDF version of your Member’s Report here.
Prayer Points for Uganda
Give thanks that Christianity has found a substantial foothold in the country with widespread church growth among different denominations from 1986 onwards.
Amid rapid church growth syncretistic practices and false teachings are multiplying. Pray for trained church leaders and for biblical and Christian material in local languages.
Pray for the government to exercise its authority with honesty and with a true concern for its people.
Pray for Uganda as it hosts 1.5 million refugees who have found refuge within its borders from countries such as South Sudan, and Burundi.
Pray more with us here.
FURTHER BIBLE MISSION PROJECTS
Algeria
In the 1980s, it is estimated there were 2,000 Christians in Algeria. Today, the number is estimated to be between 100,000 – 200,000. The majority are Kabyle Berbers, whose forebears were Christians and who fled to the Djurdjura Mountains following the Islamic invasion in the 7th century.
Many Algerian seekers begin their Christian journey by watching Christian TV programmes or listening to Christian radio. Bible Society’s phone number is provided at the end of the programmes. Bible Society has an important role to play as it is the only source of Bibles in the country. The combination of Christian broadcasting combined with Bible Society’s role is having a great impact in Algeria.
Nicaragua
In the 16th century, Christianity was brought to Nicaragua by the Spanish. In the 19th century, anti-clerical legislation reduced the influence of the Catholic Church. Since 1990, Nicaragua has been a secular state with complete religious freedom.
Today, Nicaragua is a country with around 38 per cent of people living in either poverty or extreme poverty. Many indigenous people, such as the Miskitu, live along the Caribbean Coast. In 2020, people in this area suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic and two category five hurricanes. The Bible Society of Nicaragua is working to bring the comfort of God’s Word to these communities by providing audio Bibles, portions for children, and New Testaments.
Central Africa Republic
In the 19th century, the area now known as the Central Africa Republic (CAR) became a French colony. Initially, it was known as the French Congo and then it became Ubangi-Shari. The French exploited the land and dominated the people. In 1960, Ubangi-Shari achieved independence.
Since gaining independence CAR has experienced decades of violence and instability. Today, armed militia groups still occupy most of the country. There have been attacks against Christians with churches torched, and Christians displaced. In this context the Bible Society in the Central African Republic is working to bring Bibles to vulnerable people. It is providing audio Bibles and establishing listening groups. It is providing trauma healing for people affected by conflict.
Estonia
In the 13th century, the Teutonic Knights brought Christianity to Estonia. Long dominated by surrounding nations, it achieved a relatively short independence (1918-1940), before being invaded by the Soviet Union which enforced state atheism. In 1991, Estonia achieved independence. Today, Estonia is one of the least religious countries in Europe with only 14 per cent of the population declaring religion to be an important part of their daily lives.
The Estonian Bible Society is working to reach both Christians and non-Christians to better inform them about the Word of God and what it can mean for their lives. Focusing on both Christian and secular outlets, it uses weekly radio programmes, exhibitions, workshops, and conferences to achieve this.
Algeria
In the 1980s, it is estimated there were 2,000 Christians in Algeria. Today, the number is estimated to be between 100,000 – 200,000. The majority are Kabyle Berbers, whose forebears were Christians and who fled to the Djurdjura Mountains following the Islamic invasion in the 7th century.
Many Algerian seekers begin their Christian journey by watching Christian TV programmes or listening to Christian radio. Bible Society’s phone number is provided at the end of the programmes. Bible Society has an important role to play as it is the only source of Bibles in the country. The combination of Christian broadcasting combined with Bible Society’s role is having a great impact in Algeria.
Nicaragua
In the 16th century, Christianity was brought to Nicaragua by the Spanish. In the 19th century, anti-clerical legislation reduced the influence of the Catholic Church. Since 1990, Nicaragua has been a secular state with complete religious freedom.
Today, Nicaragua is a country with around 38 per cent of people living in either poverty or extreme poverty. Many indigenous people, such as the Miskitu, live along the Caribbean Coast. In 2020, people in this area suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic and two category five hurricanes. The Bible Society of Nicaragua is working to bring the comfort of God’s Word to these communities by providing audio Bibles, portions for children, and New Testaments.
Central Africa Republic
In the 19th century, the area now known as the Central Africa Republic (CAR) became a French colony. Initially, it was known as the French Congo and then it became Ubangi-Shari. The French exploited the land and dominated the people. In 1960, Ubangi-Shari achieved independence.
Since gaining independence CAR has experienced decades of violence and instability. Today, armed militia groups still occupy most of the country. There have been attacks against Christians with churches torched, and Christians displaced. In this context the Bible Society in the Central African Republic is working to bring Bibles to vulnerable people. It is providing audio Bibles and establishing listening groups. It is providing trauma healing for people affected by conflict.
Estonia
In the 13th century, the Teutonic Knights brought Christianity to Estonia. Long dominated by surrounding nations, it achieved a relatively short independence (1918-1940), before being invaded by the Soviet Union which enforced state atheism. In 1991, Estonia achieved independence. Today, Estonia is one of the least religious countries in Europe with only 14 per cent of the population declaring religion to be an important part of their daily lives.
The Estonian Bible Society is working to reach both Christians and non-Christians to better inform them about the Word of God and what it can mean for their lives. Focusing on both Christian and secular outlets, it uses weekly radio programmes, exhibitions, workshops, and conferences to achieve this.
The Acts of the Apostles
In a world that is unsure of where to find truth or purpose, the book of Acts stands apart. It reveals God’s plan for global redemption, his purpose for our lives, and the power he has given us to accomplish his mission.
Join pastor Louie Giglio in this eight-session series as he walks through the story of the early church. Acts may have been written two thousand years ago, but God is calling us to be a part of that story today.
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EMPTY HANDS
BIBLE POVERTY
EMPTY HEARTS
BIBLE ENGAGEMENT
EMPTY MINDS
BIBLE LITERACY