//News
Whats going on with the Flying BibleMan
Cyclone Ingrid fails to dampen enthusiasm for the Word. (March 2005)
The Flying BibleMan recently had the privilege of visiting Bathurst Island, north of Darwin, shortly after Cyclone Ingrid menaced the Tiwi Islands with winds of more than 200 km/h! While most of the damage was limited to fallen trees and minor structural damage to buildings, it was a scary time for many residents who had to hide in shelters until the danger had passed. "We just prayed that we would be spared" said Jenny Lee, SIL Bible Translator on Bathurst Island.
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Also on the trip were Michael Chant (Executive Director, Bible Society SA) and Bob Wiebusch (Chairman, Bible Society SA) and Bob's wife Lynnette. Under the new administrative arrangement for the Northern Territory & Outback Ministry, Bible Society SA has assumed oversight of the ministry in the Flying BibleMan's area of responsibility (3 million sq km of Australia). It was important for them to see first-hand the work that is going on and to get a feel for the future needs of the region.
While at Bathurst Island the group was hosted by Jenny Lee who has worked among the Tiwi people for more than 20 years. Jenny spoke of the need for scripture to be made available in ways people can access. For example, large print, appropriate language and even audio-visual formats.
The Bible Society - NT will be working with people like Jenny to create new scripture products to meet these needs. Stay tuned for more details.
One of the privileges of the trip was to meet Father John Romi (left) from St Therese's Catholic Church on Bathurst Island. Father John was delighted to receive a large print CEV Bible from Bob Wiebusch on behalf of the Bible Society. "This is what people need because their eyesight is often not good" said Father John. This Bible will be used during Mass by indigenous readers who find the large print a great help.
More of these Bibles will be made available to the people of Bathurst Island because they aid literacy skills and provide useful background information to the Tiwi scriptures which only contain a harmony of the gospels. More work needs to be done so that Tiwi speakers can come to know the saving power of Jesus. The Bible Society is keen to work with Jenny and the Tiwi team to make scripture available and accessible in a language and format that people can use.
You too can be part of the Flying BibleMan’s ministry to the Outback of Australia. Contact the Bible Society office in your state and consider whether you can make a regular donation to keep the ‘Flying BibleMan' in the air over the Australian Outback. Your gifts will help strengthen the church by building a firm foundation on the Word of God.