Source: Bible Society, July 19, 2024
At a church in the southwest of England, a young Iranian receives an easy-to-read Bible in modern Persian. He can’t believe it. “If they see you holding a Bible like this in Iran,” he says, “they kill you.”
Bible Society is known for international Bible translation and distribution, but the story that inspired its founding 220 years ago involved providing Scriptures within Britain in a non-English language. Today, while Bible Society remains the main publisher of the Scriptures resources in Welsh, multilingual domestic outreach also means putting the Bible in the hands of refugees.
Not everyone is enthusiastic about new arrivals in this country. Increasing numbers in recent years are remarkable at least statistically, and at the General Election, various parties promised they’d make the numbers fall. But for the Church, more people within reach is more to reach, so you’ll find churches at the forefront of welcoming new arrivals—wherever they’ve come from.
What turns visitors into members? It would seem to be the Bible. If refugees are coming for the welcome, they’re staying for the Word.
See also a video from Radical, The Gospel Is in Iran (But Can Christians Survive?) Randall at Frontiers says, “This 20-minute documentary is sobering, but it is also filled with hope. Consider hosting a movie night with your friends or church small group so that you can discuss it and pray for Iran together.”
For news from another part of the Middle East, follow Christian Mission to Gaza. Also read Gospel Opportunities Arise from Widespread Fear in Lebanon (Heart for Lebanon via Mission Network News).