l SINGAPORE: Lee Chwee Hiang, staff member of the Bible Society of Singapore (BSS) with Sheena and Joel, children of BSS Publishing Manager Alex Lim, during the seventh Bike for Bibles event held on September 4. More than 250 cyclists gathered on the rustic island of Pulau Ubin to take part in the event. Participants cycled 10 km, and were tested on their Scripture knowledge at various points along the route. Organisers estimate that about $75,000 (US$45,000) has been raised. (WR 346/IB2 - 12.99) [PHOTOS]

l LESOTHO: The Bible Society in Lesotho (BSL) took part in the country's first Arts and Cultural Festival held in Morija from October 1 – 3. Displaying different editions of Sesotho Scriptures from as far back as 1839, the BSL received an enthusiastic response and has been asked to contribute to further annual festivals. Copies of the latest editions of the Sesotho Bible were distributed together with study Bibles and New Reader Portions. The Festival, opened by His Majesty King Letsie III, aims to bring unity following last year's political unrest, and to emphasise the nation's culture and history. (WR 346/IB3 - 12.99)

l ENGLAND: An innovation in the use of Braille means that blind and sighted children will soon be able to share Bible stories together. The breakthrough has come through a Devon-based charity, Compass Braille, which has been producing Braille Bibles and Christian booklets for the past 10 years. With the help of Bible Society funds, Compass plans to produce the Words of Wisdom series combining colourful pictures and printed words with a Braille overlay. According to Compass Director Lionel Holmes this is a “quantum leap” in Braille development.

“Now, any visually impaired person who is able to read Braille can do so while their family, friends, and teachers read along with them,” he said. Also, blind parents can help their sighted children to read The series, produced by the Hong Kong Bible Society, is aimed at new readers. Compass Braille is producing the stories Ruth, Miraculous Healing, The Messenger inside a Fish, Jesus is Born, The Good Samaritan, The Prodigal Son, The Crucifixion of Jesus, Jesus is Alive and The Miraculous Change. The booklets are being produced in English, and will be sent to Bible Societies in Africa, while two titles will be available in Thai. (WR 346/IB4 - 12.99)