Bible Society New Testament
a hit in Eritrea

Boxes of Bibles from the Bible Society of Eritrea being loaded onto a truck for distribution in a rural area. Eritrea. Photo: BS Eritrea (ERI03DJ-6.JPG)

ASMARA, Eritrea — Distributing the Bible remains a very challenging activity in Eritrea. The war with Ethiopia has come to an end, but has left a legacy of economic hardship and displaced people. In the midst of these difficult circumstances, the Bible Society of Eritrea has been attempting to ensure that God’s Word reaches as many people as possible, especially those living in rural areas where crop failure, caused by drought, has made life even harder.

Executive Secretary Habte Negash reports that the Society has been particularly encouraged by the way in which its New Testament has helped people to come to faith or deepen their existing faith.

The following examples, recounted by Mr Negash, illustrate how people from various backgrounds are benefiting from receiving the Scriptures:
“Immediately after receiving a New Testament, one family started reading one chapter a day. After a while the family was able to buy a Bible and continue its regular reading sessions. As time went on, they were joined by some of their neighbours. Gradually a substantial group was meeting and it was decided to call in an evangelist to support the members as they grew in faith. After this, they were able to accept Jesus as their saviour.

Habte Negash, Executive Secretary of the Bible Society of Eritrea, hands Bibles to the pastor of a rural church. Eritrea. Photo: BS Eritrea (ERI03DJ-7.JPG)

“Last year I got the opportunity to visit a church which had been established three years before. It is situated 50 kms [32 miles] south of Asmara. I asked the congregation there if any of them had begun coming to the church after reading a Bible Society New Testament. Out of 75 people there, seven raised their hand to indicate that they had come to know and accept Jesus as their saviour through reading the New Testament. I was greatly encouraged by this response and asked the church to continue to pray for this work.

“One day an assistant pastor came to my office and told me that his first reading of the Holy Scripture was from a New Testament which had been given to his family. As he read it he was so impressed that he continued reading and reading until finally he gave himself to Christ. After that he joined the church in which he is now serving. He was immediately given the opportunity to attend a Bible School, and on completing his studies he was sent out as an evangelist.”

Earlier reports about Bible work in Eritrea can be found in World Report 372/27 and World Report 381/14 and 381/15. (WR 382/7-12.03)