Celebrations raise profile of Bible work
in Ghana

A lady participating in the Bible Reading Marathon held by the Bible Society of Ghana in Accra as part of events to mark its 40th anniversary in 2005. Photo: BSG (GHA05DJ-7.JPG)

GHANA — The Bible Society of Ghana marked its 40th anniversary last year with a wide range of activities aimed at people of all ages and from all backgrounds. All these activities celebrated the fact that, in just four decades, the Society has achieved many successes: both the printed Bible and the New Testament on audio cassette are available in seven major languages, for example, and the Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) Scripture listening program is operating country-wide. And just recently, a Bible-on-mobile phone service has been introduced.

Mary Jones

The 40th anniversary celebrations would not have been complete without an event commemorating Welsh teenager Mary Jones, whose dedication to getting her own copy of the Bible inspired the Bible Society mission 200 years ago.

The Mary Jones Walk/Float saw two contingents coming together at the Freedom and Justice Park, Accra. Booklets were distributed to the crowds, including Mary Jones and Her Bible and a Selection entitled Getting Right With God.

‘Wake-up call’

A high-ranking churchman has lamented that the state of Ghana’s moral and social scene “defeats our current status as a predominant Christian nation”. Pastor P O Mensah made the observation in his address during the 40th anniversary Bible Reading Marathon opening ceremony in Accra. Citing the daily reports of serious crime, he said that this “must be a wake-up call for the church to go back to the Holy Bible and help promote the reading of the Bible in our homes, work-places, schools and colleges.”

Life begins

He reminded the Bible Society that life not only begins at 40, but more importantly, this is the age at which to plan how best to spend the rest of one’s life. “So please take stock of your 40 years’ stewardship and evolve plans and strategies that would improve your translation, publishing and distribution work.”

A more unusual location for a celebration event was the Kpando main minibus station, where the Bible Society put on a one-day Bible Reading Marathon.

This event attracted a cross-section of the public, with participants reading the Bible in their preferred language.

Many travellers spent time listening before boarding their vehicles, whilst over 400 people stayed for several hours. In all, 60 chapters from the Old Testament and 30 from the New Testament were read.

Faith meets science

A prominent surgeon has put the successes in his personal life and medical career down to the sound Christian upbringing he received. Dr Joe-Nat Clegg-Lamptey was sharing his life story at a special luncheon organised by the Bible Society.

“The most important thing that has affected my whole life and experience is God’s Word,” he said.

“The Bible stories and quotations that I learnt have influenced my life and work up to this day”, he said, adding, “Those Ga Scripture texts that I committed to memory when I was young are still embedded in my sub-conscious mind and are called into play as and when the situation demands.”

Bible on mobile phones

The 40th anniversary events also included the launch of a mobile phone Scripture service, God’s Word for U Today, in collaboration with Theovision International and spacefon-areeba.

Subscribers can listen to God’s Word in one of 12 different languages and can also receive by text message a daily Bible verse in English.

According to the President of Theovision International, the Rev Theodore Asare, the objective is “to help package the Scriptures in modern media formats for use in the country and abroad.”

The Rev Kofi Owusu, Bible Society General Secretary, emphasised that research by United Bible Societies has revealed that many Africans cannot or do not read, “hence the need to branch into non-print media Scripture production and distribution.”

Events for children

The Society’s anniversary celebrations also provided a special package for children and young people. Five days of film shows attracted large audiences, with the Society’s Film Unit screening the Jesus film, among others. A three-hour Bible Reading Marathon for children took place at the Global Evangelical Church, Kotobabi, where around 30 children read parts of the Scriptures. Finally, a music festival was held at the Global Evangelical Church. Six youth choirs and singing groups treated the audience to anthems, choruses and traditional songs. Some young people also displayed their musical skills on guitars, keyboards and drums.

Principles for the next 40 years

The climax of the 40th anniversary celebrations was a thanksgiving service at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Tema, on September 18, exactly 40 years after Bible House was opened.

In his sermon, Mr Owusu asked Christians to come to terms with the constant changes in life and put their trust “in the Almighty God who never changes.” He said changes would continue to occur and that they “bring about either good or ill, which is why Christians must stand fast and remain faithful to God.”

Amidst the changing circumstances, the Christian must fulfil three basic requirements of God, he pointed out.

Life of holiness

Firstly, God’s children should live a life of holiness. “He expects us to be separated from the evils and corruption of this world.” Secondly, believers should live a life of service. “The Church and society are crying for the likes of Mother Teresa to help us move forward.”

Finally, Mr Owusu said, “the Lord wants us to spread his Word far and near”. It is therefore important for all “to support the Bible Society as it makes the Scriptures available and affordable to all people.” (WR 400/9 - 03.06) [2 photos]