GUYANA — With excitement rising as Guyana prepares to host part of the Cricket World Cup 2007, the Suriname Bible Society, which is responsible for Bible work in Guyana, is making its own preparations to bring God’s Word to the thousands of fans who will flock to the country’s Providence Stadium. And as many people still struggle to recover from the devastating floods that hit Guyana two years ago, the Society is also working on several other projects designed to bring the Bible into the centre of people’s lives.

The Society’s own volunteers will be joined by volunteers from churches and youth organisations during the period of the Cricket World Cup to distribute specially prepared Selections containing both Bible texts and testimonies from well-known sportsmen and women. Targeting both the stadium itself and other places where sports fans will gather to watch the matches on television, the volunteers will aim to distribute 200,000 Selections.

Cricket fans

“Many cricket fans worship their team and some do not hesitate to put their life on the line to defend the ‘honour’ of their team,” says the Bible Society. “Many risk injury and arrest in riots and fights after a match lost, or in exuberant celebration of victory. They need to know that, while it is OK to enthusiastically support their team, only God is worthy of their worship.”

Away from the excitement of this high-profile event, life remains difficult for many people in Guyana. Even before the floods of January 2005, Guyana was one of the poorest countries in the Americas and had only the most basic infrastructure. After the floods damaged buildings and destroyed crops and livestock, many of its 768,000 people were left struggling simply to feed themselves. “It is estimated that the cost to the nation as a result of the flood is in billions,” said Alexei Singh, the Bible Society representative in Guyana, at the time. “Apart from the economic losses, the loss of loved ones and property has brought psychological effects that will be there for a long time.”

Reading guide

Over the years, one of the most effective ways in which the Society has brought God’s Word into homes in Guyana has been through the distribution of a daily Bible reading guide. At the end of every year, people begin eagerly contacting the Society or even visiting its shop to ensure that they receive their copy for the following year. And if a shortage of funds prevents the Society from printing enough copies to meet demand, people find it difficult to read the Bible without guidance.

“Last year I didn’t receive the Bible reading guide,” one lady told Bible Society staff. “It was such a struggle to read my Bible for the year. Thank you for sending me a copy for this year. I read my Bible every day now.”

In 2007, the Society aims to distribute 65,000 Bible reading guides. If sufficient funds are available, it will also offer additional helps for Bible reading, such as Christmas and Easter Selections.

Prisoners

In addition to supplying the daily Bible reading guide, the Bible Society has an ongoing ministry to prisoners. In collaboration with Prison Fellowship Guyana and local churches, it regularly supplies Bibles to prisoners. And at Christmas, the distribution also includes gift boxes for their families.

Looking to a brighter future for Guyana, the Society is eager to ensure that young people engage with God’s Word. In partnership with the Inter-School Christian Fellowship, it stages an annual Bible reading contest and a secondary school Bible quiz. These events involve free Scripture distribution to encourage Scripture engagement.

“Despite many challenges, we continue to work with the Churches and donors in making God’s Word available in Guyana,” writes the Society. “We thank God for the many who share this vision and encourage others to get involved.”

This report refers to projects 86916, 86917 and 86918. For detailed information about the flooding in Guyana in 2005, see Latest News #304 and #328. (WR 408/14 - 01/02.07)