The Bible Society of South Africa has made a grant of R50 000 for Bibles for Haiti.

Many ministers died in the earthquake of 12 January and churches were destroyed yet people are still flocking to places of worship, because apart from food, water and other necessities of life, people are craving for the comfort and hope that only the Word of God can provide. The demand for Scriptures is thus exceeding all expectations, according to Mrs Magda Victor, the General Secretary of the Bible Society of Haiti.

There is an immediate need for 20 000 Creole Bibles and 4 000 French Bibles. The Bibles will be provided free over the coming months to those who have lost everything, even their Bibles. The cost of printing and shipping these Bibles to Haiti will cost some R359 250.

Two special Bible Portions, God is our Shelter and Strength and Hope and Compassion, have already been prepared and printed in French and Creole. The first shipment is at present being distributed in Haiti. An amount of R900 000 is needed to cover the costs.

A new Bible House was opened in Port-au-Prince in 2009 and although the roof was cracked in the earthquake, the rest of the building escaped serious damage. Thankfully all Bible Society personnel have survived although everyone has lost family or friends and suffered damages in the devastation and chaos caused by the earthquake.

Bible Societies throughout the world are working together to try to help support the Bible Society in Haiti through the provision of Scriptures. Reverend Gerrit Kritzinger, Chief Executive Officer of the Bible Society of South Africa, has appealed to all South Africans to help the Bible Societies meet the Bible need in Haiti. “Many Haitians have lost everything and are in great physical and spiritual need. Your donation earmarked for this purpose, will help the Bible Society of South Africa meet the spiritual need in Haiti.”

Should you wish to make a donation, contact your nearest Bible House or visit www.biblesociety.co.za and click on Help the Bible Society with Bibles for Haiti

~ 1 February 2010 ~