"Follow the Bible"
An opportunity to highlight the Word of God
"Follow the Bible" is a world-wide initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. An official Bible is making its way through all parts of the world between October 2008 and June 2010. This is an opportunity to bring attention to God's Word and improve the declining record among us for personal Bible study. There are indications that only about half of Adventist members engage in daily Bible study and worship; and only about one-third actively share their faith. This is an opportunity to let our communities know that we are people of the Word, and that the Word can bless our society. The Bible has selections printed in dozens of languages.
The official Bible will be in NZ for two weeks, April 12 to 25, 2009. During the first week, the South NZ Conference will take the Bible from Bluff to Picton. The North NZ Conference will arrange to pick up the Bible from Picton on Sunday, April 19. The North NZ Conference will make the Bible available in Auckland for its continued journey to Trans Pacific Union Mission on Sunday, April 26.
The schedule for NNZC is as follows:
- Wellington, Sunday April 19 and Monday April 20 - Wellington representatives arrange for pick-up from SNZC representative at Picton or Nelson on Sunday. Representative: Melanie Sergent.
- Palmerston North / Mosaic / LAC, Tuesday April 21 and Wednesday April 22 - LAC representative arranges for pick-up from Wellington representative. Representative: Daniel Hererra.
- Auckland Prayer Summit, Sabbath April 25 (North Harbour Church) - NNZC representative arranges for pick-up from LAC/Mosaic and delivery to North Harbour Church.
- TPUM representatives arrange for pick-up or transportation from Auckland to their territory.
The Bible will have made its way through all world divisions of the Adventist church by June 2010, at which time it will be presented on opening night of the General Conference Session in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Suggestions and ideas for highlighting the Word and the "Follow the Bible" initiative
• A special service or ceremony in the local church or school, focused on the Bible.
• An event or service in the community, focused on the Bible.
• Co-operation with the local Bible Society on a community event or plan of distribution.
• A relay with young people, carrying the official Bible through a portion of the community.
• Distribution of copies of the Bible-in a public place, or door-to-door in selected neighbourhoods.
• Contact with local media in regard to any community event, to draw attention to the Word of God and Adventist regard for it.
• A community concert focused on the Word of God.
• All activities are at the initiative and discretion of the local church, school or district. Help with funding may be requested from NNZC.
• During the week of April 18 to 25 (Sabbath to Sabbath), all Adventist churches/pastors in NNZC are encouraged to consider highlighting the Word of God and how it brings transformation.
Auxiliary materials available
• If copies of the Bible or Bible portions are distributed in connection with this event, contact Hana Isaac at NNZC about Conference funding to cover the cost. (Local representatives to obtain the Bibles or Bible portions; Conference reimbursement with prior agreement.)
• SPD Children's Ministries has prepared Bible readings entitled "God Link", designed for Primary and Juniors.
• A video presentation may be produced by Adventist Media Network. We do not yet have confirmation or more detail on this.
Contact and co-ordination
• Hana Isaac, NNZC, 09 262 5624 or 021 483 002; HanaIsaac@adventist.org.nz.
• Ed Gallagher, NNZC, 09 627 6052 or 021 879 593; eddieg@actrix.co.nz.