Sharing Life Words since 1888
Throughout 2011, our message to UK supporters has been “Same Word – different world: freely sharing life words since 1888”. It’s a reminder, not just of our heritage, but of our mission to bring the constant life words of the Bible to an ever-changing world. It was communications theorist Marshall McLuhan who said: “We drive into the future using only our rearview mirror.” Looking to our past is instructional and inspiring – if we are wise, we draw lessons from it to fuel our future ministry.
Throughout next year, we will be driving towards a landmark in the life of SGM Lifewords – our 125th anniversary on 6 February 2013. Work is already under way to make 2013 a year of celebration, praise and activity that will tell our story, share our ministry, and invite more people to partner with us for the next 125 years.
William Walters founded Scripture Gift Mission (initially as Scripture Text Mission, then Illustrated Scripture Mission) at a time of technological innovation and social change. Finding creative ways of communicating the Bible that resonated with people’s lives was his passion. Now, 125 years later, we find ourselves once again in a whirlwind of technological and social upheaval – but the mission remains the same. What a challenge; what an opportunity.
SGM founder William Walters
The story of SGM Lifewords is made up of many individual stories of God’s grace and power at work around the world. Many of our supporters have a lifetime’s partnership with this ministry. Freda and Joy Leswell have been involved since they started Sunday School over 80 years ago. In a recent letter, Freda recalled her fond memories of “Mr Brown” (former General Secretary Norman Brown, called home earlier this year) and the special copy of Daily Light that he sent when Freda “completed all 13 advanced question booklets” for the Young Sower’s League. Mr Brown wrote saying, “I hope it will be a blessing to you”. And, it has been, as Freda says, “It is hardly readable now due to being used so many years … I also have an up-to-date copy.”
We’re sure that Freda and her sister Joy are not alone in how they “remember the kindliness and faithfulness of true servants of the Lord, like Mr Brown and Mr Fiske, who were part of [their] own spiritual life and teaching.” We hope that many supporters will share stories of their time as Young Sowers; of using booklets in outreach; of deputation work or events; of Bible studies, prayer times, and fellowship. You may be an ex-staff member or long-term supporter, or you may have come to the ministry more recently, perhaps through Pavement Project or through the internet. Together, your unique experiences form the story of SGM Lifewords.
With 2013 in mind, we would love to hear how SGM Lifewords has been part of your Christian experience. So, please write, email, or telephone us to share your story. Our aim is to build an archive of stories from supporters and former staff. Where possible, perhaps we can come and film your story to create a “video library” of real life history being told for generations to come.
A big thank you to all those supporters who responded to our Christmas appeal this year. Hundreds of people made a gift and in total we received over £27,000 in donations.
