Last year we launched our new Global Bible Resource website, making it possible to order SGM Lifewords resources, free of charge, anywhere in the world. As the new orders have gone out, new stories are coming back about how our materials are being used.
One story comes from Pastor James Ronald, who sent us this collection of photos documenting outreach in the streets and markets of Tamil Nadu, India.
Literature parcel arrives in India from our warehouse in Poland.
Jeremy Williams, UK Programme Development Executive writes: “We’re excited to be heading into the New Year with plans for several new booklets in place. Please join us in praying for these and other projects for this month and beyond.”
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 2:11
The arrival of a new year is a time when many of us reflect on the last 12 months and make resolutions for what’s to come. For some, the past year will have been one of breakthroughs and successes, while others will have experienced disappointments and challenging situations.
Recently, I found myself reflecting upon the story of Lazarus. The word Lazarus is Hebrew and translates as “God has helped” – God is inviting us to see a metaphor for our own salvation within the narrative of this man being raised from the dead. Lazarus – lost and in the grave – is restored to life and given a new start by responding to the call from Christ.
Last month, I had the opportunity to be part of a major operation in the city of Bangalore in which around three hundred children were rescued from life on the streets. Their condition was helpless, just like Lazarus’s, with no ability to help themselves. It required someone outside their situation to step in and provide them with a way out, and a new life. This is what we, as Christians, are called to do – to help those who are helpless, and to share God’s life-transforming promises. As we enter the New Year, let us resolve to demonstrate God’s love, and offer people the hope of new life in Jesus.
Serah Thomas
Lifewords in India
This Christmas, we are thankful to God and thankful to all our supporters for another year of freely sharing the Bible’s life words. Click below to read our celebration of this year’s activities.
If you would like to donate towards our ongoing work, you can do so online here.
As the holidays approach, orders for Christmas materials are coming in thick and fast, and it’s always a surprise to see the variety of people and projects using our booklets. Here are just a few of the ways our Christmas booklets are being used this year:
How are you, or your church, using our materials this year? Leave us a comment below, or tell us about it on our Facebook page.
If you haven’t ordered your Christmas resources yet, it’s not too late! Visit our Christmas site to view the range.
Norma Beckberger from SGM Canada, says, “It’s exciting to see how Christmas resources are being shared in numerous ways across Canada – from prisons and crisis centres to chapels and food banks. This week, please join us in praying for all those looking to share the Bible’s life-giving words.”
“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel— which means, God with us.” Matthew 1.23 (NIV)
Jesus’ incarnation, his entrance into the world, is the greatest proof of God’s love for humankind; an unlimited, unconditional, and real love. God who made himself human like us, who gave up his divine prerogative and emptied himself of all but love to come amongst us.
Jesus came to this world to be our Saviour; to restore the relationship that was damaged in the garden and lead us into the presence of the Father.
He is our Emmanuel, the God who is present in every aspect of our lives: guiding our paths; walking with us; consoling and comforting in the way that only he can. As the writer to the Hebrews notes, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin”. Jesus is neither indifferent nor oblivious to our needs. He knows all the things we need to have in our spiritual, emotional, physical and material life.
The confidence of Jesus’ presence in our lives and his care for us is very important, because it gives us peace, security, hope. As we approach the season of Advent, let us step out together to proclaim the birth of the Son of God and the coming of our very present God. Alleluia.
Vicente Bastos Santarém
Board Member, Lifewords in Brazil
Children reading Choose Life booklet
Sammy Kamore from Lifewords in Africa writes, “Choose Life continues to help children in Africa to make positive life decisions. This week, join us in praying for a recent training session with schools in Kenya and plans for the expansion of the project.”
If you’ve ordered our Christmas cards, you’ll already have noticed the offer on the back: all those who receive a card from you can order a free 2012 calendar from us. It’s a little gift from us to your friends and family, and a creative way of starting conversations about the Bible.
The calendars are inspired by our 12 Words project, which challenges people to tell the story of the Bible in just 12 words. It’s a real conversation starter and we’ve had a number of events based around the challenge, including the Bible trail at Bristol Cathedral, and an artist in residence at the Christian Resources Exhibition last year.
With 12 words, and the year 2012, the project lends itself to a calendar. Each month has a word from the series, a striking image illustrating that word, and a verse that places the word in the context of the Bible’s story.
You don’t have to receive a Christmas card to get a calendar – you can order them from us too. Just call 020 7730 2155, or email uk@sgmlifewords.com, and we’ll get them in the post to you.
(If you’d like to order SGM Lifewords Christmas cards, act fast – we’re now halfway through our limited edition run. Click here to order yours today.)
Pavement Project director Clenir Dos Santos visited from Brazil recently. While in the UK she managed a speaking tour around several churches, and also recorded an interview or two for the radio.
Here is Clenir on Paul Hammond’s show on UCB, talking about her experiences working with children at risk.
Click here to play the interview, or right click to download it and play it later.
