Word Worldwide

We have just received an email from France. A Pastor Philippe has translated the Mark's Gospel study. This has now been checked by three parties, and has been returned to Pastor Philippe for use among his congregation in the New Year. We hope that this study and further studies that Pastor Phiippe may get translated could be printed and made available for France and the francophone countries.

A group in South Africa writes,'Thank you for sending us the study books on James so promptly. We are a group of 8-9 regular members who meet on Thursday evenings. We have found that it works well to rotate the leader and the venue, with tea provided afterwards. Because we come from diverse denominations we enjoy lively discussions, but have also learnt to be tolerant of other's opinions and focus on Jesus and His teachings. We have been going for 4 1/2 years, during which time we have worked through 14 Geared for Growth Bible Studies ... We have occasionally tried different study formats, but our group favours the Geared for Growth studies because of the simple focus on Bible teachings'.

The Indian Co-ordinator reports that the girls at the vocational training centre located at Narsipur are using the Telugu studies and that a bookshop wants to publish the studies later this year.

The South Africa WW team is getting on with the work! A copy of the new, formatted Afrikaans study has been sent for final proof reading and then printing. Petronella is working on manuscripts of other translations. A new visiting card has been sent to the printers for the team members. Watch this space for further developments!

I returned to the UK on 16 April from a rewarding trip to South Africa and Mozambique.

In South Africa I spoke at an Anglican church where some of the groups have used the studies. I was able to spend several days with WEC field members at their annual conference held at a youth camp. A new worker, Noreen Hobbs, has taken over the distribution of the studies from Ann Kammies. Noreen has plans for the promotion and increased distribution of the studies. Another worker based at the WEC headquarters, Ian Davidson, is also keen to promote the English studies, while Petronella Erasmus is hoping to use the studies in the Afrikaans language. I will be assisting Noreen in up-dating the web page advertising the studies on the WEC South Africa website and will help to format studies in the Afrikaans language for local printing.

In Mozambique I had detailed discussion with the field leaders, Tony and Joyce. Joyce may be able to use the studies if we could find someone to translate them into Portuguese and also into the Sena language.

Our Bible study groups are going on. Veronica is taking a group of 12 from all the groups. to Penang, for a "Missionary Camp" organised by Betty Rode, who came to SL as a WEC missionary, and introduced WWW studies here. Its great that they can go.

Speaking to our group (8-10 members) the comments were that they really enjoy the notes after each study as they summarise the study and clarify the main points and even bring in interesting thoughts and comments.
We also find that they are REALLY Bible Studies as you have to move back and forth to look up scriptures.
As the leader of the group I like the way the questions make the group interact with each other, we listen and learn from one another as each one shares.

We are a small group of older ladies, meeting in one of our homes, weekly. We are at different levels of spiritual maturity. Have used several different studies now, & very much appreciate them. Currently studying The World's only hope - studies in Luke's gospel. We find them challenging, interesting & informative. We are learning a lot. We appreciate how much we have got to know one another, & our friendship has been cemented as we discuss together. The "Notes" and "Guide to Study" sections are very helpful.

Having tried various other "Bible study" courses, we now know which ones we prefer.

New people take studies

We have a small but steady number of orders for Geared for Growth studies and it is encouraging to see some new people taking them.

Insight from the 'Problems of Life' study

A study leader shares that the study group has found the 'Problems of Life' study very helpful, and many problems, pains, etc., have surfaced which had previously been hidden. Thank you very much to the author of the study!