NIAMEY, Niger, February 8, 2006 — "I didn't understand the teachings of Jesus before I read this book. I never really thought about the Christian faith, but that's all changed now." This secondary school student's excitement was typical of the reactions the Bible Society in Niger received following the distribution of Scriptures at the fifth Francophone Games in Niamey in December.
Joining with Churches and Christian organizations under the banner Flamme Niger, the Bible Society was busy throughout the 10-day Games, which combined sport with cultural elements such as dancing and story-telling. Its main activity was distributing copies of Luke's Gospel in français fondamental to athletes, performers, spectators and local people. Altogether, 5,550 copies, supplied by the Bible Society of C™te d'Ivoire, were distributed from its stand outside the stadium and by its mobile distribution team. A further 1,650 copies were distributed from a joint stand within the sponsors' accommodation complex and 800 more in the village which accommodated participants from 37 countries where French is an official language.
As well as distributing God's Word on the streets, Flamme Niger brought it into people's homes in the form of the 30-minute film Demeurer Vainqueurs ('Keep on Winning'). This was shown twice on national television during the Games, reaching more than two million people.
In the days following the distribution, the Bible Society received several telephone calls from people who, like the secondary school student, were eager to learn more about the Bible.
"I saw the Bible booklet that you gave to a friend of mine," said Moussa Laouali. "Could I have a copy for myself?"
"I know that you were distributing Bible booklets during the Games," said Issoufou Saida. "Could I have a complete Bible?"
With the Games having drawn 3,000 performers, athletes and officials to Niamey, this was a valuable time for promoting God's Word to both visitors and local people. "We thank God for this opportunity he gave us to be able to share God's Word," concludes the report from Bible Society staff there. "Please pray that God will reveal himself to many people as they read the Portion."
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