CANADA, July 16, 2008 — The Canadian Bible Society (CBS) is proud to be supporting Operation Bible - a program to provide a new Bible for Canadian Forces (CF) personnel.
Many CF personnel carry personal items such as pictures and letters along with their gear. However, these days, they are carrying something else that is small enough to fit into their pockets and big enough to bring them comfort and encouragement when they need it most - the Bible.
This new CF Bible was designed by the Bible Society with two different camouflage covers to match combat clothing. The two English texts use the Good News Translation, and the French texts use français courant. Both language versions are available with or without the deuterocannonical books. This was requested by the Chaplaincy and respects the differing Christian traditions of the military personnel.
Each Bible has interior pages designed specifically for those who are not familiar with the Bible along with the following:
- Message of inspiration from Chief of Defence, Staff General Rick Hillier
- Short explanation of the Bible and how it is organized
- Collection of well-known passages and stories
- Section to help find passages that respond to different needs
During July and August 2007 - 20, 000 Bibles were available, free of charge, to CF personnel. In August 2008, the new Canadian Forces Bible will be incorporated into the departure assistance group process when the 3rd Royal Canadian Regiment deploys to Afghanistan.
The Canadian Forces Chaplains realize that military personnel not only have physical lives but they also have spiritual lives. Jacques Vaillancourt, a Padre from The Canada forces Base in Wainright, Alberta says, "The soldiers are reading it and drawing comfort from it and guidance on how to be a person of faith, of integrity, in a situation that is chaotic."
The Canadian Bible Society has been providing New Testaments to the CF for more than 50 years. CBS National Director, Ted Seres says, "We were thrilled when we received the request to print the entire Bible for the Canadian Forces, and we are committed to distributing God's Word to them around the world. Our culture has become increasingly post Christian; so when our Canadian soldiers begin to look for a Bible, we want to provide them with one as quickly as possible."
Your support of Operation Bible will help the Canadian Bible Society distribute Bibles to the soldiers who are lining up to receive them.
To read an article in the June 2008 issue of The Maple Leaf, please follow the link
|
