Public school students across Australia are exploring the Bible and growing in faith, thanks to the dedication of Scripture teachers and the generous support of Bible Society Australia
(BSA) donors. This is a vital ministry in Australia, as many children may never encounter the Bible elsewhere. By introducing young people to God’s word, Scripture teachers and instructors are laying a foundation of faith that can guide these students throughout their lives.
BSA is committed to Opening The Bible in schools through our Bibles in Schools Grant, which equips volunteer Special Religious Education (SRE) teachers and Christian Religious Instruction (CRI) instructors with classroom Bibles (and ‘borrow’ Bibles for SRE).
These tools enable these volunteers to share the life-affirming truths of Scripture with students across the nation.
The impact of this ministry is far-reaching and deep. CRI instructor, Carmen*, shares, “I was almost brought to tears when one child in my class looked up at me, clutching the Bible to her chest, saying,
“MRS. [CARMEN] THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I’VE EVER HELD A BIBLE!”
Many students across Carmen’s classes echoed that this was their first encounter with God’s word. They eagerly learned to navigate the pages, discovering treasures like Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (NIV). The excitement and curiosity were tangible as students discovered the treasures in the Bible.
Fiona*, another CRI instructor expressed her gratitude, saying, “The students were so excited to look up the Bible verses we were using in our Scripture lesson. Thank you for providing these Bibles at no cost.”
Providing Bibles for schools allows SRE teachers like Jen* to make Scripture available for Scripture classes to encourage students and their families.
”Thank you so much for our Bibles. The day after they arrived, they were put in the hands of my Year 4 class … We were able to read Isaiah 61 and then the part in the gospels where Jesus reads the same passage and declares that this has come true!” Jen shares.
Having taught the same cohort two years ago, Jen reflects on how far the students have come in their ability to navigate the Bible. “It was wonderful to see some who had struggled to read before, going ahead to find the passages in the Bible. I am currently covering the Bibles in clear contact to make them last the distance!”
This ministry is made possible by your generosity. Carmen reflects, “The students were blown away that someone they didn’t know cared enough
to donate Bibles so they could have their own in class.” Your support provides these Bibles, reaching Australia’s youth with God’s word. To continue supporting this ministry, providing these life-changing resources to bless Australia’s youth, visit biblesociety.org.au/sow.
As we celebrate this ministry, let us thank God we can provide Bibles, equipping teachers and instructors as they go into schools and Open The Bible with the next generation.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV).
*Names changed to protect privacy.
