By Gilbert Ekezie
The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) saddled with the responsibility of making the word of God available and affordable to all , through Bible translation, Publishing, distribution, programmes and fundraising, recently unveiled her mission and vision statement in Lagos.
The new mission to make the Holy Bible available and affordable to Nigerians in their language and format, helping them engage with the word of God through life transforming programmes, while the new vision is to grow a community of Nigerian Christians empowered by the Holy Bible to make positive global impact.
Speaking at unveiling exercise at the Bible Guest House, Ilupeju, Lagos, General Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Bible Society of Nigeria, Pastor Samuel Sanusi said the new mission and vision became necessary because the world and business environment are dynamic , so nothing is static.
He said the new vision came at a time when Nigerian seems to be in dare straits where all manner of crime and criminality have pervaded the nooks and crannies of the country. “Banditry, corruption, kidnapping and mindless killings have become common place in our country. Recently, a member re-presenting Aguata II Constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Okechukwu Okoye was abducted and killed by unknown gunmen. That , and other criminal acts are highly condemnable.
“If there is anything we need in Nigeria today in every sphere of our lives, it is a community of people who have the fear of God.”
Sanusi hinted that more Bible translation projects adopted as the need arises. We have various life-transforming programmes that help people engage with the Bible. This is part of the strategies through which we hope to drive the new vision.
“The programmes include Marathon Bible Reading, National Seconday School Bible Quiz, tBible Quiz for the Deaf, You Can Be Their Eyes Bible Quiz for the Blind and NYSC Essay Competition for serving Corps members, among others.
“It is our expectation that as people engage with the Bible, while preparing for any of these competitions, they will internalize biblical values and live by them. Righteous living and the fear of God, which the Holy Bible prescribs, are the only antedote to the ugly things we are experiencing today.”
He said in pursuant to the new vision, BSN hopes to engender national rebirth, reorientation and slow, but surely grow a community of people empowered by the Holy Spirit to make global impact wherever they find themselves.
The BSN General Secretary/ CEO who informed that the BSN distributes millions of copies of the Bible across the country, used the medium to call on Nigerians to turn to God, as that is the antedote to the socio-economic and political challenges confronting the country.
He also advised Nigerians to endeavour to perform the Civic responsibility of voting during the elections. “As we prepare for the general elections, let us endeavour to elect God-fearing men and women. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. It is the fear of God that will to a large extent, banish all form of evils plaguing the country today.”