Hundreds of Bibles distributed around Norwich
Over two days in April, eight teams travelled across Norwich and the suburbs visiting hotels, care homes and funeral directors to deliver Bibles and Christian resources on behalf of Good News for Everyone, formerly known as the Gideons.
544 copies of Bible Scriptures were supplied to 124 establishments in and around Norwich!
20 people took part in the ‘Scripture Focus’ event, representing 12 churches, including Jane and Geoff Mann from Cambridge, the Region 5 Directors of Good News for Everyone, and three others from Cambridge and Essex.
Claire Gunn, Norwich Branch Chair, would like to thank all those who gave their time and Gateway Vineyard The Chapel, who allowed them to use their building as a base for the two days. She said, ‘Initially the task seemed quite daunting for our small branch of six members, but as churches and volunteers came forward to help, the event became possible and we continue to pray for all those who will now have the opportunity to read God’s Word, very probably for the first time!’.
The Scriptures included full Bibles, New Testaments and Hope Magazines, which have 20 Psalms and the book of John, with colourful pictures and information about what following Jesus means.
Good News for Everyone – formerly Gideons – seek to provide God’s word to all, and regularly supply hospitals, prisons, schools, hotels, care homes and funeral directors – all free of charge. Locally they have Branches in Norwich, Norfolk North, Fenland and Lowestoft, which covers the Great Yarmouth Area.
On the evening of 24 April an evening reception was held at The Way Church in Drayton for people to attend and find out more about the work of GNfE locally, nationally and internationally. Jane spoke about the national work and about the ShareWord Global ’GO’ trips she has been a part of. Claire shared about the work of the Norwich Branch, in particular her visits to take high school assemblies, the effect God’s Word is having in our local prisons, and of their recent visit to the Hospital Chaplains at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital and how their workload is increasing as more and more patients are requesting visits from the Chaplains, and Bibles. Claire would like to thank The Way Church for their welcome and hospitality that evening.
Jane Mann said, “A good volunteer with Good News for Everyone, as far as possible, has a New Testament in their bag or pocket, ready to give out. I was greatly blessed to see the commitment of these volunteers. It is perhaps true to say, that unless we take the Gospel to the community; into homes and schools and make this available, our church numbers and mission volunteers will not be found and then nurtured."
Mark Watkins is a Christian living in Norwich. He and his wife Debra volunteer for Samaritans Purse/ Operation Christmas Child and Mark attended the evening event. He said: ‘When I saw the invite, and then noticed that Good News for Everyone used to be Gideons, this answered my question, what happened to the Gideons? One of the blessings that comes from volunteering with a Christian charity is that it brings you into communion with other Christians and the work they do. I always say no one has a monopoly on God’s work. In the last three years Debra and myself have been greatly encouraged by seeing God at work in his loved ones across Norfolk and further afield. I would encourage you to pray and seek to hear how God can use you, in some form of ministry. There is a hunger out there for peace, comfort and love; let us take the Gospel message in deed and word, to those who are searching. Being part of a group such as Good News for Everyone gives a great place of fellowship and faith, strengthening in our call to share the Joy of the Gospel."
Branches are always in need of more members, so if you would like to help reach more people with the Word of God, and can spare a few hours every month or so, please get in touch. Alternatively, if you are not able to become a member, please consider becoming a ‘Friend’ and setting up a monthly donation of whatever you feel you can. Each Branch has to raise the funds for the scriptures they give away and the Norwich Branch may have to put a hold on ordering soon as their scripture fund has now been used.
Claire said: “Another way people can help is to ask their church if they could take an offering for the Norwich Branch, or sponsor the Bibles given out in their local schools or other establishments.”
To find out more, please go to www.goodnewsuk.com or contact info@goodnewsuk.com
01455 554 241 and ask to be put in contact with Claire Gunn – Norwich Branch
(Photo features Jane & Geoff Mann and Claire Gunn)