New App Reaches Kids with the Bible

This fall, American Bible Society launched Bible Adventures for Kids, a new Bible app designed for preschoolers. The app features 10 Bible heroes—from the prophet Jonah to the apostle Paul. Each story includes two games and interactive features on each page. “This app is an excellent resource for children to engage with God’s Word through a fun experience that increases Bible literacy,” says Brian Sherry, executive director of Bibles.com, the Scripture Provision unit of ABS.

Bible Adventures for Kids offers “Read to Me” and “Read by Myself” options and is also available in Spanish.

The app is available for download on the iTunes app store, Google Play, Amazon and BN.com.

Acts Scripture Journey Reaches Thousands

On Pentecost Sunday, American Bible Society pre-launched Now is the Time: Acts, a Scripture journey that challenges participants to engage with and live out lessons from the book of Acts in their communities. The initiative was conducted in partnership with The New York City Leadership Center and Concerts of Prayer Greater New York.

More than 93,000 people in churches across the nation have participated in the Scripture journey since May. More people joined the journey after it launched in international church networks in October at Movement Day in New York City.

Now is the Time: Acts also includes unique tracks for children and youth. Participants of all ages can respond to the message of Acts through an Acts 1.8 assignment, which challenges individuals and churches to put God’s Word into practice

To experience Now is the Time:Acts today, visit NowActs.org.

Hope for Oklahoma

Within 72 hours of the tornado that destroyed sections of Oklahoma City suburbs in May, American Bible Society and partner organization Operation Compassion provided Scripture Portions, food and water to victims of the disaster.

ABS contributed more than 30,000 Scripture Portions, including a crisis edition of God is Our Shelter and Strength, for distribution to areas affected by the tornado.

“God is Our Shelter and Strength provides Scriptures of hope, plus tips for what to do in the first 72 hours after a disaster,” says Delores Burnett, manager of ABS’ Embodying Hope Ministry. She explains that often, the demand for Scripture is as great as the demand for food and water.

To learn more about God is Our Shelter and Strength, visit ABS.us/ShelterStrength.

Youth Engage Scripture in NYC

More than 150 youth and leaders from the Church of God denomination visited the ABS Atrium in New York City to learn more about the Bible’s role in culture and society. The group came from around the country and traveled to New York to participate in service projects throughout the city.

“As we look to engage the next generation of believers, it is so important to meet them where they are, exposing them to the Bible in ways that highlight the relevancy of the Scriptures for their world today,” says Arthur Satterwhite, senior program manager of Arts and Media Bible Advocacy.

Cycling for Sisters

Eighteen volunteers cycled across the Great Lakes and South East regions of the country to raise money and awareness for American Bible Society’s She’s My Sister™ program. She’s My Sister provides Scripture-based trauma healing to women and children affected by war and sexual violence.

The cyclists worked with 14 churches along their cycling route and gave 15 presentations on how the Bible informs our response to trauma and pursuit of justice in the world. Participants also engaged in a Scripture journey together during the trip.

“As the cyclists get a few days or weeks into our 40-day He Has Sent Me Scripture Journey, they start to see their ride not just as social justice but as a response to the Bible’s call—as biblical justice,” explains Amanda Olsavsky Hu, coordinator of the bike tour.

“They see how restoration happens when God’s Word is allowed to change and heal people.”