Headlines
Bibles for College's CU
30th April 2008
Our College Christian Union was recently presented with a dozen full copies of the Bible, for use at CU meetings and also for use by others in College.
The Bibles were a gift from the Herefordshire branch of The Gideons, and the presentation was made on behalf of the local branch by Owen Shalcross. The original contact with the group had come through Steve Grisman, the parent of a student here at College.
In addition to the full copies of the Bibles CU members were presented also with personal, pocket-sized New Testaments by The Gideons.
Mike Vockins, College Chaplain, said: “This is a marvellous gift, and it means that we have here in College – for our CU meetings and for other occasions – copies of the Bible for students to use, without students always having to remember to bring their own copies from home.
One great advantage of the Gideon Bible, for me, is the helpful appendices they include which makes it so easy to look up Bible readings for each situation. For instance if one is feeling distressed, or frightened about other people, or wanting Biblical guidance on choosing a career, or is seeking comfort or peace; or is looking for words of help about friendship, honesty, or priorities, or about death, prayer, anger or forgiveness, there are very helpful pointers in these Bibles. There are also very useful guides to daily Bible reading.
We are used to seeing Gideon Bibles in hotels and hospitals and it is good that, as an organisation, Gideons is also keen to link up with colleges like ours. We are very grateful for their kindness and generosity.”
The Gideons is an association of Christian business and professional men and women. It started in America in 1899, and was established in Britain in 1949. Its members, as well as having their own Church commitments, work through the Gideons to place Bibles in places like hotels and hospitals and, increasingly, in colleges and schools. The aim is to provide Bibles in places where they will be read by many people, and where those who may be in need can find them, and find the help the Bible offers.