Big Bible-Giveaway in Ely
Ash Wednesday: 'Round The Bible Challenge' launched for Lent
Bishop David giving away Bibles in Ely on Ash Wednesday
Launch Service in the Lady Cathedral
Bishop David launched his Lent Round the Bible in 40 Days Challenge this morning at a short service in the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral.
He is challenging us to Read The Bible in 40 Days over Lent by following his reading plan which covers the entire Bible. Bishop David is also posting on his Round the World Blog each day during Lent.
After the service in the cathedral, Bishop David and a team went out on the streets of Ely where they chatted to passers-by and gave away copies of the Bible free of charge. Bishop David's Short Guide to The Bible booklet was eagerly received and over 40 people, who did not own a Bible already, were given a free copy.
Revd Rebecca Gilbert handing out free Bibles
Many people shared special stories about their lives and the Bible, including one gentlemen who had recently lost his only Bible as it was in his vehicle which had been stolen. Others spoke of how important Bible stories had been in their childhood and how they were looking forward to revisiting those familiar stories. Some spoke of their own plans for Lent and were enthusiastic about the concept of taking something up such as the Round the Bible in 40 Days Challenge.
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire interviewing a passer-by about her views on the Big Bible-Giveaway
Sara Varey, a broadcast journalist for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, interviewed many of those who had stopped to chat with Bishop David and the team. Some of these interviews were featured on today's BBC Radio Cambridgeshire's 'Drivetime' show with Andy Burrows. You can hear the broadcast again until 16th March via the BBC website. (the 3.5 minute segment starts a few seconds before the 39 minute mark) More interviews will be featured on Sundays during Lent on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire's Breakfast Show from 6am.
The Bible-Giveaway started yesterday evening when Bishop David was at a supper event at the Church of the The Good Shepherd in Cambridge, one of the local churches who are supporting the project. Over 90 were at the event and he gave away 20 Bibles.
As well as the Round the Bible in 40 Days Challenge, Bishop David is also taking part in Christian Aid's Count Your Blessings Twitter campaign during Lent.
Around 1000 people are already taking part in the Round the Bible in 40 Days Challenge and the Round the World Blog. is getting 100s of visits per day. It’s still not too late to join in ......
Useful Links
- Round The World Bible Blog
- Twitter stream for the Round The World Bible Challenge
- Bishop David's Blog
- Count Your Blessings Twitter campaign during Lent