The Philippine Bible Society (PBS) encourages the public to celebrate National Bible Week this January 21-27, 2013, and support efforts to highlight the importance of God’s Word.
For 113 years, The Philippine Bible Society has endeavored to introduce people to the Bible’s transforming power through all means possible. One such means is the celebration of the National Bible Week (NBW). The country has been celebrating NBW and National Bible Sunday annually since former President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed Presidential Proclamation No. 2242 on November 19, 1982 declaring that “it is fitting and proper that national attention be focused on the important role being played by reading and study of the Bible in molding the moral fiber of our society.” This proclamation was reaffirmed by two other presidential edicts issued by Presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos, both encouraging the daily reading and study of the Bible and using it as a guide and standard for national life and governance.
This year’s celebration slated on January 21-27, 2013, with National Bible Sunday on the 27th, is based on the theme: May They Be One: Proclaim the Word, Profess the Faith. It is inspired by Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path,” (NAB) and 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (ESV)
Dr. Nora G. Lucero, General Secretary of the Philippine Bible Society says the basic call of NBW is for every Filipino to honor the Bible by reading, studying and living its precepts. “However, present times now demand that we be bold, determined and deliberate in proclaiming God’s Word and in professing our faith if we are to impact the whole nation for good.”
There are many ways to celebrate National Bible Week:
1. Plan a special National Bible Sunday Worship service with the sermon/homily focusing on the year’s NBW theme.
2. Display the NBW poster in prominent areas (church bulletin boards, message posting area).
3. Hold a Bible Quiz, poster-poster making contests, and other activities that will encourage people to read and engage with the Bible.
4. Organize an inter-church NBW parade or motorcade in the community.
5. Hold a Bible/Prayer rally in town plazas and parks.
6. Initiate a celebration in LGUs through a Bible reading and distribution during their Monday flag-raising ceremonies (January 21, 2013).
7. Begin a Bible reading program, I-Proclaim! in the community and encourage multi-sectoral participation.
8. Print promotional materials in your community newsletters or program bulletins.
9. Produce and display scripture streamers in overpasses and main streets.
10. Distribute Scripture selections or booklets to prison inmates, hospital patients, public markets and transport terminals.
11. Stage creative ways of communicating the importance of God’s Word like skits, dance or rapping competitions.
12. Petition local officials to issue a barangay/town/city ordinance to institutionalize the yearly NBW celebration in your locale.
13. Set up a Bible Fund to buy Bibles for your church or outreach communities.
14. Participate in the Handwritten Unity Bible scripture writing and fundraising program.
15. Stage a sports event like a marathon or fun run to increase awareness on the Bible and to help raise funds to provide Bibles for underprivileged Filipinos.
Dr. Lucero adds “We encourage churches, LGUs, schools and organizations to participate and initiate events that will draw attention to the importance of God’s Word. Let us help our kababayan benefit from its wisdom and to experience its transforming power.”
One can also support National Bible Week through conversations on Twitter and Facebook by including the hash tag (#)BibleWeek2013 in their posts and status updates.
For more information on how to be a Bible advocate and support the Bible Cause, visit www.bible.org.ph or call 526-7777.