|
The Bible In Libraries And Museums
Aim of the project:
To show the Belarusian people the way towards the faith and salvation through hearing the Word of God in the native language.
Project summary:
In the Soviet times books were in deficit. To satisfy the readers' needs (the Belarusians have always been a reading nation), numerous book clubs had been organised. A member of this club could order a book he wanted to get, and after a while he could receive it. Because of their eagerness to read, people waited patiently for their turn to come, and sometimes they had to wait for quite a long time. Now there are plenty of books in bookstores, but prices are high, so people again go to libraries, share books with their friends and so on. Still, there are few Bibles in our libraries if at all.
The Bible Society tried to solve this problem in recent years and distributed some books in town libraries, but village libraries (which are the majority) did not get them. Besides, the Bible Society has published new books: “The New Testament in Belarusian translated by Chernyavsky”, “The Christian ABC”, 'Christian Poetry book' that also need distributing to libraries and museums.
The Bible Society has at various times held presentations at libraries, so we have close personal relationship with the libraries' administration. They approve of this project because the libraries’ funds are poorly replenished nowadays. Distribution of books can be made through central collectors, where they are posted from to other libraries.
There are 145 museums in Belarus with 3.8 millions of exhibits, but none of them has the Bible. 4000 libraries across the country don’t have the Bible in their supplies in most cases; at best the stock is limited by several copies. Belarus has always been a “loving-to-read” nation, so libraries and museums are usually packed by visitors. Libraries and museums are frequented by some 4.5 million out of 10 million population, and these people are broad-minded and able to think clearly. They can perceive the message of the Gospel and make the Bible their desk book.According to the data provided by the Ministry of Culture, Belarus shows a growth of the number of museums and their visitors. Prices are reasonable, and on May 18 – International Museum Day – all the museums were open for free attendance. We talked to the museums’ directors and they said that the the Bible and various reference books are among the literature they would be glad to have. The museums are willing to exhibit Christian literature and support the project in every way.
In this field, our ministry is unique, as this category is not encompassed by churches' activity, and we are sensible of responsibility for bringing the Word of God to them.
|