On September 15, 2023, Word Riders Philippines, in collaboration with the Philippine Bible Society (PBS), embarked on a mission to deliver over 1,000 copies of the Ang Bible: Pinoy Version to the students of Padre Garcia National High School and Pansol Integrated National High School in Batangas.
Both schools were abuzz with excitement as the Word Riders Philippines arrived on their premises. These dedicated bike enthusiasts had a purpose beyond showcasing their bikes; their primary goal was to place Bibles into the hands of more than a thousand Grade 8 students in these schools. This distribution event is a remarkable milestone as it is the very first distribution of the complete Ang Bible: Pinoy Version.
As the distribution commenced in each classroom, the delight on the students’ faces was undeniable. Icy, one of the recipients, mentioned in an interview that she had never possessed her own Bible and had never even read one before. Upon receiving the Bible from Word Riders, she eagerly shared, “Mas mapapalapit po kami kay God dahil yung Word Niya, mababasa na namin.” (We will be able to grow closer to God because now we can read His Word.)
Kurt, another Grade 8 student, expressed his thoughts as well, “Napakahalaga po ng Bible, pero po sa panahon ngayon, medyo hindi na po siya napapahalagahan… Kaya tamang tama po yung pagbibigay nyo ng Bible. Kaya maraming maraming salamat po!” (The Bible is very important, but in today’s time, it’s no longer given as much value as before… So this Bible distribution is very timely. Thank you very much!)
The atmosphere shifted from awe and cheer to wonder and curiosity as one of the Word Riders explained that the Ang Bible: Pinoy Version (ABPV) is written in a heterogeneous language, or in common terms, Taglish, which is a language variety used in everyday Filipino life today. This piqued the students’ interest, and their wonderment was evident as they examined the Bibles in their hands. The rooms were filled with the voices of students reciting verses from the Bibles they received.
The Bible Ride was not just about distributing Bibles; the riders also interacted with the students in meaningful 45-minutes sessions, facilitating short games, sharing personal anecdotes, and passionately teaching them how to read the Word of God.
Each distribution activity concluded with expressions of gratitude, joy, and hope, directed first towards God, and then towards our dedicated riders, as well as the warm-hearted students and school personnels.
Joseph Ching, one of the riders, expressed, “I’m hoping sa distribution na ito na makilala ng mga bata – ng mga estudyante – ang ating Panginoong Diyos through sa Kanyang Salita,” echoing our prayer at the end of the distribution.(I’m hoping that through this distribution, the children – the students – will come to know our Lord God through His Word.)
Join PBS in prayer for the next generation, that they may read the Bible they received and that the ABPV will help grow their faith and strengthen their personal connection with the Lord. Let us also offer prayers for the riders, volunteers, and supporters whose dedication sustains the Word Riders Philippines ministry. May the Lord fill their hearts and lives with His abundant blessings.
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