BIBLE SOCIETY SCORES WITH RUGBY WORLD CUP SCRIPTURES

The Rugby World Cup 2003 begins on October 10, 2003, but The Bible Society in Australia Inc. has already kicked off with two special scriptures. As with two previous Rugby World Cups, The Bible Society has produced helpful outreach resources, geared to the current special event. One is a Sports edition New Testament and the other a special World Cup Edition Gospel of Mark.

SPECIAL NEW TESTAMENT:

The Sports New Testament, in the CEV (Contemporary English Version), is titled "Beyond the Try Line". Thanks to the assistance of Peter Furst of Winning Edge Media and Stuart Weir, an experienced World Cup reporter, it contains 12 testimonies with photos of Rugby League and Rugby Union sportsmen, making it suitable for other sporting outreaches as well. Its handy size of 13cm x 20cm (5" x 8") makes it ideal for carrying and reading at any time.

SPORTING ENTHUSIASTS TREASURE TROVE:

It includes testimonies - and photos - from Jason Robinson (United Kingdom); Nick Farr-Jones (Australia); Michael Jones (New Zealand); Andre Vos (South Africa); Jason Stevens (Australia); Va'aiga Tuigamala (Samoa); David Solomona (New Zealand); Adrian Davies (United Kingdom); Noel Gallagher (Australia); Paul Franze (Australia); Rugby League Referee Tim Mander

(Australia) and Dr John Best (Australia), Sports Medicine doctor and tournament medical director.

HELPFUL GUIDES AND RULES TO FOLLOW:

As well as the testimonies and a self-explanatory introduction to the sporting scene, "Beyond the Try Line" also explains what the New Testament is and how to gain the most from it.

"It will help them find who Jesus is".

It shows the reader how to become a follower of Jesus and is written in an easily understood text, the Contemporary English Version.

GOSPEL OF MARK FOR ANY POCKET OR PURSE:

The second is a Special Rugby Edition of the Gospel of Mark, also named "Beyond the Try Line", except in Queensland where it is titled "The Game Played in Heaven?". It comes in an easy-to-carry and give-away size, 9cm x 13.5cm (3½" x 5¼").

It too has testimonies, by Rugby Union players, making it ideal for festivals, services and personal outreach during the Rugby World Cup. Fans and supporters, or even just general enquirers, can read true life experiences of Jason Robinson (of England), Nick Farr-Jones (Australia), Michael Jones (New Zealand) and Andre Vos (South Africa).

HELPFUL RUGBY WORLD CUP INFORMATION:

The World Cup Edition Gospel of Mark have special pages of World Cup statistics and the Schedule for all the games. There is a Guide to reading through the Scriptures, which is also in the Contemporary English Version.

It deals with the issues of "God and You", "How to become a Christian" and "What next?" - providing positive, helpful information.

Both publications are available from state offices of the Bible Society. The New Testament "Beyond the Try Line", retails at A$8.95, while the Special Rugby World Cup Edition of the Gospel of Mark is priced at A$1.65, with special discounts for bulk orders. Also available in the Online Shop of this site.