Growing partnerships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries (ATSIM) and community organisations are helping expand the distribution of the Easy Reading Family Bible, also known as the ATSIM Bible, across Australia.
In October, Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister, Deputy CEO Ben Carblis, and Regional Leader for North Queensland Dr Phil Flint were each presented with an ATSIM Bible. Mission Australia is a national community services organisation in Australia that helps vulnerable people overcome homelessness, poverty, and disadvantage.
The connection between Mission Australia and the Seventh-day Adventist Church has been strengthened through the work of Daniel Gela, former Mamarapha College student and Mission Australia Community Chaplain in Cairns Southside, and Uncle Noel Wason, whose earlier ministry in Yarrabah helped establish community relationships.
Earlier this year, Reverend Leslie Baird, a former Anglican minister who runs Thursday night Bible studies for young people in Yarrabah, received an initial supply of 60 ATSIM Bibles. Aware that the Bibles were produced by the Adventist Church, he welcomed the opportunity to make them available to local youth. According to Reverend Baird, “the response was overwhelmingly positive” with young people and families expressing gratitude and requesting additional copies for personal and family use.
Following the response in Yarrabah, Mission Australia’s Head Office has ordered 120 ATSIM Bibles for use in several regions across Australia, including Far North Queensland, Mornington Island, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, Whyalla, Darwin and Perth.
Mr Gela is working with Yarrabah Anglican leadership to explore further opportunities for collaboration, including strengthening youth, men’s and women’s ministries and supporting children’s holiday programs. Northern Australian Conference ATSIM director Pastor Soani Vosalevu has also been involved in the project.
“Interdenominational collaboration is a powerful thing,” Pastor Vosalevu said. “When we combine our resources with existing community connections, we can share God’s love in even greater ways.”
The ATSIM Bible is available through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ministries for churches and community organisations. For enquiries about bulk orders, contact atsim@adventist.org.au.
