Wales

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Bible Society working in Wales

Wales has a unique and significant place in the history of Bible Society.

For it was in Wales that the inspiration for the founding of Bible Society first took root.

If it wasn’t for 15-year-old Welsh girl, Mary Jones, Bible Society as we know it may never have existed.

And today the Bible Society still plays a vital role in Wales .

The story of Mary Jones

Mary had a burning desire to own her own copy of the Bible and after saving for six years, she walked barefoot for 25 miles to buy one from preacher Thomas Charles, the only man in the town with Bibles for sale.

Her story had such a profound impact on Thomas Charles, he wondered what could be done for others around the world who also longed for the Bible.

Four years later, in 1804, the British and Foreign Bible Society was established in London after Thomas proposed to the Council of the Religious Tract Society that a society be formed to supply Wales and the world with Bibles.

Its work today

Bible Society is still working to spread the Bible’s life-changing message throughout Wales.

The challenges it faces are a lot different to those in Mary Jones’ day. They include:

• Addressing the changes in church-going and Bible reading across the land
• Trying to communicate the Bible’s message in a newly-devolved nation through working with the National Assembly in Wales

Key achievements

One of the key achievements of Bible Society in Wales has been the launch of the Wales Advisory Group.

The multi-denominational group looks at the issues faced by churches across Wales.

Together with Bible Society it is working to help people understand that the Bible is relevant to life today.

Another two successful projects in Wales are:

• The extensive translation work bringing versions of the Welsh Bible to speakers around the world
• Developing the Llanycil Faith Heritage Centre which aims to become an internationally-recognised faith centre