The Launch of the NRSV Audio Bible – New Testament took place at the CBS Auditorium on 6th May 2022 amidst distinguished guests, people with visually impaired, past students from the School for the Blind in Ratmalana, special Invitees, delegates from other Bible Societies and staff.
Rt. Rev. Dushantha Lakshman Rodrigo, Bishop of Colombo, Church of Ceylon and the Patron of the Ceylon Bible Society said the Opening Prayer and welcomed the guests. This was followed by the introduction of the mission of the Audio Bible by Rt. Rev. Keeerthisiri Fernando, Bishop of Kurunegala, Church of Ceylon. Rev. Keerthisiri illustrated the Word of God which he said was in three modes. It’s the Revealed Word, the Written Word and the Word Incarnate. God’s word is creative, and when God says it was created like how there was light when God uttered the Word. Then there is the word which is tangible, which can be touched. Then the word that we want to hear, which we have neglected so far. We need to present this to the people, so that they can hear the Word of God. That is exactly what has been produced now.
There are times we are not in a mood to read. Other times when we are sick or not keeping too well and are unable to read. At such times the Audio Bible comes very handy where we can listen to God’s Word. Rev.Keerhisiri was very appreciative of the work done by the Ceylon Bible Society and for all the hard work that put in to produce this handy CD containing the audio version.
Mr. Eraj Wijesinghe, President of the Ceylon Bible Society conveyed his Special Thanks on the occasion. He was happy to present the Gift of God through the Ceylon Bible Society, the “Audio Bible”.
Messages of Greetings from overseas were received in video clips from the following:
Dr. Rieuwerd Buitenwerf, General Secretary Bible Society for the Netherlands and Flanders
Ms. Catherine Little, General Secretary, Bible Society in Northern Ireland, Rev. Dr. Rupen Das, President, Canadian Bible Society, Dr. Julian Sundersingh, Ministry Resource Facilitator & Global Literacy Coordinator, Global Ministry Exchange.
It was really heart touching to listen to the hymn sung so beautifully by the visually impaired children. A brief message was given by the Chief Guest of this Event, Most Rev. Dr. Maxwell de Silva, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo and thereafter the NT Audio DVD was launched with a Prayer of Dedication and blessing.
Rev. Priyantha Wijegoonawardena, General Secretary of the Ceylon Bible Society gave the Vote of Thanks followed by the closing prayer said by Rt. Rev. Keerthisiri Fernando, Bishop of Kurunegala, Church of Ceylon.
