Armed Services Launches Military Bible App for iPhones

The Armed Services Ministry of American Bible Society announces the launch of its Military Bible Challenge app for iPhones, a state-of-the-art, multi-sensory app in which users can choose their Bible translation and Scripture challenge plan. The app offers the E-100, Brick by Brick (military edition), and 7 Minutes with the Savior, which allows users to read through the New Testament in a year.

Art Pace, executive director of ABS’ Armed Services Ministry, also a retired Chaplain (COL-Ret), executive director of ABS’ Armed Services Ministry, is excited about this new offering. “With this app, a service member, veteran or family member can have Bible challenges tailored to their needs and concerns right in the palms of their hands.”

This app is currently available as a free download from iTunes and GooglePlay.

The Most and Least Bible-Minded Cities
Chattanooga, Tenn., is the most Bible-minded city in the United States, and Providence, R.I., is the least, according to ABS’ second annual study, America’s Most Bible-Minded Cities.

It’s no surprise the Bible Belt continues to perform strongly, with Chattanooga, Tenn.; Birmingham, Ala.; and Roanoke/Lynchburg, Va.; claiming the top three spots. Cities on the East Coast continue to rank at the bottom, with Providence, R.I.; Albany, N.Y.; and Boston claiming the least Bible-minded spots.

Knowing the least and most Bible-minded cities helps ABS evaluate the Bible landscape in America, says
Geoffrey Morin, ABS’ chief communication officer. That way, ministry work can be targeted effectively.

“To help people engage with the message of the best-selling book of all time, we need to understand where people are starting from. Whether you live in one of the least Bible-minded cities, the Bible can speak to your needs, challenges and concerns and help you make sense of life.”

Engage the Bible on Facebook

Are you more like David, Ruth, Joseph or Deborah? With American Bible Society’s new Bible character Facebook game, you can find out. Follow the link below to take the quiz and learn what biblical character you are most like. The game offers Scripture passages to help you dive deeper into the person’s life. “The goal of the game is to identify with the message and characters in Scripture,” says social media team member Sarah Ortiz. “As people interact with the Bible’s message, they begin to integrate it into their lives.”
Enjoy the game at: ABS.us/BibleSuperstar.

Symposium Connects ABS to Academia

American Bible Society, under the leadership of the Nida Institute, joined with Wheaton College to host an academic symposium, “The Bible and Democracy in America: An Interconfessional Christian Conversation,” in October 2013 at Wheaton College. A diverse group of speakers presented at the two-day conference, which was attended by nearly 200 scholars, students, clergy and lay people. Professor Martin E. Marty of the University of Chicago Divinity School presented the keynote talk.

Roundtable discussions focused on religious freedom and the separation of church and state, as well as engaging the Scriptures in the public square. Audience members interacted with the panelists in thought-provoking conversations.

Celebrating Christmas in the ABS Atrium

During the Christmas season, the ABS Atrium near Columbus Circle in New York City was a special gathering place for young people to celebrate the
coming of Jesus’s birth. Daily activities, such as wrapping gifts, doing crafts, watching movies and coloring, made the Atrium exciting for family members of all ages.

“We want the Atrium to be an inviting place for everyone,” says Arthur Satterwhite, senior program manager. “People in the neighborhood know us here, and we wanted families to come and experience the joy of our Savior’s birth by doing fun activities together.”