As reported by The Christian Post, the organization hopes that the free copies of the New Testament will leave “a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the athletic arenas.” The Bibles are distributed in French, with 140,000 copies of the New Testament and another 60,000 copies in English. This edition of the Bible also features testimonies from Christian athletes, including French handball champion Joël Abati and Australian high jumper Nicola Olyslagers.
“It is so inspiring to read the athletes’ testimonies. Those accounts serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact the Bible continues to have in our contemporary world”, Jonathan Boulet, General Secretary of the French Bible Society, said, Evangelical Focus reports.
“Moreover, they underscore the vital role that each country’s Bible Society plays in ensuring the accessibility and relevance of this timeless book for all.”
The French Bible Society works with various Christian sporting ministries, such as the Protestant chaplaincy and others, to deliver the New Testaments.
It said the collaboration “stands as a beacon of the power of collaboration and the shared values that bring people together, transcending the boundaries of sport and spirituality.”
The special edition of the New Testament is called “More Precious than Gold,” which takes inspiration from 1 Peter 7: “Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire, and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
More than 11 million visitors worldwide are expected to visit Paris in the coming weeks for the games. The French Bible Society will distribute the New Testament copies during the Olympics and Paralympics, which end on Sept. 8.
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