A ministry in the United Arab Emirates reached a milestone earlier this month with the opening of a Bible Society Centre in Al Ain, the "garden city of the Gulf."
Addressing local church leaders at the dedication ceremony on May 13, Hrayr Jebejian of the Bible Society in the Gulf (BSG) emphasised that they should see the Bible Society Centre as a tool in their own hands.
"The BSG staff are just catalysts," the BSG Executive Secretary said, according to the United Bible Societies (UBS). "This centre belongs to you. It is up to you how you will use it."
Until this facility opened in the Evangelical Community Church of Abu Dhabi building within the Oasis Hospital compound, BSG’s presence in this city had consisted of "a simple book cupboard at the church," the ministry reported. Now, thanks to the new centre, the Society will be in a much better position to meet the Scripture needs of local communities.
"It has a particular role as a meeting place for the many migrant workers who are employed on the farms which give Al Ain (whose name means ‘spring’) its characteristic appearance of an oasis in a desert landscape," BSG stated.
According to the ministry, the church draws people from "far and wide" and is used by a total of 18 different congregations each week.
Anthony Chiu
Christian Today Correspondent
