SGM Lifewords celebrates 125 years

SGM Lifewords held its 125th anniversary celebration at Westminster Chapel in London on Friday.

The event was a full house as many supporters came out to celebrate the milestone for the organisation, which provides Bible resources for the church.

Danielle Welch, Executive Director of SGM, said: "Westminster Chapel is a fitting venue, as it is known for its Bible teaching."

William Walters founded SGM (Scripture Gift Mission) in 1888 with a vision to share the Bible. The missionary entrepreneur said at the time: "The people will read the captivating story of God's love, which thrills us as we pursue it, and may with God's blessing thrill them also."

Today, SGM continues to make God's Word available for communities around the world, providing literature and other resources to help people connect Scripture to life.

The celebration was opened with a prayer by SGM Chair David Morgan. He commented: "Since I joined the Board in 2007 I've been hugely impressed by the nature and scope of SGM Lifewords' work. I'm keen to drive the gospel, particularly reaching hard places and innovatively, using modern means - as did our founder."

Steve Bassett, SGM's creative director gave thanks for everything the organisation had accomplished since 1888, noting with affection how the organisation had provided troops with scriptures in the First and Second World Wars.

Members of SGM's global team spoke of the challenge of spreading the word of God to the darkest parts of the world and the most deprived regions. They shared their joy at how God was continuing to use SGM to meet the huge spiritual need with free Scripture resources.

Clenir dos Santos, Brazil director of SGM's Pavement Project – a Scripture-based counselling programme - said: "God has really been a blessing to us."

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.