Chris Webb explains how to use the solar-powered Bible
People who can’t read can hear God’s word with MegaVoice
Solar-powered audio Bibles are reaching Kimberley Aboriginal people with the gospel.
Thanks to donations and grants, Rev Chris Webb at Broome People’s Church is able to sell the MegaVoice Bibles at a subsidised price that is affordable for locals. He’s had so many requests that he’s run out of supplies.
Chris says the audio device is great for isolated communities — easy to use, durable, charged using a small attached solar panel and available in a variety of languages. People who struggle to read or have failing eyesight can hear and study God’s word no matter where they live.
“People listen to their MegaVoice when they have trouble sleeping or are anxious about something. It really helps calm their fears as they hear God's word in audio form,” said Chris.
“A young woman bought a MegaVoice for her dying grandmother. The old lady had tears in her eyes when she first listened to the Scriptures played through the MegaVoice placed beside her on the pillow.”
For Chris, the MegaVoice helps facilitate Bible studies with church members or at the local drug and alcohol rehab centre.
“My current approach is to show a Global Recordings flip chart picture and play the Bible story on MegaVoice before we chat about the text. This method seems really effective for people who are not so confident at reading.
One of our church leaders who cannot read usually takes a back seat in book-based Bible study. However, when we are using the MegaVoice he actively leads other men in discussing the Bible story we are listening to.
“The MegaVoice is a non-threatening medium for him and many others to engage with God’s word.”
Chris was thankful to recently receive a $2000 grant from Mother’s Union Australia and $1000 from CMS to make available dozens more subsidised audio Bibles.