Power of Faith in Action!

Our Tū Ora who struggle with literacy aren't likely to be sitting down and reading a traditional Bible cover to cover... Fortunately there's now another option at the Navigate Initiative unit, in the form of the Action Bible.

It's essentially key stories from the Bible in graphic novel form and has proved a hit with a lot of Tū Ora both behind bars and in the community, particularly those who find reading difficult, thanks to its imagery and simple language.

Pathway Navigate manager Anaru Baynes says the Action Bible was first introduced by a prisoner at Christchurch Men's Prison's Tirohanga Paeroa unit, who was a regular at the Monday faith group, led by the Pathway pastoral care team.

When released, he left his copy in the Tirohanga Paeroa unit because there was such a long list of men who wanted to read it.

Still involved with the community faith group, he and other community-based Tū Ora came up with the idea of raising money to buy some more copies. It didn't take long to raise $400 by asking people they knew to chip in – enough to buy 10 – which are now in use at the unit.

Anaru says it's heartening to see the powerful change faith is helping make behind the wire. "Often a lot of guys have nothing to read...so this is perfect. Even guys that are not into faith can read these stories and be encouraged, so they're a great resource."

Anaru is keen to buy more copies, so there's one for each Tū Ora currently in the unit.

Thanks to Manna Christian Stores for offering us such a generous discount on the first lot of bibles. We appreciate your support!