HUNTER RIVER — At some point in life there are questions about the universe, why we are here and what the purpose of it all is.
For Marina Ellis, growing up in St. Petersburg, Russia in the 1970s and 80s these questions weren’t so easy to answer or even ask.
In the socialist state, when it was better known then as the USSR, it was prohibited by law to practice any religion or even talk about it.
Ellis was 23 when she held the Bible in her hands for the first time.
It was challenging in the beginning, she said.
“ I didn’t understand anything like everyone else. I couldn’t connect one end to the other.”
Through further study things began to make more sense , she said.
“It really put a lot of changes in my life. It changed lots of values.”
The freedom to read the Bible is a privilege many take for granted, said Ellis.
Since the Russian economic crisis in 1997, the freedom of religion has come full circle in that country.
The crisis brought democracy and with it came freedom of religion.
All the churches in Russia are open and there is even talk of putting it in the schools.
When Ellis came to P.E.I. a year ago, she joined the Bible study group at the Central Queens United Church.
It was there the idea of a Bible read came about.
Member Shirley Moore was touched by Ellis’s story and wanted to help people become more aware of what the Bible has to offer people who are interested.
“We don’t know what it’s like to not have the Bible in our lives.”
Moore is one of the organizers behind a marathon Bible read being held at the church in Hunter River from Saturday May 14 to Sunday May 22.
The event titled, ‘Proclaiming the word of the Lord 2011,’ will bring people together and encourage them to read the book more, said Moore.
These days she is busy putting together a schedule of 15 minute slots and sends an open invitation to anyone who would like to come and read or come and listen.
Readings will also be done from every province as well as from Russia and North Africa with the use of Skype.
Pastor Barb Wagner said this is a celebration of the universality of the Bible.
“We hope to help people to realize they can become more spiritually connected to God through the bible.”
The year 2011 holds significance for another reason, said Wagner.
It is the 400 anniversary of the first translation of the King James version of the Bible.
This is part of the theme of the freedom to read that connects with Ellis’s story, said Wagner.
“It was the first translation where people would have their own personal copies to explore on their own.”
Ellis has received strength and hope from her own experience studying the Bible. She hopes this event will help others in the same way.
“If someone can find a little bit of comfort and support out of reading or learning the Bible or for some people even to go and find new friends.”
More information can be found about this event at www.cquc.ca.
Your comment ressonates all the way to here in San Diego! Well said!