Three innovative ‘book banks’ have been installed at our CCT Conference centres in Hertfordshire, Derbyshire and Suffolk. These will help to provide a vital new source of much needed second-hand books for students in theological colleges in some of the world’s poorest countries.
The unique ‘Overseas Books Service’ is run by volunteers at international development charity, Feed the Minds. People will be able to donate books to the Feed the Minds Overseas Book Service; which supports thousands of students in over 100 theological colleges in the Global South.
The Overseas Book Service supports theological colleges, bible schools and libraries in developing countries by sending donated second-hand Christian books, English, Greek and Hebrew guides and dictionaries. The books are sorted, catalogued and sent out entirely by volunteers. And, as all books are donated, the service supports thousands of students at little cost. Volunteers organised the latest shipment of over 940 free books to 47 different theological colleges in 15 different countries, including Myanmar, Cameroon, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Uganda, India, Kenya and Peru.
Josephine Carlsson, Director of Feed the Minds, said today:
“We are delighted to be opening these new book banks in partnership with CCT. Finding new donations of books is a constant challenge; and every year we get more requests than we have books. Donations of books to these new ‘banks’ will help us reach out to more communities in the Global South.
“Church leaders and students of theology in the Global South play a central part in promoting literacy, development and positive change within their communities. In some instances, they are the only person with a higher formal education in their communities and they often have an important leadership role. Religious leaders can also play a vital role in supporting marginalised communities to end harmful practices, such as violence or discrimination against women, and also have a role in conflict resolution. So, the book donations will go a long way to making a positive impact both to the theological colleges and the communities they serve.”
One student at the ‘Library for Change’ college in Sierra Leone was Steve, who contracted polio at the age of 6, losing the use of his legs. As disability was viewed as shameful in his village, he was abandoned on the streets of Freetown. With help, Steve was inspired to join the college and, through his own education, was able to educate others in his community.
Grant Farrant, Assistant Chief Executive of CCT Conference Centres, said:
“Having worked in partnership with Feed the Minds previously, CCT is excited to be working together again to help facilitate an important ministry. So, next time you are attending a conference at one of our centres or simply passing by, why not come prepared to drop off your theological books and give them a new lease of life? Just imagine the impact your books could have in marginalised communities in the Global South - please be a part of this exciting work.”
If you are visiting one of venues and would like to know the location of the ‘Book Banks’ ask at our reception desks for details. If you would like more information on the Overseas Book Service please visit Feed the Minds’ website: www.feedtheminds.org.
