Journalist Bible Society talks to Alan Kember, a senior staff member of the British Bible Society about his journey to see the impact of Bible reading around the world, what the Bible means to him, and how he's training for the Bristol Half Marathon taking place on May 11.
Can you tell us about why you started running, a bit about your running journey so far, and why you, at the age of 67, are still running?
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I used to run and often participated in county races in Surrey when I was in primary and secondary school. However, I rarely ran in college and I stopped running altogether when I got married and had kids. I had a job that required traveling so I didn't have much time. I never ran again until my third daughter entered college, when I was already 50 years old. Until then, I was really involved in activities and ministries at my local church. But I wanted to find a way to get involved with my community, so I joined a local running club and I've been running ever since.
Why do I continue running at 67 years old? Why not! I feel very fit and very blessed that I haven't had any serious injuries. Last year I had surgery, but I am now recovered and will continue running as long as I can. I have set my goal to run the London Marathon when I turn 80. But of course we'll see!
When can you find time to run in your work week and do you have a favorite place to run?
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It's easier now that I work part-time, but I always follow the same weekly training pattern. I train at least three times a week. On Mondays, I run with my colleagues at the club. On Friday afternoon, I run through the hills with a good friend. And on Sunday afternoons I regularly practice long-distance running. I've always loved running in a rural environment. Now I live by the sea, so in five minutes I can be running on the coastal path. That's really fun.
What does the Bible mean to you?
What does the Bible mean to you?
I love reading and meditating on the Bible. I love the honesty written in it. The Bible tells you the way it is. From the patriarchs to David, this line of people had messy lives but the Bible doesn't cover it up. I'm currently doing an in-depth study of Acts with my community and we're really struck by Luke's honesty. There are many miracles and the Holy Spirit doing amazing things, but there are also misunderstandings and things that don't go according to plan. I find that very human and exhilarating. I can understand that.
We know you have traveled to many places in ministry with the Bible Society. Can you tell us about a time when you felt the impact that the Bible can have on a community?
It's wonderful to have the opportunity to travel and see how people are reading the Bible and understanding it on a deeper level around the world. I recently visited Gambia in Africa to see up close the implementation of a literacy program there that teaches people to be able to read and write at a basic level, and then they are encouraged to read the Bible and understand its content in their own language. The participants told me that the program had transformed their experience of following Jesus. They are now able to read and understand Bible stories in their own language.
The same goes for the translation project I visited in Togo. Now that they have the Bible in Kabiye, pastors can preach on it in Kabiye. A local pastor I met told me: before they heard pastors preaching in French, so the people there thought God was French. But now the pastors preach and read the Bible in Kabiye. And the people said, "Ah, Jesus is Kabiye!". It would be so different if they could understand what they were hearing; the Bible could take root in their hearts and their lives would be changed by it.
Do you have a favorite Bible passage or verse that encourages you when you run?
There are a few that come to mind, including Isaiah 40. However, I guess, going back to your original question about why I still enjoy running now that I'm 67 years old, the verse from Psalm 92.15 that says, "Even in old age they are still fruitful, fresh and fit,
Whenever I travel to preach the Good News, I always do so with passion. I want to meet many people, I want to see everyone. I want to interview everyone so I can share the stories of what the Bible is doing in the community and the hearts of our supporters. One of the reasons I can do it with such passion and enthusiasm and stay alert is because I run almost every day. The habit of running keeps you physically fit but also keeps you mentally healthy.
So, I was very encouraged by that verse (Psalm 92:15) and told all the young people in my church! And with God's help, I hope to continue bearing fruit over the next few years.
