For a hundred years, supporters from this southwestern corner of Australia have helped the Bible Society touch lives worldwide.

Mary-Ann (R) and others from the Albany Action Group fundraising for Bibles to China

Current Secretary Mary-Ann Thomas says it’s a fantastic work to be involved in. “We have faithful members who’ve been active in the branch for a long time, and there are always new people coming in,” she says. “We’ve also been blessed with good leadership over the years – dedicated people who’ve supported the ministry of the Bible Society.”

The group meets monthly to discuss Bible Society initiatives and how they’ll support them, and to fundraise through food or craft sales. Members hail from nine different churches in Albany including the Baptist, Salvation Army, Seventh Day Adventist and Uniting Church.

This Saturday, a large group will gather for a special fundraising and commemorative dinner. Bible Society CEO, Greg Clarke, will be on hand to personally thank and congratulate them.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the Bible Society’s Flying Bibleman ministry, which takes the Scriptures to Australia’s remote communities.  The ministry began, in fact, in WA and the first official flight was out of Perth’s Jandakot airport in 1968.

Third Flying Bibleman, Laurie Edwards, sharing with the Albany action group

Trevor Booth – the original Flying Bibleman, and the one who conceived the idea – will be at Saturday’s celebrations, together with David Curtis who now flies the Piper 6XT.

Thomas remembers Booth. “I recall him speaking at one of our meetings in Albany. I thought it was wonderful, how an airplane would travel to remote areas, with Bibles and Scripture materials on board.”

Booth, in turn, is full of praise for the Albany group. “They’ve been consistent supporters all along. It’ll be good to catch up with them again.”

No doubt there’ll be plenty to talk about, as the Albany Action Group pauses to celebrate, before setting out on the next hundred years.

Click here for details on related events, 20-23 Oct.