You can ‘Read the Bible with’ Brenton as part of the ‘Live light in 25 words’ campaign: 25words.biblesociety.org.au

Talking about the weather isn’t just reserved for awkward silences for weatherman Brenton Ragless.

In fact, the Channel 9 weather presenter in Adelaide says being a weatherman is intricately connected to his Christian faith.

“As the weatherman, I’m not reporting on human issues, I’m reporting on God’s handiwork – his purpose-built air conditioner for the planet,” says Brenton.

As part of Bible Society’s Live light in 25 words Bible reading campaign for 2012, Brenton has written seven daily devotionals for Christians to ‘Read the Bible with…’ him in October. The devotions focus on the Bible’s weather events.

“There’s a lot of discussion and challenging topics about weather and faith – why do natural disasters happen? What about climate change? Some big issues. And I’m no scientist. But as I read the Bible, it’s clear the earth is frustrated It’s waiting in eager expectation for Christ’s return.”

Brenton says not having the answers to those big weather questions doesn’t shift his belief in God, it only makes it stronger.

“It convinces me that God is the beginning and the end. He’s the one to lean on.”

While the weatherman is only on air for two minutes every night, Brenton says there are hours of preparation devoted to the evening’s weather presentation, and it doesn’t always go according to plan.

“We go live to air, and there are those occasions where the maps or graphs fail and you’ve got to make something up. You just laugh and move forward.”

Brenton is candid when he talks about his own Bible reading habit, suggesting he struggles with a daily Bible habit just like many other Christians. But he says his attitude towards the Bible as a “personal faith resource” has changed in the past few years.

“I never used to highlight, or make notes in my Bible. It felt wrong somehow. But now, I’ll jot down my thoughts, my own personal references and reflections are all there. It makes the Bible more personal and practical in my life.”

While the newsroom is often a difficult place to work, Brenton says the perception that Christians in the media are lukewarm is wrong.

“I’m constantly bombarded with bad news and I’m challenged by what I see in the news – it drives a lot of fear in our community. It’s so easy to be dismayed or disappointed about what’s going on in the world. But, as a Christian, we’re supposed to be the light in that environment.”

Even on location, where he is often “getting blown away or struggling to keep my eyes open” in the wild weather, Brenton says his ultimate job is to be the best ambassador for Christ that he can be.

“How can I love the Lord better than yesterday? It’s that simple.”

 You can read the Bible with Brenton by joining Bible Society Australia’s Live light in 25 words campaign. Visit the campaign site to find out more.