See the Bullet in the Bible

One of the most unique and unforgettable sights Australians can witness during the 100-year anniversary celebrations of Anzac Day is a bullet in the Bible.

Presented by the Bible Society, a national touring display of memorabilia and information focuses upon the bravery of particular soldiers and the Bibles they took into World War One combat.

Nine Bibles are at the centre of “Their Sacrifice”exhibition, which is at Sydney CBD’s Westfield until May 5. The exhibition, which also comprises videos, animation and sound, will tour around Australia for one year.

“The stories of these brave men and the Bibles that sustain them under fire underline the value of the Bible during wartime, or indeed during any time of crisis,” said the Bible Society CEO Greg Clarke.  One of the most spectacular examples of this was Elvas Jenkins, an Australian Lance-Corporal. In 1915, Jenkins had his life saved by his French-language pocket Bible. An exploding shell fired a lead ball at his heart. He would instantly have died, had the tiny Bible not trapped the bullet in its pages.

Jenkins’ Bible not only is a centrepiece of “Their Sacrifice” exhibition, which aims to inspire a new generation with the hope and peace provided by God’s Word — even amid the horror, pain and evils of war. The Bible Society also has produced a documentary about Jenkins, called Bullet In The Bible (watch the promotional video here). It will be available on DVD later this year.

Click here to head to The Bible Society’s “Their Sacrifice” site, for information about when the travelling exhibition will be near you. The site also contains other stories of WWI service, sacrifice and salvation — told through interactive presentations.