It wasn’t until Craig and Marian Pollock immersed themselves in the Word that God began showing up regularly in their lives.
Marian began attending and then leading weekly Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) classes about 15 years ago. “Prior to that I thought I knew something about the Bible. Then I realized, the more I got into it, how little I actually knew,” she said. Craig followed a similar path a few years after Marian. “It helps me to deal with the challenges of my life, whether it’s finances or work-related issues, or issues with my elderly parents,” he said. “It gives me a better frame of reference. I can turn to the Lord and get more direction and inspiration than trying to do everything on my own.”
Founded in 1959 by a British evangelist in China, the international BSF organization offers structured Bible study via an interdenominational fellowship of lay people. Marian and Craig lead weekly 90-minute studies for women and men, respectively, at Mariners Church on a schedule that roughly corresponds to the school year. Both are preparing to begin a new year of study. The women’s group will meet at 9:15 a.m. Thursdays beginning Sept. 13 and the men’s group at 7 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 11. This year’s study is called “The People of the Promised Land Part 1,” and will focus on readings from the Old Testament. New participants are encouraged, and can join at any time.
Participants complete daily study of specific Bible texts and attend a weekly group study session, including prayer, music, a TV-based lecture, and discussion. Separate groups for women and men are intended to make it easier to go deeper during the weekly studies. Confidentiality is an important element of each group.
“Studying God’s word developed our marital lives,” said Marian, with a nod of agreement from Craig. “We had some rough patches way back when, and in the process of coming together again a big part of that was studying the Bible. It enriched our marriage … and also our desire to share with other people and be stewards of the Word.”
Craig says BSF can be effective for any Christian who wants a deeper relationship with Christ. “Where ever people are in their faith walk, where ever they are in their beliefs, it helps them explore with no agenda other than to interact with the Word,” he said.
By Dan Page, Volunteer Storyteller
