Welcome letter (with tips)

Greetings....

Bible Boot Camp is almost here, and we want to welcome you to the group, as well as share with you a few ideas to help you prepare.

As you know, we will be reading through the entire Bible over the summer, from Genesis to Revelation. That’s about 12-15 pages a day and will take you anywhere from 30-90 minutes to read.

Bible Boot Camp will happen throughout the summer here on this blog. Our official start is June 7, 2010, and we finish on August 30.

A few thoughts:

• Consider using a different translation for Bible Boot Camp. To get a fresh look at Scripture, it helps to use a translation different that you’re used to. For example, Susy usually reads the Bible in New King James, but she’ll be doing the readings in a version called The Message. Jim usually reads the Bible in NASB but will be using the New International Version (NIV).
• Available: The Bible in 90 Days (NIV). Consider purchasing a copy of The Bible in 90 Days, a NIV Bible specially set up for reading over a 3-month period. It’s available for $14 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/031093351X/?tag=business0561-20
• What will you give up? Jim and Susy have been thinking and praying about what they are going to give up in order to carve out the time to read the Bible over the summer. How about you?
• Nervous? We are, too. If you’re nervous and wondering if you can actually do this, that is normal and we feel the same way! It’s a challenge, no doubt. But it is very doable and lots of other people have done it. If you’d like to get some extra pre-Bible Boot Camp info and encouragement, you can go to this website: http://www.biblein90days.org/ We’re not following this exact program, but there are lots of good resources and answers on this website. Check it out!
• What about vacation? Don’t worry. Summer is a great time to take a vacation. And the great thing about Bible Boot Camp is that your Bible is portable and can go on vacation with you! If you have to miss a meeting or two, don’t worry. You’ll have a copy of the schedule and you can stay on track.
• Journal. We highly recommend you start a journal or notebook during Bible Boot Camp. In it you can record your thoughts, ideas, responses, and questions connected to your reading. You can bring your journal with you to the Monday meetings to help spark sharing and discussion. And that brings us to the weekly meetings…
• Facebook group interaction. The format is simple. Each week, share one thing that impressed them from the week’s reading. This can be something that surprises, inspires, convicts, or encourages you.
• Running a marathon…together. Reading the Bible in 90 days is a challenge, sort of like running a marathon. That’s why we’re going to do it as a group, to encourage and spur each other on. And when we’re done, we’re going to celebrate! On Monday, August 30, you will receive a graduation certificate for making it through Bible Boot Camp!

Blessings, and see you back here!

Susy Flory and Jim Sweetman

P.S. If you have a friend or family member who might like to join us for Bible Boot Camp, feel free to send this note to them as an invitation. All are welcome!


Questions?
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