Published by the Bible Society of Australia
Bible Society Australia is an Australian non-profit, non-denominational, Christian organisation. It is part of a worldwide network of Bible Societies. Bible Society Australia maintains that the Bible is a significant historic text which has deeply influenced society and culture and is still relevant today:
- Cultural Significance:It gives Indigenous peoples a vital platform to share their voices and cultural narratives, recognizing the resilience and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Cross-Cultural Understanding:The book demonstrates that the Word of God is for all people, across cultures, and encourages unity within the Church.
- Artistic and Spiritual Merit:The vibrant artwork is considered a significant contribution to Australian art, making the book a valuable addition to any collection.
Praised for its beauty, spiritual depth, and cultural significance, Us Mob Gods Story won the Australian Christian Book of the Year award for its role in sharing God’s story through Indigenous voices.
- Art and Faith:The book blends traditional and contemporary Indigenous art styles to illustrate key Bible stories from creation to the crucifixion.
- Cultural Connection:Artists use their ancestral methods of storytelling and symbolism to express their understanding of the Bible, creating a powerful and relevant portrayal of faith.
- Personal Testimonies:Each painting is accompanied by the artist’s personal story, explaining their life, heritage, and how the Christian faith has impacted them.
In her book, God’s Christmas Promise, Fern, ably assisted by Bible Society Australia’s Publishing team, combined her love for Jesus and her gift of art to produce a storybook which blessed many. “It’d be lovely to have God’s favour on it and to touch people’s hearts with the story of Christ, [people] who would normally see [the Christmas story] as just a colonial concept, not understanding the depth of spirit, the depth of life, that God has given us through Christ.
https://www.biblesociety.org.au/blog/fern-martins-and-the-easter-love-story/
This Easter, Fern’s second book, a companion to God’s Christmas Promise, has been distributed to churches by Bible Society Australia as a part of the Jesus. All About Life campaign, with over 120,000 copies printed. Again, Bible Society Australia Publishing collaborated with Fern to create The Easter Love Story. Fern’s prayer in creating this book was that she illustrated the Scriptures correctly, with integrity and honour. As she created the artwork for The Easter Love Story, Fern was holding both Aboriginal and non Aboriginal Australians in her heart. “I’m hoping that us Aboriginal people in Australia would feel the inclusiveness of the Easter story. We’ve suffered a lot of rejection, hatred and persecution. I really want to let my brothers and sisters across the country know that God has accepted us, and we were made in his image. I want all Australians to come to understand that we are all created in God’s image.”
https://www.biblesociety.org.au/blog/fern-martins-and-the-easter-love-story/
inheritanceartdesign 