BEAR Grylls, the TV presenter and Chief Scout, is helping 8,000 children aged seven to 11 around the county to engage with the Bible in a fun way via the Bishop of Lancaster’s Bible Challenge.

Each month from October to May next year they are given a small section of Luke’s Gospel to read in a modern translation and then complete a simple ‘challenge’ relating to the story they’ve read.

For example, drawing emojis showing Jesus’ emotions.

Successful completion of the challenge is rewarded with a sticker.

All eight stickers combine to create an interesting picture.

So where does Bear Grylls fit in?

Every month the challenge includes a story of a famous person’s faith in action.

This month it is Bear Grylls’ turn picking up on a time when he was in the SAS.

One night he was in a small boat with four other men floating on a freezing sea with a howling gale blowing all around.

Massive waves hit the boat from all directions.

Each man knew that there was a strong chance that they would not survive.

Bear Grylls fought to keep the boat upright. He had no way of communicating with anyone who could help.

He knew that if the boat capsized, he and the others would not survive the sub-zero temperatures in the water.

Eventually, the boat reached Iceland and all on board were safe. “But,” said Bear Grylls, “through it all I knew that Christ had been holding us fast, and my faith emerged stronger than it had ever been.”

Meanwhile, with Christmas fast approaching, perhaps you’re thinking about buying an advent calendar for your family?

Can I commend The Real Advent Calendar available online (search ‘Real Advent Calendar) and in some stores?

As well as a Fairtrade Belgian chocolate behind each window, the calendar comes with a Christmas story-activity booklet, reminding us about the true meaning of Christmas.

Dave Champness Vision Coordinator Diocese of Blackburn