From the Pastor's Desk

I hope you've had a blessed week and are eagerly anticipating the weekend. As I sit down to write to you today, I am reminded of the remarkable story behind the birth of the BIC Cristal pen. This ubiquitous and unassuming pen has become a staple in homes, offices, schools, and almost every corner of the globe. It's likely that you've used it at some point in your life. So, why am I writing to you about this pen? A good question, indeed. The answer lies in its remarkable consistency and reliability. With over 100 billion units sold since its creation, the design of this pen has remained unchanged since its inception. This unwavering commitment to quality is reminiscent of something else that has been a constant presence throughout human history - the Word of God. But firstly, I'd like to delve deeper into the fascinating story of this pen. 

In 1930, a Hungarian inventor named László József Bíró observed children playing with marbles in a puddle. He noticed that the marbles left a trail of water in their wake, and that's when the idea struck him: why not use a ball-shaped metal nib for writing? This simple observation would change the course of history. László shared his idea with his brother György, a chemist, and together they began researching and experimenting to create a new type of pen based on this concept. They worked tirelessly to find the perfect combination of viscous ink and a tip with a small ball that rotated freely, preventing the ink from drying out and controlling its flow. 

After much trial and error, they finally found the right formula. They patented their invention in 1938, but it wasn't until after World War II that their pen gained widespread popularity. The brothers emigrated to Argentina, where they founded a company in a garage. Although they faced initial struggles due to the high cost of production, they secured a contract with the British Air Force, which helped boost their sales. In 1943, they licensed their invention to Eversharp Faber in the United States for $2 million. And then, in 1950, Marcel Bich acquired the rights and founded the company BIC Group. With his team's recommendation, he dropped the "h" from his surname and launched the first BIC Cristal pen in 1950. Today, more than 20 million units are sold every day around the world. But what's even more remarkable is that since 1953, over 100 billion BIC Cristal’s have been manufactured, making it the best-selling pen of all time. 

Just like the BIC pen, but in a greater scale, the Word of God has been a beacon of consistency and reliability that has traversed the ages, transcending the boundaries of time, culture, and society. Like a steady anchor, it has remained steadfast, providing guidance, comfort, and wisdom to people from all walks of life. Generation after generation, people have turned to its timeless truths, finding solace in its words of hope and redemption. Despite the ebb and flow of human history, the Word of God has remained a constant presence, speaking to the hearts of individuals in a way that is both personal and universal. Its pages have been read and re-read, studied, and applied, and its messages have been passed down through the generations, yet its words remain as relevant today as they were when first written. 

So, my friend, have you read the Word of God today? 

May God bless you all richly,   David Peñate