Mr Andrews was speaking at the Victorian launch of Their Sacrifice which he and his wife attended today before flying out to France tomorrow for a week of ANZAC Day commemorations.

Bible Society CEO Greg Clarke, Defence Minister Kevin Andrews and Bible Society Chairman Richard Grellman

“We know from the stories in Their Sacrifice, the Bible is central to the lives of so many soldiers, sailors and airmen, not just in the Great War, but in subsequent conflicts since then and indeed, not just in conflicts, but in humanitarian and disaster relief missions.”

Mr Andrews acknowledged the work of Bible Society in providing Bibles to chaplains who then pass them onto defence personnel.

“Chaplains are important because ultimately all of us ponder the question of the meaning of life,” he said.

“These activities, the Their Sacrifice initiative is very much a significant contribution to the centenary of ANZAC.”

Former Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu

Joining him at the launch at the MCG were former Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu and AFL personality and coach of Essendon, Kevin Sheedy.

Mr Baillieu is the Victorian ANZAC Centenary Committee Chair, and said Bible Society’s work is more enduring than the ANZAC legend.

“It’s more enduring than anything else. It’s everything associated with the Bible. It’s peace, it’s calm, it’s community and it’s a reason for living.”

Those present heard how Bible Society will tour the country with an interactive multi-media display which will be housed at Westfield Shopping centres across the country.

CEO of Bible Society Australia Greg Clarke said Their Sacrifice provides an opportunity to remind the Australian public of the important legacy and impact the Bible has had on society.

AFL coach Kevin Sheedy, Bible Society CEO Greg Clarke and former Premier Ted Baillieu

“Our aim really is to alert the Australian public to the role the Bible has had…to show people how humanity draws on the strength and comfort of Scripture in their time of need.”

He said it was significant how many of the Bibles given to the Bible Society for safekeeping were from times of war.

“It’s the thing that people hang onto,” he said. “It stands out as the thing they want to have in their hands, in their breast pockets when they go onto the battlefields. It’s with them in the trenches and it’s sent home when they don’t come home as if it somehow represents the person. And we take our role as custodians of that memory very seriously.”

The Rev. Charles Vesley who is a serving chaplain in the defence force and just returned from Afghanistan is one of the men whose stories is shared as part of Their Sacrifice. He told those gathered how God is working even now among defence personnel, sharing a story of a young atheist soldier who the night before a particularly dangerous operation asked for prayer saying his Gran had told him it was good to pray.

Each of the speakers was presented with a limited edition Gallipoli Bible, published by Bible Society Australia especially for the 2015 commemorative events. After receiving his copy, the Defence Minister Kevins Andrews said if he were to be re-elected at the next Federal election he would swear on the Gallipoli Bible at the official swearing in ceremony.

To see when Their Sacrifice is coming to a city or town near you, to buy the book, documentary or to read more of the stories of the power of God’s word in times of conflict, go to www.theirsacrifice.com