Mersereau, 67, is launching ‘The Scripture in Translation’ with a launch event at Coles book store at the Truro Mall on May 10 from noon until 2 p.m.
“This book started as an offering as writings for myself,” said Mersereau, a former pastor originally from New Brunswick now living in Truro. “I was really interested to know ‘where did the Bible come from’ and ‘why do we have the Bible.’ I had started researching and put together manuals on my own.
“I had a desire to write. I wanted to write something, so I started with the manuals. I had some interest and sold a few of them.”
Mersereau visited a store in Yarmouth more than two years ago and learned about a contest through Word Alive Press.
“I sent in a rough draft and placed ninth in the non-fiction category. I was very encouraged and the publishing company wanted to know if I had anything else,” he said.
Mersereau, who doesn’t use a computer, first had the help of Truro’s Elisabeth Owen in transcribing his materials. But when she left for Bible school training, Mersereau sought help through Bonnie Carter in Bible Hill.
“I love history and I love theology,” said Mersereau.
While researching the origins of the Bible and its many translations, Mersereau said he learned a lot he didn’t know.
“I have a lot of respect. These people suffered so much. They worked without heat, they worked late into the night and continued during times of persecution,” he said. “It’s amazing what they accomplished. If you do have a Bible or if you don’t have a Bible, or if you’re just interested in history, there’s nothing more fascinating than the history of the Bible.”
Mersereau’s book begins with how the Bible was extracted from ancient languages into English, only to face violent opposition on the shores of England.
“What it boils down to is where did the Bible start, where did it develop and where are we at today,” he added.
The former pastor said writing began very innocently for him.
“But it’s good therapy,” he said. “The ministry isn’t always easy and I found writing to be very good therapy.”
With this book having been published, Mersereau is already working on two more – summaries of both the Old and New Testament.
Carter continues working with Mersereau on transcribing his notes.
“Without Elisabeth and Bonnie, I wouldn’t have been able to do this,” he said. “Without them, I wouldn’t have this book. With them, the work was done five times as fast. It was a learning experience for all of us.”
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
