Many Louisiana Baptist Message readers know the name Charles
Marx because of his weekly Bibliocipher puzzles that appear in the newspaper.
And many Louisiana Baptist Message readers were saddened to
learn that Marx had been diagnosed with brain cancer. As noted in a July article,
the condition would force the Mississippi Baptist church member to quit producing
his puzzles.
Many Louisiana Baptist Message readers know the name Charles
Marx because of his weekly Bibliocipher puzzles that appear in the newspaper.
And many Louisiana Baptist Message readers were saddened to
learn that Marx had been diagnosed with brain cancer. As noted in a July article,
the condition would force the Mississippi Baptist church member to quit producing
his puzzles.
In the puzzles, Marx encodes a verse from the King James Version
of the Bible, substituting each letter with another. The challenge is to solve
the substitution code – and reveal the verse. (See Page Ten)
A recent update from daughter Andrea Marx reports that her
father continues his daily battle with cancer but is no longer able to communicate
effectively himself.
The update also notes that even as he continues his struggle,
Marx is ensuring that fans of Bibliocipher continue to receive their weekly
puzzle for awhile longer.
With the update, Andrea Marx forwarded a batch of weekly Bibliocipher
puzzles that had been published in secular newspapers but never had appeared
in the Louisiana Baptist Message.
“At his (Charles Marx) request, I will repeat this
process for the next four years unless otherwise notified,” Andrea Marx
writes. “I would also like to personally express my appreciation for allowing
my father the opportunity to spread Gods Word through your publication.
“This endeavor has given my father special meaning in
his life,” Andrea Marx adds. “He believes that our Lord gave him a
mission, and now, during his daily battle with cancer, it gives him great comfort
to know that his efforts will continue.”
Prior to the update information, the Louisiana Baptist Message
already had informed its readers that Bibliocipher puzzles would continue only
until next summer, when the supply on hand at the newspaper was exhausted.
However, the feature now figures to continue for several more years –
to the delight of Bibliocipher fans across the state and as testament to their
creator and his belief that they represent much more than just puzzles.