In the wintry climbs of mountainous Slovenia, Sydney Anglicans are using a western airport novel to forward the case for Christ.

Proving there are few limits to this international publishing phenomenon, the controversial Da Vinci Code is sparking a renewed interest in the Bible in this tiny, predominantly Catholic nation.

"We're praying that the people of Slovenia will open their hearts to receive the message of salvation, decoding and discarding the false codes to serve the true and living God," says CMS missionary Leon Hribar.
Leon and his wife Lee, along with Moore College graduates Kingsley and Veronica Box are working with the local student ministry "Zvesh' to present a series titled "From the Bible to the Da Vinci Code'.

Amongst the treasured artworks of the capital Ljubljana's KUD cultural centre enquirers eagerly attend "Zvesh' meetings to listen to the case for the scriptures.

Today's world-wide release of the Da Vinci Code film, combined with the publication of the Gospel of Judas, has ensured Leon and Kingsley have had their hands full.

The pair have been making nine-hour trips on icy roads to the north east of the country to satisfy the interest of similar groups at a church in Murska Sobota.

Leon Hribar has been in Slovenia since 1995, leading Bible studies and focusing on student ministry.

Kingsley and Veronica arrived in Slovenia in January 2005 and are dividing their time between learning the language and preparing Bible studies.

And though interest in Dan Brown's block-buster has been far reaching, the Gospel appears to have a more universal audience.

"People of all ages have been coming to hear the talks," Leon says.