CENTRAL ASIA:
Born and raised in a Muslim family in Central Asia, Batma had long felt sad and empty as she struggled to find answers to questions like, “Who am I?” and “Why do I exist?” Then a Bible League-trained worker showed her the Injil—God’s Word.
The power of the Word
“I was shown where to begin reading,” Batma says. “It was fascinating. As I read, I believed in Jesus Christ. I was thrilled to know I had a Savior, and wondered if there were others who believed as I did.”
New person, new pressure
The friend who gave Batma the Injil then invited her to church, where she publicly placed her faith in Jesus Christ. “I was a new person,” she says confidently. “I confessed my sins and professed my faith in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son and my Lord and Savior.” But her parents were irate.
Batma’s family turned against her. The pressure was so great, that she left the church and her Christian friends, and broke contact with all believers. But she kept her Injil hidden, and read it daily.
A return to Christ
One day, as she read 2 Peter 2:20-22, Batma knew she had to return to Christ. Leaving behind her job, family, and friends, she went to another town and was baptized. “I know that God’s Word was written for me,” she says. “I know Jesus Christ and why He came, and I am waiting for His return. Jesus Christ forgave me of my sins, changed me, and adopted me as His child. Today I am happy in Christ and want to live in and serve Him.”
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Saturday, 14 April 2007
Thursday, 12 April 2007
bible power
Church Planting
Bible League often works with trained Christians who take our evangelism and discipleship Bible studies into church-less areas. When people come together to study God’s Word, and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, a need for worship is born. That’s why Bible League provides church planter training—so people desiring to worship together will have a pastor to lead them.
This unique, hands-on training program is designed for lay Christians. Local believers, chosen by their churches, become empowered through training and Scripture materials to establish new churches in church-less communities.
In 2006, Bible League helped local Christians establish 5,807 new churches worldwide. And, over the years, we have published and placed Scriptures in more than 450 languages in countries from the Arctic to the jungles of Africa and the Amazon.
Click Here to visit our website
Bible League often works with trained Christians who take our evangelism and discipleship Bible studies into church-less areas. When people come together to study God’s Word, and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, a need for worship is born. That’s why Bible League provides church planter training—so people desiring to worship together will have a pastor to lead them.
This unique, hands-on training program is designed for lay Christians. Local believers, chosen by their churches, become empowered through training and Scripture materials to establish new churches in church-less communities.
In 2006, Bible League helped local Christians establish 5,807 new churches worldwide. And, over the years, we have published and placed Scriptures in more than 450 languages in countries from the Arctic to the jungles of Africa and the Amazon.
Click Here to visit our website
Wednesday, 11 April 2007
Bible Power
Africa
Astonishing twist
For those who have heard stories about persecuted Christians in Africa, it might be surprising to learn that nearly 50% of all Africans are Christians. And for those used to reading about religious freedom violations, it might also seem peculiar that—in many cases—government officials have nothing to do with suffering Christians on this continent.
Nevertheless, the torment for countless African Christians is extreme. And the suffering they endure is no less real than that of Christians in any other persecuted region.
A religious fault line
An invisible—but easily identifiable—line extends across the continent of Africa. Beginning on the west coast of Sierra Leone, and moving straight eastward to the Indian Ocean, is where the bulk of persecution takes place. The vast majority of African Christians reside south of this line. On the other hand, the northern population is almost entirely Muslim.
Where these two religions meet is nothing short of a full-scale collision. And Christians in countries like Nigeria, Sudan, and Ethiopia face the brunt of this conflict on a daily basis.
A different kind of pain
When a northern African acknowledges faith in Jesus Christ, he is viewed as a traitor to his family, his neighbors, and his culture. And choosing to accept this status does not come without its consequences. African Christians often forfeit their burial rights, their standing within the community, and the love of their family.
In addition, African culture does not view child custody in the same light as most Westerners. The dowry given for a marriage often dictates to whom a child belongs. As a result, many Muslim families have taken children away from their parents when the mother or father converted to Christianity.
Violence persists
In several instances, the persecution of African Christians has also included violence. Even in recent days, religious extremists have struck out with horrendous acts of torture.
Compass reports that a Nigerian pastor and 48 members of his congregation were among 200 killed February 2004. Religious militants had attacked the church in a rampage within the predominantly Christian village. In addition, they went through the village killing Christians and burning down their houses.
Compass goes on to report that, the day after the pastor’s funeral, a group of bandits burned down two additional church sanctuaries.
Power through prayer
In the midst of such extreme pain and violence, Africans are still turning to Jesus Christ. Lift up these Christians in your prayers. Ask God to provide them protection as well as the strength to live out their faith on a daily basis.
Pray also for those who are committing the crimes against Christianity. Pray that they, like the Apostle Paul, will turn away from their wickedness and come to fully understand the grace of our loving God.
Please Click Here to visit our website
Astonishing twist
For those who have heard stories about persecuted Christians in Africa, it might be surprising to learn that nearly 50% of all Africans are Christians. And for those used to reading about religious freedom violations, it might also seem peculiar that—in many cases—government officials have nothing to do with suffering Christians on this continent.
Nevertheless, the torment for countless African Christians is extreme. And the suffering they endure is no less real than that of Christians in any other persecuted region.
A religious fault line
An invisible—but easily identifiable—line extends across the continent of Africa. Beginning on the west coast of Sierra Leone, and moving straight eastward to the Indian Ocean, is where the bulk of persecution takes place. The vast majority of African Christians reside south of this line. On the other hand, the northern population is almost entirely Muslim.
Where these two religions meet is nothing short of a full-scale collision. And Christians in countries like Nigeria, Sudan, and Ethiopia face the brunt of this conflict on a daily basis.
A different kind of pain
When a northern African acknowledges faith in Jesus Christ, he is viewed as a traitor to his family, his neighbors, and his culture. And choosing to accept this status does not come without its consequences. African Christians often forfeit their burial rights, their standing within the community, and the love of their family.
In addition, African culture does not view child custody in the same light as most Westerners. The dowry given for a marriage often dictates to whom a child belongs. As a result, many Muslim families have taken children away from their parents when the mother or father converted to Christianity.
Violence persists
In several instances, the persecution of African Christians has also included violence. Even in recent days, religious extremists have struck out with horrendous acts of torture.
Compass reports that a Nigerian pastor and 48 members of his congregation were among 200 killed February 2004. Religious militants had attacked the church in a rampage within the predominantly Christian village. In addition, they went through the village killing Christians and burning down their houses.
Compass goes on to report that, the day after the pastor’s funeral, a group of bandits burned down two additional church sanctuaries.
Power through prayer
In the midst of such extreme pain and violence, Africans are still turning to Jesus Christ. Lift up these Christians in your prayers. Ask God to provide them protection as well as the strength to live out their faith on a daily basis.
Pray also for those who are committing the crimes against Christianity. Pray that they, like the Apostle Paul, will turn away from their wickedness and come to fully understand the grace of our loving God.
Please Click Here to visit our website
Monday, 9 April 2007
Bible Power
India—Anti-conversion law creates new threats
On 19 Feb 2007 the anti-conversion bill became law in the Indian state of Himachael Pradesh. The reoccurrence of this ‘official’ persecution, which was on the decline last year, poses a mounting threat to Christians.
Bible League’s National Director in India reports that anti-gospel activists are becoming stronger. Recently, a Bible League church planter was beaten by a mob and had his left hand broken.
These threats, however, have not stopped Indians from seeking God’s Word. “There are hundreds of thousands of people who want to know more about Jesus Christ,” reports Bible League’s National Director in India. Bible League’s strategic Bible study program which combines evangelism with discipleship ensures that seekers are ‘followed up’.
“It is remarkable to note that Bible League training and Scriptures are being used from the highest inhabited village in the Himalayan Mountains to churches on the mud flats of the Ganges River delta,” says the National Director.
Last year, there were 331, 494 Indians who completed the Project Philip Bible study program and 1,149,554 Scriptures were placed. Nearly 100,000 new believers were baptised and committed to the church. In Himachal Pradesh alone, known for being the home of the Dalai Lama, Bible League’s ministry has grown three times compared to the year before.
New ministry has been developing in the northern Hindi belt as well as among Muslim communities. India has the third largest population of Muslims in the world. They need God’s Word and many are eager to know about Jesus.
“I heard about Jesus years and years ago. At that time, I asked where I might find this man Jesus. Someone said, ‘Oh, I think he is from the next town.’ Another man said, ‘Maybe he is selling in the marketplace…’ For such a long time I looked and looked but no one could explain Him to me,” testifies a new believer in India.
Will you help people in India find Jesus? It is estimated that if the number of Christians in India were to increase by 1% of the population, Bible League would be confronted by a need for over 10 million Bibles. Your support will greatly help Indians meet Jesus through God’s Word. Provide Scriptures for India now.
Please visit our website by Clicking Here
On 19 Feb 2007 the anti-conversion bill became law in the Indian state of Himachael Pradesh. The reoccurrence of this ‘official’ persecution, which was on the decline last year, poses a mounting threat to Christians.
Bible League’s National Director in India reports that anti-gospel activists are becoming stronger. Recently, a Bible League church planter was beaten by a mob and had his left hand broken.
These threats, however, have not stopped Indians from seeking God’s Word. “There are hundreds of thousands of people who want to know more about Jesus Christ,” reports Bible League’s National Director in India. Bible League’s strategic Bible study program which combines evangelism with discipleship ensures that seekers are ‘followed up’.
“It is remarkable to note that Bible League training and Scriptures are being used from the highest inhabited village in the Himalayan Mountains to churches on the mud flats of the Ganges River delta,” says the National Director.
Last year, there were 331, 494 Indians who completed the Project Philip Bible study program and 1,149,554 Scriptures were placed. Nearly 100,000 new believers were baptised and committed to the church. In Himachal Pradesh alone, known for being the home of the Dalai Lama, Bible League’s ministry has grown three times compared to the year before.
New ministry has been developing in the northern Hindi belt as well as among Muslim communities. India has the third largest population of Muslims in the world. They need God’s Word and many are eager to know about Jesus.
“I heard about Jesus years and years ago. At that time, I asked where I might find this man Jesus. Someone said, ‘Oh, I think he is from the next town.’ Another man said, ‘Maybe he is selling in the marketplace…’ For such a long time I looked and looked but no one could explain Him to me,” testifies a new believer in India.
Will you help people in India find Jesus? It is estimated that if the number of Christians in India were to increase by 1% of the population, Bible League would be confronted by a need for over 10 million Bibles. Your support will greatly help Indians meet Jesus through God’s Word. Provide Scriptures for India now.
Please visit our website by Clicking Here
Saturday, 7 April 2007
bible power
This is just a short message to wish you a very blessed Easter.
He is Risen, He is Risen indeed.
Please take a moment to visit our website by Clicking Here
He is Risen, He is Risen indeed.
Please take a moment to visit our website by Clicking Here
Thursday, 5 April 2007
Bible Power
. In China 600 people attended a Christmas celebration and accepted the Lord. Many large cities held celebrations, creating concern with government. The Bible can change hearts apart from the control of the government which wants to learn from Cuba & N Korea how to stick to communism. Many church leaders have to report to police stations. Pray for their safety, and for the safety of our staff. PP is focusing on discipleship, and the western networks are working on PP part 2. Many churches only had 1 person preaching, but now more people have Bibles, so many new Christians are learning. More people are involved in the Bible study. Everyone is sharing. In this way it is bringing dynamic changes. Pray for new leaders.
Please visit our website by Clicking Here
Please visit our website by Clicking Here
Wednesday, 4 April 2007
Bible Power
South Africa
Closing the gap
After 30-plus turbulent years under “apartheid,” South Africa held its first national democratic elections in 1994. Under the rule of the previously all-white government, the political and economic gap between whites and the black majority had expanded at a rapid rate. Now, though racially motivated laws have been repealed, the black population continues to struggle in getting back on their feet.
To assist in the recovery process, the government of South Africa has set up several mini-villages outside of urban areas. These settlements are a long way from glamorous. In fact, according to the Director of African Ministries, residents are on “the edge of survival.” He says, “This is a new kind of hunting and gathering society with evidence of this in the ‘houses’ and on the streets; in the clothing they wear, or often the lack thereof.”
But at least these settlements are allowing people—who were previously residing illegally on the property of others—to have land they can call their own.
“Blessed are the poor”
In the midst of these small-budget villages, God is opening big-opportunity doors. Trained by the Bible League, South African Christians are establishing evangelical churches in these brand-new, unreached communities. As the physically and spiritually deprived pour in, church planters are sharing the hope of the Gospel with them.
It’s not an easy task for church planters to reach a group that has been neglected for so long. Faced with unemployment and hunger, it’s hard for many to look beyond their circumstances. South Africa’s church planting coordinator says that they are asked, “If Jesus loves me, why I am like this?” He responds, “God loves us—even in our poverty. And he can change our lives.” (To read the testimony of this church planter, click here.)
Over the course of time, church planters continue to share this message through their actions and through God’s Word. One by one, the impoverished of South Africa are coming to know the spiritual wealth of a life in Christ. And slowly but surely, Christ’s Church is growing in these shantytowns.
In truth and love
It’s not just among the poor that Christ’s Church is growing. Bible League-trained workers are laboring faithfully to establish new churches throughout South Africa—in areas where there was no previous evangelical presence.
Bible League-trained church planters are succeeding in their endeavor for two reasons. First, they are founding churches on the basis of God’s Word. While churches are plentiful in this country, many neglect the teachings of the Bible. God is blessing the work of church planters who point Africans to the Truth.
Moreover, South African church planters are succeeding because they use a strong relational approach in ministry. Many of them continue to work in normal jobs—even after they have completed church planter training. Through everyday conversations, church planters are building evangelistic bridges to their co-workers.
A matter of prayer
Remember South Africa in your prayers. While many steps are being taken forward, this country has a long way to go towards healing. Poverty abounds, racial tensions remain, and millions still don’t understand what it means to have Jesus as their Savior.
Please Click Here to visit our website
Closing the gap
After 30-plus turbulent years under “apartheid,” South Africa held its first national democratic elections in 1994. Under the rule of the previously all-white government, the political and economic gap between whites and the black majority had expanded at a rapid rate. Now, though racially motivated laws have been repealed, the black population continues to struggle in getting back on their feet.
To assist in the recovery process, the government of South Africa has set up several mini-villages outside of urban areas. These settlements are a long way from glamorous. In fact, according to the Director of African Ministries, residents are on “the edge of survival.” He says, “This is a new kind of hunting and gathering society with evidence of this in the ‘houses’ and on the streets; in the clothing they wear, or often the lack thereof.”
But at least these settlements are allowing people—who were previously residing illegally on the property of others—to have land they can call their own.
“Blessed are the poor”
In the midst of these small-budget villages, God is opening big-opportunity doors. Trained by the Bible League, South African Christians are establishing evangelical churches in these brand-new, unreached communities. As the physically and spiritually deprived pour in, church planters are sharing the hope of the Gospel with them.
It’s not an easy task for church planters to reach a group that has been neglected for so long. Faced with unemployment and hunger, it’s hard for many to look beyond their circumstances. South Africa’s church planting coordinator says that they are asked, “If Jesus loves me, why I am like this?” He responds, “God loves us—even in our poverty. And he can change our lives.” (To read the testimony of this church planter, click here.)
Over the course of time, church planters continue to share this message through their actions and through God’s Word. One by one, the impoverished of South Africa are coming to know the spiritual wealth of a life in Christ. And slowly but surely, Christ’s Church is growing in these shantytowns.
In truth and love
It’s not just among the poor that Christ’s Church is growing. Bible League-trained workers are laboring faithfully to establish new churches throughout South Africa—in areas where there was no previous evangelical presence.
Bible League-trained church planters are succeeding in their endeavor for two reasons. First, they are founding churches on the basis of God’s Word. While churches are plentiful in this country, many neglect the teachings of the Bible. God is blessing the work of church planters who point Africans to the Truth.
Moreover, South African church planters are succeeding because they use a strong relational approach in ministry. Many of them continue to work in normal jobs—even after they have completed church planter training. Through everyday conversations, church planters are building evangelistic bridges to their co-workers.
A matter of prayer
Remember South Africa in your prayers. While many steps are being taken forward, this country has a long way to go towards healing. Poverty abounds, racial tensions remain, and millions still don’t understand what it means to have Jesus as their Savior.
Please Click Here to visit our website
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